Bad Hypertension but can't take meds. What to do?

[MissDallas]

My DH has been diagnosed with very bad hypertension. His blood pressure is 157/85. But the doctor said he can't take hypertension pills as they are contraindicated for his other medication, Tegratol Retard for epilepsy.

Does anybody know anything about this please? I would really appreciate some advice.

Thanks.

[Musicaltheatremum]

Sounds very unusual. Yes there are interactions but there are certainly medications he can have. His BP isn't too bad but will need treating if sustained.

[MissDallas]

Is it not that bad Musicaltheatremum? DH thinks he's about to have a heart attack! He's really worried.

[Nandocushion]

That's not actually very bad, unless you have typed the number wrong? The top number is a little bit high, but the bottom number is in the normal range and they don't usually medicate until it's over 90. Remember the top number tends to go up and down throughout the course of a day and should have a greater range than the bottom number.

I'm surprised he can't take ANY meds at all. There are a huge range of meds for hypertension.

[MatildaTheCat]

Is this a one off reading? Doctors wouldn't usually offer medication on the basis of one episode of a higher reading. I think the Nice guidelines suggest that new cases are monitored with a 24 hour machine at home before commencing treatment.

You can buy a good but inexpensive BP machine for doing a few home checks. Even though I am hypertensive and medicated it is reassuring that my home readings are generally much better than surgery ones. That is not to recommend being obsessive and doing it all the time.

Is your dh at risk in other ways? Smoker, drinker or overweight? Family history? Some of these can be self helped and can make a big difference.

[MissDallas]

Thanks for your answers. The reading came from a machine that he has at work for measuring blood pressure. He is going back to the doctors on Thursday. When I told him what you guys said, he admitted the doctor said he can't take meds for his high cholesterol, not his hypertension.

He is 40, quite a bit overweight (5 ft 9 in and weighs 82 kg), mostly easts shit food and probably drinks too much. Oh, and doesn't exercise.

[Elibean]

Quite a lot he can do other than take meds, then!

And no, not all that high as a one off especially. Mine was easily that high consistently before I was put on meds - now been normal range for 5 years on lowest dose of meds possible, though creeping up again. And as I'm the right weight, don't smoke or drink, all I can do is attempt more exercise

[MissDallas]

Elibean, what can he do to bring it down without meds? Thanks.

[TheExMotherInLaw]

My BP is a LOT higher than that, and I'm not on meds - it depends on total risks.
Obvious stuff to do - cut down on crap food, lose weight and do some exercise. Healthcare 101

[madwomanbackintheattic]

Lol mine was 160/91 last week. The doc shrugged and said they'd check it again next month at my annual medical. She did say if I could get a couple if readings at the pharmacy in the interim that would be helpful she definitely didn't reach for the prescription pad.
It's a bit high, but nowhere near stroke level! (Although if he us going to stress about it, that might make it worse lol)

Why can't he take meds if it gets worse, anyway?

But as others have said, exercising, losing weight and losing stress will all help.

Not rocket science. And not verging on a heart attack. Just a little reminder that he needs to make some lifestyle changes

[amberlight]

We bought a Omron wrist blood pressure monitor thingy from the local chemist (not recommending that particular brand - just happens to be what we bought), and we check family blood pressure regularly with it. V easy to use. Mine was around 170/110 when I was having treatment for cancer, so they bunged me on bp tablets, and told me to do plenty of walking, eat lots of fish, fruit, veg, salad, etc, and stay off as much salt or salty food as possible. Lost a stone. It's now about 130/85. Not perfect but a lot better than it was. So the advice from docs works.

[MissDallas]

Erm, do you think DH might be exaggerating with his 'just-about-to-have-a-heart-attack' claim?

[PotteringAlong]

He can stop drinking and stop eating rubbish and start exercising if he's that worried!

[NCISaddict]

Yes he's exaggerating. Am I right in thinking it was a reading done by him not a HCP? If so that is not diagnostic, the electronic machines are notorious for inaccuracy, the position you have your arm in and how tense your muscles are can all make a difference to the result.

[NoahVale]

I imagine he should give up caffeine, was that suggested?

[NoahVale]

www.nhs.uk/conditions/Blood-pressure-(high)/Pages/Introduction.aspx

i worked for a doctor who dealt with hypertension and giving up caffeine was all I remember him suggesting btw, or may be that struck a cord with me because I couldnt give up caffeine!

[Bunbaker]

"what can he do to bring it down without meds?"

"quite a bit overweight (5 ft 9 in and weighs 82 kg), mostly easts shit food and probably drinks too much. Oh, and doesn't exercise"

Eat less rubbish and more veg
Cut down on drinking
Cut down on salt
Move more

All advice that the GP will give him. These are all easier said than done, especially in this weather, but it really will make a difference.

[Floralnomad]

Just stopping drinking will help a lot , should he be drinking with his epilepsy medication anyway .

[YeOldeTrout]

I think cutting down on salt might be really important. High BP means extra work for (delicate) kidneys. So anything to make their job easier will reduce the risks from high BP. Cut alcohol too.