just put on medication for blood pressure

[MrsLargeEmbodied]

any tips
?
is this for life?
i know i need to diet, move more

Low or high?

What sort of tips are you after OP? The side effects will vary hugely between medications and between individuals. It would really depend why you've been put on them, and what whoever's prescribed them has said. It isn't necessarily for life, it all depends why you're on them and whether that is likely to change or not.

I take medication for low BP, which helps but the side effects are an irritant. The dosage goes up and down according to my readings and check ups or how symptomatic I am. I could go without them and not be at about significant risk of anything serious but would become very symptomatic.

If it's weight related or high BP then as you say, eating a healthy diet and lowering BMI can help, no smoking, less salt, cutting out alcohol and caffeine, finding ways to reduce stress (mindfulness, walking, pilates, dewp breathing practice, whatever appeals to you etc)

I take lisinopril, have no side effects at all. Was told they work better when taken later in the day so have mine on an evening.
I've been told I'll be on them for life due to family history, and lifestyle changes made little to no difference. I found it hard to accept initially, but I'm now happier taking them knowing that it will help to protect me.

I've been on medication for high blood pressure for about 10 years. I am obese, but there's also a history of it in the family, so could also be that - and I have to say that when I lost about 3 stone it didn't seem to change anything much. Over the 10 years, the amounts have gone up but only slightly, and the medication has changed. In one case this was because I was put on one which caused my gums to bleed easily, which a dental hygenist made a link to the medication. Otherwise, I've had no side effects. One I'm supposed to take first thing, so I take the other one then as well so I don't forget. Once a year my surgery gets me to check my blood pressure, and also have some blood tests as I think there's a risk that one of the medications can damage kidneys, I think. So far, no issues. Since untreated high blood pressure can lead to strokes and heart attacks, I'm really glad that it was picked up on and I'm taking medication which will make that a lot less likely.

thank you
it is for high blood pressure
and to take amlodipine in the morning - quite concerning

Hey MrsLargeEmbodied

im also on amlodipine and two months ago they gave me a second one - begins with an r- as it hasn’t made much difference
As with other posters, pleased it’s been picked up. Was almost sent to hospital from the surgery it was so high!

not massively overweight - maybe half a stone - but I really want to lose it. Very physically active but stressful job with long hours. Can’t see that changing anything soon sadly

take care

thank you @Mumstheword2022
same to all

Diet, exercise, low salt and meditation would all be likely to help - you can certainly try very hard to adjust your blood pressure and any of the things you would do for blood pressure would benefit your health in general.

I take Ramipril, 2.5mg daily, and have done for about 4 years. I'm overweight/borderline obese and have a crap diet though. The medication doesn't give me any side-effects and works for me in that my bp is normal. I'm 42. My dad started taking it at roughly the same age.

I'm slim, don't smoke or drink, eat very well, go to the gym three times a week and do two Pilates classes. I still have to take meds for high BP.
It took a while to find the right drugs at the right dose but I've taken them for years now with no side effects other than not being dead from a stroke or heart attack like my grandparents did.

I was a runner and keen gym goer, never smoked and decent diet but had the misfortune to have a family history of high BP. It's a bit of a shock to find out you've been walking around with essentially a ticking time bomb on board but better aware of it and medicated than having a TIA in your early 50s like my neighbour did.

I had elevated blood pressure for ages and didn't get round to sorting to with the GP.
Then I had a minor stroke which really was concerning...and now I'm on amlodipine.
You're doing the right thing!

About 6 months ago I was sent straight to hospital when a routine healthcheck showed my bp was very high. Put straight on amlodipine which has brought it down to normal levels. I was also prescribed statins as a preventative measure.
After a few months I got cankles and was advised to take the bp pill at night instead of the morning, which has improved it. So that's my tip!

I take ramepril and amlodopine and have been since I was 37, I’ve lost weight but due to family history and significant heart problems I’m on them for life. I’ve had no issues so far and my kidneys seem ok

I've been on ramipril 2.5mg for about 15 years, I'm diabetic and high BP runs in the family as well as the diabetes.

I've never had any side effects, but I do make sure that I take it really early in the morning if we're going on a long journey in the car as I need to pee a lot! In fact, my BP is creeping up again so I'm seeing GP next week and think I'll need a higher dose.

Should have said that I'm on Bendroflumethiazide and also Rampril. Its the first one that should be taken in the morning, and I've had no problems taking Rampril then as well.

I'm on amlodipine I've been fine with it to be honest. I was also on ramipril but had horrendous side effects from that so only amlodipine for now and I seem to be ok with it.

I have "essential high blood pressure". It is hereditary and I have been on meds for it for over 20 years. It makes no difference what weight I am or how much exercise I do. Would you rather take a med or have have a stroke or a brain bleed because this is one of the alternatives? You have been diagnosed so you are not one of the many walking about like walking time bombs.That is a good thing! Of course you will do all you can to have a healthy life style but realise this is just sometimes the way someone is. I am on Amlodopine and a combo of a few others as my cardiologist wanted to get the best mix for me. As he said he could cut my BP down but I need to be able to "live" and not sleep all the time. If you find it is making you too dopey then ask for alternatives. Good luck - you will be fine.

thank you @RitaFaircloughsWig