Cholesterol

[medianewbie]

I was started on 80mg Atorvastatin 21 days ago after I was sent to A&E by locum GP with chest pains & sob. Dx Hyperlipidemia & Hypertension. Also Pericarditis. My BP averages around 170/100, going as high as 207/115 & never lower than 155/100. Regular GP says this is 'lower, so fine'. Surely rhays still too high though? (history of high BP, high cholesterol & heart issues in family)

Sorry, 'surely that's still too high'.

That’s really a question for your GP. Yes it is above the guidance, but they may have reasons for not medicating you at the moment.

@olderbutwiser I agree but I am medicated (80mg statin) & GP simply won't discuss/ comment further.

Bump

Are they going to refer you to a specialist?

The statin is to treat your high cholesterol, it won't treat the high blood pressure. Has the GP talked to you about lifestyle measures to help lower your BP with a 'watch and wait' approach before medicating?

Have you looked at the NICE guideline for hypertension to help you speak to the GP about treating your blood pressure to prevent a heart event /stroke?
www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng136/chapter/Recommendations#starting-antihypertensive-drug-treatment

Thank you this is helpful. I have been on Ramipril for BP for 24 days also.

Sorry last comment for @whatwasthatnoise x

Ramipril should start bringing your blood pressure down, but some people find blood pressure medication takes a bit of tweaking to get right. Has the gp advised you to check your blood pressure regularly and report back? And have they given you advice on lifestyle changes?

That BP is still very high. Ramipril starts to work within hours but for full effect weeks. I guess they don’t want to add anything else too soon but with those figures I don’t think you’ll end up hypotensive.
Obviously only you and your doc know your medical history so maybe a bit of gentle polite questioning. Fwiw I’m on 2 medications strictly for BP plus 2 others for long Covid related cardiac issues, my BP took quite a few months to be ‘normal’, ie systolic around 120. In most cases it’s about getting the balance right and starting low.

I was diagnosed Hypertension & Hyperlipidemia when I was a recent inpatient for Pericarditis. My son was diagnosed with MyoPericarditis aged 19 last year. We made lifestyle changes then on advice of BHF. There is now a history of two 1st degree relatives with inflammation problems bad enough to affect the heart. Ds also has high cholesterol and an average BP of 132/100. We both have a slightly low pulse (ave 52)
GP has no advice (or interest).

@Platosrevenge would you be wiling to say here or by PM what you have been given please? I appreciate that everyone is different & I'm NOT asking for medical advice but it is useful to know what is 'out there' that I could ask about?

I think you should read the nice guidelines as that is the standard.

@marmaladeandpeanutbutter thank you I did read them. I don't know if they don't apply in Scottish NHS as I presented to A&E with chest pain & a headache with a BP of 187/112 3 weeks ago. They checked Troponin & did an ecg & sent me home. I took a 4 day BP diary in to GP who sent me back to A&E where I was diagnosed as above but I've been on 2.5mg Ramipril for BP for 25 days now during which time BP has averaged mid 170's (but a 2 day 208 spike)
I haven't had any discussion with GP (nor did I have any in hospital, no one spoke to me about it, just sent home on 80mg Statin & 2.5mg Ramipril)
I still have chest pain & some sob but was told 'expect it as Pericarditis'.

@medianewbie Hmm, they don’t apply in Scotland, although good practice is good practice, in terms of thinking through your situation. SIGN applies in Scotland.

www.sign.ac.uk/search-results/

@marmaladeandpeanutbutterTHANK YOU for this info - it is very helpful x

Has your son had his thyroid levels checked do you know? Low heart rate / highish BP with smallish dif and high cholesterol at a young age. It's how I presented - I didn't need any cholesterol or blood pressure lowering drugs just thyroid meds

I had quite a bit of chest pain earlier + big headache so went in to get checked.
BP was 197/115. Told to double Ramipril to 5mg a day & contact GP in 7 days with BP diary & for blood test (for electrolytes?)