High blood pressure advice please

[onenightinheaven]

My dad is 80
He recently had a blood pressure monitor and his average was 150/75
The doctor said he should go on medication
There's times when he's blood pressure is 130 lower
I'm just worried that these tablets might make his blood pressure go too low and he will pass out
He is healthy and active
No health issues and no medication for anything
This will be his first
Does anyone take blood pressure medications and can tell me about side affects ?

I’m a lot younger than your dad but have been on blood pressure medication since 2018. I’ve been lucky to not have any side effects. My blood pressure does go low at times but I’m very much aware of it as I can feel the difference and can feel unwell.

I have a blood pressure monitor at home that’s been calibrated by the gp so I can check it whenever I need to. I’d suggest buying your own monitor that way you can keep on top of it.

I would say, trust why the gp have put him on this medication, they don’t always do it lightly. Blood pressure reading of 130 is still viewed as higher level.

Your dad can ask for regular blood pressure checks with the nurse. When I first started medication I had checks every 3 months. I’ve had to change tablets over the years but again I’ve not had any side effects with them.

NHS site says 140/90 is considered high. After having a very low BP, it suddenly rocketed 3 years ago. My lower figure diastolic was high,so I am on amlodipine,causes hot flushes on me. DH has top systolic reading as well,we are talking more than 200/100, he has been on ramapril for about 15 years,meds were doubled last year to 10mg daily , his side effect is a dry tickling cough. I have a BP mapper at home,(was nursing over 40 years) and he worked 40 miles away from home, couldn't pop into the surgery so they were happy for me to take it. I have suggested diet and lifestyle changes to him to reduce it....that's another story!!