High blood pressure- what now?

[WhereToStartAgain]

Just been diagnosed after having a mobile monitor on. I’m relatively young, but it was elevated the whole time. Getting some tablets on prescription when I can get to the pharmacy.

What now? I was horrified to read they could cause tiredness- that’s one of the symptoms I had and want to improve.

my iron is low, but within ok. I am overweight, but it’s just not shifting. Any words or wisdom?

Decided to go cold turkey on cola and now have had a headache since yesterday (can't cut down - it’s either all or nothing).

Hopefully you will get through the withdrawal. I started monitoring mine a couple of months ago as it was a bit high (but not extreme, 135/85). I have started drinking beetroot juice which I think is delicious, have reduced salt and caffeine but could do better with both still and increased the amount of yoga I do. I don't smoke and very rarely drink alcohol so no room for change there. But could do to lose more weight.

You can get beetroot capsules if you don't like the juice.

I'm also on Candesarten and mine has come down a bit in recent weeks, I'm trying e.g. swimming and walking but I also need to lose weight.

Sparkling water with some squash is a good substitute for sodas .

I'm concerned that I might not be able to take ibuprofen etc. because I have lower back problems.

The risk of hyperkalaemia (excessive serum potassium) with valsartan + non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs: ibuprofen, naproxen, etc.) is low. If you are only taking ibuprofen for short periods it's very unlikely to cause any problems.

I was just talking to a hypertensive specialist nurse the other day. Losing weight doesn't make enough difference. Reducing salt intake does a bit.

The usual cause is genetic.

You really need to take the medication prescribed. My Dh nearly died of a malignant hypertension crisis 12 years ago because he wasn't on medication. He's now on dialysis because the untreated blood pressure ruined his kidneys which is not something you can reverse.

Look after yourself and take the medication.

I managed to reduce mine with weight loss, I'm on a quarter of the dose of tablets I was on originally.

If the side effects are troublesome then go back. There are different types of drugs that work in different ways so another class of drug may suit you better.

I’m still struggling to find one that doesn’t give me severe side effects unfortunately. All give me fatigue, the ACE inhibitors don’t work at all and the CCBs whilst effective and have fewer side effects ate still making me miserable.

I’m about to try yet another drug ….

Ask for Lercapedine, it's expensive so they do t like to prescribe it straight away but I had no side effects at all after exhausting all other options. Also 2 low doses of different drugs can be better than 1 higher dose.

That’s the one I’m currently on. Low dose too.

If I take it in the morning I have some nasty dizzy spells until late morning. If I take it at night I’m up at least twice ( record is 5 times!) with a desperate need for the loo. It has a diuretic effect. This is really not helping the systemic fatigue.

Oh dear, the pharmacist said to definitely take it in the morning as it will disturb sleep. Hope you find one that suits soon .

Losing weight can make a difference but it is a lot of weight, permanently.

I look after patients who have lost weight unintentionally. Quite often they are falling over as they are religiously taking blood pressure tablets they no longer need.

That said, there are always people who still have a high BP no matter how much weight they lose.

I know this is an old thread but hoping to revive it. I am feeling awful. Been on candestarten for months but just feel ill and exhausted all the time. Aching legs, painful feet, dizziness and nausea. I am so miserable. This is the third one I’ve tried. I just want to stop taking them but don’t dare.

Where can I get beetroot capsules or powder?

Has anyone tried hibiscus tea?

Im on holiday at the moment and at my wits end. It’s too hot to walk and swimming makes my back problems worse. I have high blood sugar so trying to avoid carbs and alcohol too. It’s just miserable .