High blood pressure from the drug or withdrawal?

[Nikki]

So glad there is a thread on this....I take lisinopril and my blood pressure was very high yesterday.  152/90  It is never that high.

 

My diet has been terrible and I have been drinking alot of coffee and diet green tea. Salty foods and sugar.  I m a wreck lately.

 

I have a UTI that is not responding to the meds prescribed.  I am currently on Humana and going to AETNA on April 1st where I can see the doctors I choose to see.  Doctor at urgent care was a one of the white coat lunatics.

 

My anxiety is high.  DOES ANXIETY CAUSE HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE.  I feel my heart racing.

 

What about lack of sleep and over working?

 

I suppose diet most of all.  Yoga and meditation are supposed to be good too.....

[Meimeiquest]

Hi Nikki, I think anxiety and pain would be the top producers of a sudden increase in blood pressure. And chronic stress would be associated with a chronic increase. 30 minutes of comfortable walking a day might help a lot.

[Meimeiquest]

Nikki, I also saw something quickly in passing that some healthcare body has changed their recommendations for target blood pressure in people 60 and over to 150/90. I don't know any more than that.

[compsports]

So glad there is a thread on this....I take lisinopril and my blood pressure was very high yesterday.  152/90  It is never that high.

 

My diet has been terrible and I have been drinking alot of coffee and diet green tea. Salty foods and sugar.  I m a wreck lately.

 

I have a UTI that is not responding to the meds prescribed.  I am currently on Humana and going to AETNA on April 1st where I can see the doctors I choose to see.  Doctor at urgent care was a one of the white coat lunatics.

 

My anxiety is high.  DOES ANXIETY CAUSE HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE.  I feel my heart racing.

 

What about lack of sleep and over working?

 

I suppose diet most of all.  Yoga and meditation are supposed to be good too.....

Hi Nikki,

 

I am so sorry you are dealing with these issue.

 

Yup, lack of sleep and anxiety can definitely cause high blood pressure.   So anything you can do to lessen the effects of these issues will help.    Also, from what I have read, eating too much sugar is not good for high blood pressure.

 

The good news is mine seems to definitely be coming down as I got my lowest reading yet on my blood pressure monitor.   Even if it is off, it would still be at its lowest.

 

And the visual disturbances I was getting which I now realize were due to the high blood pressure have not occurred once today.  Knock on wood.

 

I have been splitting the CoQ10 dose which is effective for high blood pressure to make it more effective.  I have also started taking a mag/cal supplement and eating dark chocolate.   So right now, I am optimistic I won't need meds, thankfully.

 

I wish you luck in resolving your issues.

 

CS

 

PS - Also have been eating a salad with olive oil which is allegedly helpful for blood pressure.

[wulfgar]

Found an almost voodoo like simple thing that could lower blood pressure. Isometric handgrip exercise. What!?

 

There are double blind studies don on this. States that it can lower both systolic and diastolic by 10 mmMq. Will definitely try this. Something to do while meditating perhaps?

 

So, i will use a pair of socks. Squeeze them for 3 minutes, rest 2 minutes, and repeat three times during my morning meditation. Also do this at lunch and evening if i have enough resolve and perseverance for it.

 

 http://www.naturalhealthresearch.org/isometric-handgrip-exercise-and-resting-blood-pressure-a-meta-analysis-of-randomized-controlled-trials-pubmed/

[wulfgar]

I am also starting supplementing with potassium. I have entered what i eat for about a week now in an app and my diet is seriously low in potassium. (Low in sodium also so i don't need to reduce that). Potassium lowers blood pressure so this might be one additional easy thing to do.  

 

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1649867

[compsports]

Hi Wulfgar,

 

I am scared to supplement wit potassium because it seems if you don't know what you are doing, you can cause great harm.  But I will definitely try to increase my potassium in my diet.

 

I will try your suggestion of squeezing the socks.  No harm to try.

 

Unfortunately, I was totally deluded about my blood pressure being as the monitor I purchased was totally off big time. It is being returned.  

 

Doctor prescribed a beta blocker which I am not thrilled about.   But if I want to have surgery on 4/7, I gotta get it under control somehow.  

 

CS

[Jemima]

I am also starting supplementing with potassium. I have entered what i eat for about a week now in an app and my diet is seriously low in potassium. (Low in sodium also so i don't need to reduce that). Potassium lowers blood pressure so this might be one additional easy thing to do.  

 

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1649867

 

I don't want to get compsport's thread off-track, but please be aware that low sodium levels are a cause of depression. (Interestingly enough, Lexapro and probably some other antidepressants lower sodium levels.) Sodium and potassium levels need to be kept in balance as well.  Some years ago, my favorite aunt got her sodium intake down so low that she passed out while sitting in her underwear in front of an open window on a busy alley, and she was a lady of her time (born in 1914 if I remember right), not at all given to exhibitionism. It would be wise to have your blood levels checked and have a discussion with your doctor before supplementing with potassium. People are very different metabolically, and your ability to absorb various nutrients can't be measured by an app.

[wulfgar]

Thanks Jemima. I will watch out for to much potassium and to little sodium. Also try to get my doctor to take blood levels after a month or so.

[compsports]

Good news.  Just took BP at CVS which turned out to be an accurate measurement and it is 147/95 in left arm with heart rate of 88.   Yesterday, at doctor's office, it was 156/77 with heart rate of 90 in right arm which has been running lower than the left.

 

After reading my previous posts, decided to eliminate the CoQ10 which didn't seem to be doing anything and stick to the green tea with red cayenne pepper.  I also upped my calcium and magnesium and am continuing to eat dark chocolate.   With excercise and this regimen, I feel very confident, I am going to get this down to acceptable levels.  I know I said that before but at least now, I have a better idea of what works and what to stick with.

 

After seeing the horrific side effects these blood pressure meds cause, I decided I had to find another way to get this under control.  Hopefully, the downward trend will continue.

 

CS

[Meimeiquest]

Hi CS, that would be great! Do you walk/exercise? That probably does more than almost anything. The blood vessels expand for the increased blood flow, leading to less pressure at rest...hopefully. Are you already on a beta-blocker? New guidelines recently came out generally steering people away from them. They recommended ACE inhibitors and calcium channel blockers as the first drug to try. Not sure if I should even write that at this point in your journey . If you google 160/90 (150/90 if that doesn't work) you can get more info. I don't even know if it is a reputable source.

[compsports]

Hi Meimeiquest,

 

Unfortunately, my PCP put me on carvedilol, which is a beta blocker.   Her reasoning was it was needed due to my heart rate being elevated..  I wasn't prepared to have an informed discussion because my bleeping flawed home monitor which I have since returned to Amazon was providing normal readings. 

 

I do alot of short bursts of exercise but I need to do more extensive blocks like I did yesterday when I walked about 20 minutes.

 

I am glad you spoke up because to be honest, I wondered about whether the beta blocker was the best option.

 

Thanks, I will google your suggestions to see what I find.

 

CS

[compsports]

Initial reading at CVS was 154/95 which put me in a big time panic.   Took it again and obtained a reading of 137/85 with an 82 heart rate.   Took a third reading that was similar to the 2nd one so hopefully, they are accurate.   Of course, I am paranoid after thinking I was getting normal readings only to find I wasn't.

 

To be continued.

 

CS

[lundeliz]

I've been reading that pomegranate juice will lower blood pressure.  Has anyone tried it?  I bought some to try.

 

I also bought some CoQ10.  So far, my bp and hr are ok while tapering down nadolol.  The anxiety on the

 

other hand is about to do me in.

[compsports]

I've been reading that pomegranate juice will lower blood pressure.  Has anyone tried it?  I bought some to try.

 

I also bought some CoQ10.  So far, my bp and hr are ok while tapering down nadolol.  The anxiety on the

 

other hand is about to do me in.

Hi lundeliz,

 

I haven't tried pomegranate juice but I might give it a shot just to see what would happen.  No harm in trying.

 

As an FYI, I seemed to have had an initial good response with CoQ10 in getting my blood pressure down but it went paradoxical on me.  Maybe because I switched brands, I don't know.   Can you let me know how you do with it?

 

Also, I have seen some sites that suggest it could actually elevate heart rate which makes me wonder if the elevated readings the doctor was obtaining was due to my being on the supplement.   So obviously, caution is warranted.

 

You also might want to see if consuming red cayenne pepper helps you lower your BP.   I take small amounts at a time in green tea and so far, it seems to be helping.   But of course, until I get an offical reading at the doctor's office, I can't say for sure.

 

Regarding your anxiety, I hope things improve for you.

 

CS

[lundeliz]

Thanks for the warning about the heart rate and CoQ10.  I'll watch that carefully. I have

 

no idea what dosage to shoot for. At what dosage did you get results?  I'll also keep in

 

mind the cayenne pepper.  I would really like to do what I can to keep off the meds,

 

since I'm hypersensitive to everything right now.  As for the anxiety, it seems I'll need

 

to taper the beta blocker more slowly. Sure hope I can manage to come off it.

[compsports]

Thanks for the warning about the heart rate and CoQ10.  I'll watch that carefully. I have

 

no idea what dosage to shoot for. At what dosage did you get results?  I'll also keep in

 

mind the cayenne pepper.  I would really like to do what I can to keep off the meds,

 

since I'm hypersensitive to everything right now.  As for the anxiety, it seems I'll need

 

to taper the beta blocker more slowly. Sure hope I can manage to come off it.

When I was taking liquid CoQ10 that was the Vitamin Shoppe Brand, I took 50 mg twice a day that seemed to help.  Unfortunately, I switched brands, not realizing that was a mistake and ended up getting bad results.  I am reluctant to try it again because of the fear of the elevated heat rate.

 

I know what you mean about being hypsersensitive to everything.   This morning, I took a mag/cal supplement and started getting the visual disturbances, which usually is a sign that blood pressure is rising.  I think I may just stick to intense exercise and the cayenne peppper and take as few supplements as possible.  Scared to take a reading.

 

Good luck with the beta blocker.  I am sure they help someone but I just didn't like the sounds of them.

 

CS

[compsports]

Because the CVS monitor was all over the place (all of them horrible readings), I decided to purchase another monitor since they told me I could return it if it didn't work.  First two readings were 159/97 with 107 HR and 146/96 with 92 HR. 

 

Obviously, I am in a big time panic and feeling like a fool.   And thinking about all the folks who are going to lecture me for delaying in starting my BP medication.

 

Then I read the constipation which I have been dealing with all day (possibly due to increasing my calcium) causes blood pressure spikes.  Phew says me.

 

But now I have a dilemma.   I have been experiencing some pain in the left side of my mouth that has improved since I have started taking more calcium. I have also increased my mag.   This could all be coincidental but the dentist said he didn't see any cavities so who knows?

 

Now that I have the monitor, I will take it various time tomorrow to see what effect various things have on it.  I do wonder if the mag/cal may be having a paradoxical affect but who knows.

 

CS

 

PS - Just took another reading and it is 126/84 with HR of 88.  Obviously, you know what happened.   All jokes aside, hopefully, this is for real since I purchased a monitor that is supposed to be accurate.

[compsports]

After having my worst night of sleep, I discontinued the magnesum because I felt like it had a paradoxical effect of causing insomnia.  Anyway, took three different blood pressure reading just taking a probiotic and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper.after the first reading.

 

5:30am 141/85, 90HR

7:30am 139/87, 92HR

8:00am 135/78, 88HR

 

Due to craving carbs big time as the result of little sleep and being on a low carb diet, consumed a tablespoon of honey before the third reading and fel my heart rate slow down.   Obviously causation doesn't equal correlation but I am ready to start eating more good carbs just to see what happens.

 

I also plan to go to a fire station since they provide free BP testing to make sure my monitor isn't off.   After the rude awakening with the wrist monitor in thinking everyone was fine when it wasn't, I am now leery of trusting the accuracy of any monitor I use.

 

CS

[Nikki]

compsports....

 

In my recent trips to the ER my blood pressure was very high and I take HBP medication.  The nurse said it become elevated by being in the ER.  But this was beyond that.

 

When I was on Celexa and Imipramine it was just fine.

 

Is it possible that Serzone could be causing this?

[compsports]

compsports....

 

In my recent trips to the ER my blood pressure was very high and I take HBP medication.  The nurse said it become elevated by being in the ER.  But this was beyond that.

 

When I was on Celexa and Imipramine it was just fine.

 

Is it possible that Serzone could be causing this?

Hi Nikki,

 

According to this site, it is a rare side effect.   But my "skeptical brain" always wonders if a so called rare side effect occurs more frequently since about 2 to 10% of all adverse effects are reported to the FDA.

 

http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-4408-Serzone+Oral.aspx?drugid=4408&drugname=Serzone+Oral&pagenumber=6

[wulfgar]

Compsports. I think you are quite right. I think almost all the side effects is from the initial studies done and they are usually all short term, like two months, done on healthy young people. As we all know loots of more problems occurs on long term use.

 

Urine retention can be the cause for high blood pressure.

[Meimeiquest]

My husband was dx'd with hypertension in his mid-twenties, probably had it before that. My wife opinion is that he has a fundamental imbalance between his sympathetic and parasympathetic systems (not something he wants to explore with me, lol). Anyway, he goes to a hypertension specialist, and when he goes in for his yearly assessment, he goes through several stations of assessment. They take his blood pressure at every station, because they say it takes a long time for the blood pressure to stabilize after the "stress" of getting parked, seeing the white coats, etc. CS, I would almost bet my life your pulse was elevated from the mild of anxiety of your search for a right doctor and contemplating surgery. Nikki, any anxiety will raise the blood pressure (this is why benzo WD can cause a very dangerous hypertension) and withdrawal definitely causes sympathetic overstimulation.

[compsports]

Thanks Meimeiquest.  Your theories sound right about your husband.   Too bad he won't listen.

 

Interesting how the hypertension specialist operates.  In all fairness, when the nurse took mine last week, she offered kind of a mini version of what your husband's doctor did.   But unfortunately, it never got much lower.

 

I am sure my untreated sleep apnea isn't helping the situation with the pulse rate.  And you're right, the stress probably is contributing to it.  

 

Interestingly, after taking a nap on the machine and eating almonds and berries, I took two readings about 30 minutes later that were 119/80, 81HR and 117/81, 90HR.

 

I know I sound like an obscessive freak about this but I am trying to see what effect various things have on it.  Earlier I had taken a reading after consuming red cayenne pepper which allegedly helps greatly.  Got my highest reading.

 

Anyway, I am sure that once I verify this machine is accurate by getting a reading at the fire department tomorrow and as I add or eliminate things that may or may not be helpful, I will definitely take less readings.   Wish me luck on that.

 

CS

[Meimeiquest]

Your main goal is a safe blood pressure/pulse for surgery? And for the anesthesiologist to feel safe about your surgery? When is it?

 

Maybe I'm being too mainstream here, that is the world I live in, but I would take medicine through the surgical and recovery period. Or get acupuncture through that time. It is just not worth risking a problem during that time, or getting the doctors off focus. Then I would work at tapering off. BUT I would stay away from beta-blockers. They get right to the problem, and that makes them tough to taper. You were on a lot of drugs and I wouldn't want to risk messing with those systems and jeopardize your hard-won victory. And I wouldn't bet a thing on this..I really don't know what is best for you.

[compsports]

Hi Meimeiquest,

 

You're not being too mainstream at all.   As I keep saying, it isn't about mainstream vs. alternative medicine but what the best option is. 

 

Unfortunately, I was prescribed a beta blocker due to not being prepared to have an informed discussion.  I had erroneously thought my blood pressure was fine due to readings from a BP wrist monitor that I have returned so I was totally shocked to find it was abnormal.

 

This morning, the first reading was horrific but the last two were normal and in line with the afternoon readings from yesterday.  The 2nd reading had an elevated heart rate but the last one was close to normal.   Anyway, I need to go to a Fire Station to confirm that these readings are accurate.  Hopefully, this is a moot issue.

 

But if it isn't, you are asking a reasonable question of  why I don't just take the drug   Many side effects, including insomnia which would then kind of defeat the purpose since my high blood pressure is from sleep deprivation from untreated sleep apnea.  Additionally, there is no guarantee they would work and as a result, I would have to worry about getting off of them.   That is why it makes sense to me to make sure I am looking at all the other possibilities that may be contributing to high blood pressure.

 

I may need to postpone the surgery if it turns out my blood pressure and heart rates are still abnormal.  No question, I can't have anesthesia with this being an issue. 

[compsports]

One thing I forgot to mention was the beta blocker was prescribed also because of my elevated heart rate.   If it still looks like I need to go on BP meds, I will ask for an alternative med and see if the doc would let me give magnesium a try to lower it.

 

CS

[Meimeiquest]

Yes, I am living proof right now that beta-blockers aren't the best way to go. I am taking an ACE inhibitor now and doing fine with it except a bit of cough...but that doesn't mean it would be good for you necessarily. I'm sure you just want this OVER.

[compsports]

Well, surgery has been postponed again so blood pressure concerns aren't as much of a priority although obviously, I have to work on getting it down so when the new surgery date comes up, it will be under control.

 

Tried the liquid CoQ10 again and nothing else, and it seems to be working.  Even my pulse rate feels normal.   Unfortunately, my machine is giving me error messages that people complained about in their reviews.   So it is going back.

 

Will update when I have a chance about my surgery.

 

CS

 

PS - Even small amounts of caffeine spike it which sucks to high heaven.   But if I have to eliminate it, better to do that than take a BP med.

[compsports]

Well, just went to fire department for a reading and unfortunately, this monitor is also off.   So it is med time.

 

Time to do some research.

[Meimeiquest]

The sad thing about my husband's high blood pressure is that he goes to a doctor who could be fabulous for him. He has written a book on it, What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Hypertension by Mark Houston, MD and others.

[compsports]

Thanks Meimeiquest,

 

Only concern is if this guy is recommending supplements, I have probably tried alot of them that had the paradoxical effect.   But I will do some research.

 

CS

[Meimeiquest]

Yes, he does some. And, yes, I don't think they would be good for you. Do you do any meditation?

[compsports]

Not currently but I guess I should learn how.

[lexicon]

Here is a link from Dr. Andrew Weil's website that may be of interest ..

 

http://www.drweil.co...ssure-treatment

[lundeliz]

Well, I have tapered my beta blocker down from 40mg to 25mg.  Unfortunately, the side effects are just

 

getting worse.  If I don't get to sleep before it kicks in, then I'm up for the night.  Soon after I take it, my

 

throat tightens up, my head throbs and I feel agitated.  Then there's no way I'm getting to sleep.  I wish

 

I was weaned completely off of it.  I've been taking a Xanax or a klonopin more often than I want to, just

 

to get some sleep.  I'm headed to the dr. this morning to see about switching to a different beta blocker.

 

I don't feel too optimistic about a different one working since I'm sensitive to everything nowdays.  Maybe

 

it will work long enough for me to wean off it, then I can maybe try a small dose of an ace inhibitor or

 

something.  I know I would feel much better if I didn't have to be on any meds.

 

Thank you Cymbalta for getting me in this mess.