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Is My Dizziness Something To Be Concerned About While On Hypertension Medication?
Question: I recently had my blood pressure go up. Generally it would be about 120/90, but about two months ago it went up to an average of 135/105 and a couple of times even 140/115. I increased my blood pressure medication (Lisinopril) from 10mg to 20mg. It took about three weeks to really come down but it is now averaging about 118/89. When I talked to my doctor last (when my blood pressure was higher), he talked about the possibility of adding another medication...probably a calcium channel blocker.
I guess what I am wondering is if my blood pressure is controlled if it stays at this level. I know the new guidelines are that BP should be below 120/80. I'm measuring on a home blood pressure machine, but the values are similar when I have been to the doctor. I have also started getting a little dizzy when I stand up, which didn't happen when my blood pressure was higher.
Whenever I have high blood pressure the diastolic number is always comparatively higher. So 118 (systolic) is normal, but 89 (diastolic) is a little high. 140 (systolic) is high, but 115 (diastolic) is really high. I've always wondered why that was.
So I guess my questions are:
1) Should I consider adding another blood pressure medication at this point?
2) Is my dizziness likely just getting used to the lower blood pressure or is it something to be concerned about?
3) What does it mean that my diastolic BP is comparatively higher than my systolic?
I guess what I am wondering is if my blood pressure is controlled if it stays at this level. I know the new guidelines are that BP should be below 120/80. I'm measuring on a home blood pressure machine, but the values are similar when I have been to the doctor. I have also started getting a little dizzy when I stand up, which didn't happen when my blood pressure was higher.
Whenever I have high blood pressure the diastolic number is always comparatively higher. So 118 (systolic) is normal, but 89 (diastolic) is a little high. 140 (systolic) is high, but 115 (diastolic) is really high. I've always wondered why that was.
So I guess my questions are:
1) Should I consider adding another blood pressure medication at this point?
2) Is my dizziness likely just getting used to the lower blood pressure or is it something to be concerned about?
3) What does it mean that my diastolic BP is comparatively higher than my systolic?
Brief Answer:
Low pulse pressure
Detailed Answer:
Dear Ma'am, I have gone through your question and I understand your concerns but the elevated diastolic blood pressure higher than the elevation of the systolic blood pressure is usually essential which means that it has no detectable cause.. However, this could also be due to renal or thyroid dysfunction, so I would recommend that if get a blood test to check on your renal functions ( including urea and creatinine ) and your thyroid functions ( including T3, T4 and TSH)..
As regarding the pulse pressure ( difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure ) it normally should be 40.. low pulse pressure could be a side effect of blood pressure medications but also could be a sign of poor cardiac function. So, I would recommend that you get an ecg and an echocardiogram to check on your cardiac functions.. Also, I would not recommend addition of calcium channel blocker as it might lead to unwanted further reduction of blood pressure..
The dizziness is probably due to your body getting adjusted to the normalization of your blood pressure..
I hope you find this helpful..
Low pulse pressure
Detailed Answer:
Dear Ma'am, I have gone through your question and I understand your concerns but the elevated diastolic blood pressure higher than the elevation of the systolic blood pressure is usually essential which means that it has no detectable cause.. However, this could also be due to renal or thyroid dysfunction, so I would recommend that if get a blood test to check on your renal functions ( including urea and creatinine ) and your thyroid functions ( including T3, T4 and TSH)..
As regarding the pulse pressure ( difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure ) it normally should be 40.. low pulse pressure could be a side effect of blood pressure medications but also could be a sign of poor cardiac function. So, I would recommend that you get an ecg and an echocardiogram to check on your cardiac functions.. Also, I would not recommend addition of calcium channel blocker as it might lead to unwanted further reduction of blood pressure..
The dizziness is probably due to your body getting adjusted to the normalization of your blood pressure..
I hope you find this helpful..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Usually you guys are pretty good for people with health anxiety. Not so much this time. My kidney function is normal. I just had that checked. It's been awhile since I checked my thyroid.
It seems weird that I would have cardiac output problems with no symptoms. I have no edema. I'm easily able to exercise for an hour without shortness of breath.
I'll ask my doctor about it though.
It seems weird that I would have cardiac output problems with no symptoms. I have no edema. I'm easily able to exercise for an hour without shortness of breath.
I'll ask my doctor about it though.
Brief Answer:
No need to worry
Detailed Answer:
Dear Ma'am, hello again.. It is important to exclude common medical causes of your blood pressure readings but of your kidney, thyroid and cardiac functions are normal then the higher diastolic blood pressure is probably essential (occurring without a medical cause ) and the low pulse pressure is probably a result of antihyperesnsive medication and there is no need to worry..
No need to worry
Detailed Answer:
Dear Ma'am, hello again.. It is important to exclude common medical causes of your blood pressure readings but of your kidney, thyroid and cardiac functions are normal then the higher diastolic blood pressure is probably essential (occurring without a medical cause ) and the low pulse pressure is probably a result of antihyperesnsive medication and there is no need to worry..
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
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