Suggest Treatment Options For Stabilising Blood Pressure

Posted on Tue, 13 Oct 2015

Question: What are options on lowering blood pressure. Have been on prescribed medications from my GP but have bad side effects, with little to no gain.

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (31 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I'm waiting for more information...

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you for asking!
I read your query and understood your concerns.

There are many treatment possibilities on stabilising your BP and to avoid unwanted side effects.

However, before giving my opinion I would like to know:
- what is your mean BP levels?
- what side effects do you have?

Meanwhile, as the first step to stabilize your BP I would like to suggest:
- quit smoking
- reduce salt intake
- quit drinking alcohol
- increase physical activity
- loose weigh

I'm waiting for more information about your problems.
Meantime, wish you health!
Dr. Shehu

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Benard Shehu (10 hours later)

hi

my blood preasure yesterday was 170/110 but usually around 150/100

when on zapril5mg & amlodapine 10mg was getting sore joints in toes knees & fingers
when on metaprolol didnt feel good & erectile disfunctions
i dont smoke,have minimal salt,i limit alcahol,i do physical activity, have lost 5kg

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (18 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Following advice...

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

Your BP are above wanted target (130/85 mmHg) and you should adjust the dose of medications.

The sore joint is a common side effects of amlodipine use and I would like to suggest stopping amlodipine.

If you were my patient I would recommend to take the following treatment to stabilise your BP:
- Carvedilol instead of metoprolol. Carvedilol is more effective in stabilising your BP.
- Valsartan instead of Zapril and amlodipine. Valsartan has fewer side effects compare with Zapril.
- Add Hydrochlorthyaside (water pills) to your therapy.

Since this treatment may have unwanted effects (including lowering to much your BP) you should discuss with your doctor about the right doses.

Hope this will be of help!
Wish you health!
Dr. Shehu

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Benard Shehu (7 hours later)

hi

when i take a blood preasure reading my left arm reads about 20 higher than a reading from my right arm. ???

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Following answer to your query..

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

This findings usually is associated with a blockage on the left artery. This is why i strongly recommend to do a Doppler ultrasound examination of both hands.

Other causes associated with this findings are:
- Diabetes
- Renal disease

Hope this will be of help!
Wish you health!
Dr. Shehu

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar