Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes High BP, Extreme Weakness And Constant Tiredness?
Question: Hello, I was on Benicar HCT 40 25mg together with Potassium Chloride CRYS ER 20 for treating High Blood Pressure. I'm exercising on a regular basis and was feeling extremely weak for over 3 weeks. After consulting my doctor, he put me on Benicar 40 mg (non HCT) and Carvedilol 3.125mg. His reasoning is that he thinks the HCT is deleting electrolytes while exercising leading to weakness. I'd like a second opinion and would like to better understand why the combination of Benicar and the Beta Blocker. Wouldn't just one of the two be enough?
I'm on the new combination since 2 weeks, BP is ok in the range of 140/70. Resting HR is 58. I can not reach my XXXXXXX HR of 185 anymore which is interesting but not the reason for my concern.
I feel constantly tired and have absolutely no desire to exercise.
In addition I gained 8 pounds (water?)
I'm on the new combination since 2 weeks, BP is ok in the range of 140/70. Resting HR is 58. I can not reach my XXXXXXX HR of 185 anymore which is interesting but not the reason for my concern.
I feel constantly tired and have absolutely no desire to exercise.
In addition I gained 8 pounds (water?)
Brief Answer:
Your symptoms do not seem to be related to any electrolyte imbalance
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Thank you for your question on HCM!
I understand your concern and I would like to explain that your symptoms do not seem to be related to any electrolyte imbalance.
Hydroclorthiazide has a weak diuretic effect which can cause low plasma levels of potassium (hypokalaemia), but this is not very possible to happen when it is combined to an ACE inhibitor (like Benicar HCT formula) and oral potassium supplements, like in your case.
From the other hand beta blockers can decrease the cardiac and physical performance, increasing fatigue. Your low HR is related to their use too. So it would not be very recommendable to start beta blockers in physically active individuals.
I would recommend continuing taking only Benicar HCT and avoid beta blockers. If your blood pressure is not controlled under this therapy, a calcium channel blocker (like amlodipine, etc) would be helpful.
I advise performing a routine blood test and blood electrolytes to exclude any possible electrolyte imbalance.
Regarding the weight gain, a careful physical examination and a cardiac ultrasound are needed to investigate the systemic venous status and exclude a low left ventricular ejection fraction (as a reason of fatigue and weight gain) or fluid retention (causing weight gain).
I recommend discussing with your attending physician on the above mentioned issues.
Hope to have been helpful!
I am at your disposal for any other questions whenever you need.
Best wishes!
Dr. Iliri
Your symptoms do not seem to be related to any electrolyte imbalance
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Thank you for your question on HCM!
I understand your concern and I would like to explain that your symptoms do not seem to be related to any electrolyte imbalance.
Hydroclorthiazide has a weak diuretic effect which can cause low plasma levels of potassium (hypokalaemia), but this is not very possible to happen when it is combined to an ACE inhibitor (like Benicar HCT formula) and oral potassium supplements, like in your case.
From the other hand beta blockers can decrease the cardiac and physical performance, increasing fatigue. Your low HR is related to their use too. So it would not be very recommendable to start beta blockers in physically active individuals.
I would recommend continuing taking only Benicar HCT and avoid beta blockers. If your blood pressure is not controlled under this therapy, a calcium channel blocker (like amlodipine, etc) would be helpful.
I advise performing a routine blood test and blood electrolytes to exclude any possible electrolyte imbalance.
Regarding the weight gain, a careful physical examination and a cardiac ultrasound are needed to investigate the systemic venous status and exclude a low left ventricular ejection fraction (as a reason of fatigue and weight gain) or fluid retention (causing weight gain).
I recommend discussing with your attending physician on the above mentioned issues.
Hope to have been helpful!
I am at your disposal for any other questions whenever you need.
Best wishes!
Dr. Iliri
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
