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What Causes Swelling In The Ankles After Taking Medicines For Hypertension?
Question: The 2 blood pressure medicine I'm taking now make my ankles swell so bad when we are out and about I sit with ice on my ankles for days to go down. What can I do or is there over the counter I can take instead?
Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!
I understand your concern and would like to know the names of the blood pressure medicine that you are taking.
Not all blood pressure drugs lead to leg swelling. This is a known adverse effect related to calcium channel blockers (amlodipine, lercanidipine, etc.).
You can add an ACEI (lisinopril, ramipril,etc.) or hydrochlorothyazide which do not cause this adverse effect.
From the other hand, I would recommend performing some other tests to investigate for other possible causes that may lead to fluid retention and leg swelling:
- a cardiac ultrasound and NT-pro BNP levels to investigate for possible heart failure
- fasting glucose for diabetes
- blood electrolytes for possible electrolyte imbalance
- kidney and liver function tests for possible dysfunction
- a Doppler ultrasound of the leg vessels to exclude possible chronic vein insufficiency which can lead to this clinical scenario.
You should discuss with your doctor on the above issues.
Hope to have been helpful!
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!
I understand your concern and would like to know the names of the blood pressure medicine that you are taking.
Not all blood pressure drugs lead to leg swelling. This is a known adverse effect related to calcium channel blockers (amlodipine, lercanidipine, etc.).
You can add an ACEI (lisinopril, ramipril,etc.) or hydrochlorothyazide which do not cause this adverse effect.
From the other hand, I would recommend performing some other tests to investigate for other possible causes that may lead to fluid retention and leg swelling:
- a cardiac ultrasound and NT-pro BNP levels to investigate for possible heart failure
- fasting glucose for diabetes
- blood electrolytes for possible electrolyte imbalance
- kidney and liver function tests for possible dysfunction
- a Doppler ultrasound of the leg vessels to exclude possible chronic vein insufficiency which can lead to this clinical scenario.
You should discuss with your doctor on the above issues.
Hope to have been helpful!
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Atenolol 100 mg in the morning (1) & Amlodipine-Benazepril 5-20 Cap at Supper (1)
Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
Thank you for the additional information.
You should know that the Amlodipine-Benazepril is composed by two drugs.
So actually you are on triple therapy : Atenolol-Amlodipine-Benazepril.
Leg swelling is a common adverse effect related to Amlodipine. So, I would recommedn switch from Amlodipine-Benazepril to Benazepril. You can increase the dose of Benazepril, or add Hydrochlorothyazide in order to maintain normal blood pressure values.
But, as you are taking triple therapy, it means that you are at an advanced stage of high blood pressure. Unfortunately there are no over the counter pills which can help maintain a normal blood pressure at this stage.
Regarding Atenolol, I would explain that it has a week anti-hypertensive effect. Its main action is on heart rate. So, you can adjust its dose based on your heart rate. If your heart rate is low, you can reduce the dose. You should know that this drug can lower your physical performance as an adverse effect, but it does not cause any leg swelling.
If the leg swelling persists despite stopping Amlodipine, I would recommend consulting with your doctor and performing the above mentioned tests to investigate for other possible causes which may lead to this clinical situation.
Hope to have clarified some of your uncertainties!
Wishing good health,
Dr. Iliri
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
Thank you for the additional information.
You should know that the Amlodipine-Benazepril is composed by two drugs.
So actually you are on triple therapy : Atenolol-Amlodipine-Benazepril.
Leg swelling is a common adverse effect related to Amlodipine. So, I would recommedn switch from Amlodipine-Benazepril to Benazepril. You can increase the dose of Benazepril, or add Hydrochlorothyazide in order to maintain normal blood pressure values.
But, as you are taking triple therapy, it means that you are at an advanced stage of high blood pressure. Unfortunately there are no over the counter pills which can help maintain a normal blood pressure at this stage.
Regarding Atenolol, I would explain that it has a week anti-hypertensive effect. Its main action is on heart rate. So, you can adjust its dose based on your heart rate. If your heart rate is low, you can reduce the dose. You should know that this drug can lower your physical performance as an adverse effect, but it does not cause any leg swelling.
If the leg swelling persists despite stopping Amlodipine, I would recommend consulting with your doctor and performing the above mentioned tests to investigate for other possible causes which may lead to this clinical situation.
Hope to have clarified some of your uncertainties!
Wishing good health,
Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I will talk to my doctor but what kind of over the counter could I take to lower my blood pressure? I will ask my doctor about it too.
Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
I would recommend taking garlic or hawthorn supplements.
Potassium supplements can be helpful too.
You should discuss with your doctor on the above issues.
Some tips for a natural blood pressure control would also be:
- reduce salt and caffeine intake in your diet
- perform a lot of physical activity (yoga, aerobics, walking, etc.)
- try to reduce some pounds if you are overweight.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Wishing all the best,
Dr. Iliri
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
I would recommend taking garlic or hawthorn supplements.
Potassium supplements can be helpful too.
You should discuss with your doctor on the above issues.
Some tips for a natural blood pressure control would also be:
- reduce salt and caffeine intake in your diet
- perform a lot of physical activity (yoga, aerobics, walking, etc.)
- try to reduce some pounds if you are overweight.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Wishing all the best,
Dr. Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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