Brief Answer:
Stick to a cardiologist and get meds revised.
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.
I am so sorry to hear about this difficult to control
hypertension. I can see you are on a ton of medications for this condition. It still remains a surprise to me why there is no mark reduction of this BP despite the aggressive management and efforts you have put in.
Difficult to control blood pressure always raises the suspicion of a possible cause. But having been to many cardiologists and done many tests, I am pretty convinced all secondary causes of
high blood pressure must have been investigated and ruled out.
What remains disturbing is the persistent high numbers and the side effects of medications that are making life almost unbearable for you. I will like that you stick to one doctor and get this treatment completely evaluated and revised. I will suggest that he reduces the number of medications that you are currently taking and see what numbers you come up with. The others would be progressively reintroduced if the numbers should rise any higher. Also, are you taking any supplements for potassium?
HCTZ exposes to low potassium levels that can lead to
muscle weakness and cramps.
Retiring from these drugs entirely would be very risky as increased blood pressures values can lead to
heart attack,
stroke, etc. Please, rather work with your doctor on the possibility of reducing the number of different pills and managing the different side effects. This would at least help relief the terrible feelings and improve your quality of life.
I hope the above information helps you address this problem. I wish you well and thank you so much for using our services. Feel free to ask for any clarification if need be. I hope you get relieved of these terrible feelings soon.
Dr. Ditah, MD.
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