Uncontrolled blood pressure

my huband is on amlodipine and bisoprolol, he was also started on ramapril, but had to stop them...I can't remember why....he now gets losartan instead and has been fine with them,some folk can't tolorate them and other folk can...

Re-assuring to read so many of us are on the same medication. I started on Amlopodine but couldn't manage the tiny tablets. Now on 20 mg Lercanidipine. BP is very, very gradually going down but am disappointed it is taking so long. The noisy heartbeats have reduced, however. The pharmacist at our GP practice monitors all the medications he recommends. Have just submitted my last set of BP measurements.
So lets all keep up the good work.

SallyWally
Did your Dr explain that when you’re anxious you produce adrenaline. Adrenaline is a fuel ( fight or flight) if that fuel isn’t used ( fight or flight) it causes havoc with your heart rate and blood pressure.

I think we are twins NotSpaghetti! I don't think we're alone. I have a friend who is the same.

I've had high blood pressure for about 25 years, it was very high, despite medication when I was working, it was a constant worry. I've always eaten a healthy vegetarian diet, and taken lots of exercise and managed my work stress. I don't have any stress now I'm retired!

During the first lockdown a routine blood test showed a pre-diabetic glucose reading, and I was referred to the NHS Preventing Diabetes Programme. This consisted, amongst other things of a low carb diet. Being vegetarian, my diet had always been high in carbs and I didn't think would work for me, but I've stuck to it for 3 years. My blood glucose normalised within a couple of weeks, my BMI dropped from 23.3 to the current 20.05, but also, over that time my average blood pressure dropped down to the 'slightly elevated' category, the lowest its been in years. Todays reading is 126/78. Since then I've done a lot of reading about the relationship between blood pressure, blood sugar and insulin resistance and I'm convinced that low carb is one way of lowering blood pressure.

I suffer from 'white coat syndrome' so, when threatened with BP measurement at the surgery, my BP shoots up. I recommend reading James Le Fanu's book "Too Many Pills". It's an eye opener. It's available on kindle.

It's difficult if it fluctuates. Mine goes high but usually sits around 100/60 which is also problematic and no treatment.
I do sympathise with everyone. It's an awful worry if it's continually high.
I usually sit and do relaxed breathing for a few minutes before taking it.

I truly love my mother-in-law. I know most of her family are long-lived but she is amazing for 100 (not that I know any other people of 100).

Sometimes when I feel myself panicking about my BP I think of her.

I admit I have told my doctor I won't discuss my BP with them if I don't raise it myself. I feel I need some control. I know that's not sensible but the stress of repeatedly talking about it has to be at least as bad.
I was given a 24 hr monitor and didn't dare move my BP was so high. I took it off. It was dangerous to continue with it.

I will not be doing another.
I am panicking just writing this.

Mine goes high if I'm stressed and my neck goes stiff, probably as I am tense.

I find if I lie flat and listen to meditation music on YouTube it helps.
If you practice relaxation regularly it may help.

Notsphagetti - your m.I.l. is great ! I’ve been on Amlodipine for years . Initially, swollen feet but nothing now

I take beetroot pills. Two a day as well as Losartan. I'm considering going back on Turmeric capsules. Good for the heart and other things.

Try drinking beetroot juice, I hate it but seems to bring my BP down a little. We have one called Beet it ,Tesco sell it and Holland and Barrett I think

Not spaghetti. Your mother-in-law sounds quite a character!

I'm like you, even the mention of BP sends me into a panic. Your post re your MIL is reassuring. I'm constantly hearing 'You can have a stroke or a heart attack.'

I was on amlopodine and it caused swelling ankles and feet and also made my breathlessness worse
I was on holiday at the time and had to go and buy new shoes to get home
Went to the dr who changed them

BP is the biggest of my own worries.
I usually don't want to know or talk about it.
Thank you for raising it gently here.

Kate1949 my mother-in-law has just celebrated her 100th birthday - she says her BP has been very high since first measured during pregnancy in 1953! It was recently measured again over a week abd it was over 200 systolic and diastolic was in the high 90s. She has started taking diuretics "for reasons of vanity" she says because her feet and legs have been swelling (she previously refused them) and its suddenly come down. Still about 180/80 but she's delighted - mainly about her legs! 😀

I have had high blood pressure since my pregnancies. My mother had it too. I have been taking Lisinopril for years and recently started on Amlodopine after which my blood pressure has come down. I haven't had swollen ankles but my dentist told me that Amlodopine can cause gum problems. After I started taking it my gums were very sore for a while but have now returned to normal.

There's an Ayurvedic remedy called Moktavati that helps many people. You can get it on-line

I don't know whether you're interested in alternative suggestions, Sallywally1 but I've found a teaspoon of cinnamon and half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper helps. As does avoiding carbs. Meditation, yoga, Reiki, breath work, all help. Good luck.

Sallywally1

Saw GP this morning who said my anxiety re BP might be making it worse and not to take it for a couple of weeks! Will probably be referred to hospital BP clinic for further tests. My stress level is a bit high as I have constant pain in my shoulder and arm from a tear and also arthritis. Waiting for some ablation of the nerve. I may as well live in the hospital! Thanks for all your lovely replies gransnetters.

I find that meditating helps my BP. You could try listening to relaxation tapes or Youtube.. or yoga/mindfulness.. anything to help with the anxiety..Being calm and relaxed definitely helps..The other thing that my heart consultant recommended was high dose fish oils which I used to get on prescription but now need to pay for..

ExDancer

Do you get pain from the cuff as it inflates when your BP is measure? I do, like many other people, and I wonder if that affects the reading.

It is normal to get pain, when the cuff inflates.

When I had my carpal tunnel op, the cuff was inflated for 27 mins (I think). It is to block the blood flow.
I couldn't be anaesthetised nor sedated, just a nerve block on my hand. Now that is uncomfortable!

Do you get pain from the cuff as it inflates when your BP is measure? I do, like many other people, and I wonder if that affects the reading.

Saw GP this morning who said my anxiety re BP might be making it worse and not to take it for a couple of weeks! Will probably be referred to hospital BP clinic for further tests. My stress level is a bit high as I have constant pain in my shoulder and arm from a tear and also arthritis. Waiting for some ablation of the nerve. I may as well live in the hospital! Thanks for all your lovely replies gransnetters.

I'm on lercanidipine and ramipril and I too now suffer from urine retention as well as swollen feet and ankles. My BP fluctuates from 116/65 to 208/110.
There doesn't seem to be much point in these pills.

My BP is usually on the upper end of normal, or a bit more. Our practice has initiated a remote monitoring scheme on which I was asked to be one of the first. I submit readings on the same day each week including BP, Oxygen, Pulse, Temperature, Weight. They provided the oximeter and thermometer. I have my own BP monitor which is a bit erratic and I might need a new one soon. Yesterday they rang me and said they thought the BP was on the high side, though I pointed out that it was the same as last time. I am on a low dose of Amlodipine. When I first took it, my ankles swelled but soon settled down. I never worry about my BP because it hasn't changed and probably never will. I've reached 83 with no noticeable effects.