Blood pressure medication

[Signs]

Morning folks, not strictly a diabetes question but I'd appreciate some input.

I had a heart attack on 9th July and my recovery now is being hampered by high blood pressure and heart rate. BP is around 140/95 and heart rate between 90 - 100 bpm.

Before heart attack BP was controlled with perindopril at around 135/80 and resting heart rate around 60 bpm. I've always been fit and train at least 3 times weekly.

I'm lucky enough to have a very enlightened GP who encourages those willing to research their conditions and is open to suggestions when it comes to treatment.

When I left hopsital I was given a calcium channel blocker (amlodipine) and perindropril for BP. I wasn't prescribed a beta blocker as most people would have been as it "could" affect asthma. Besides the fact it's not working, I'm struggling with amlodipine - nausea, skin rash, light headed.

I have an appointment this afternoon with GP and was considering that a beta blocker may be what I need but would like to hear good/bad/horror stories re beta blockers before I suggest them (or have them prescribed). As best I can find researching it either calcium channel meds or beta blockers.

Thanks.

 

[Hobs]

I can only tell you about my experience of heart problems and this may not apply to you but could be worth more research.

I am inflcted with A-fib amongst other ticker troubles and the heart rate side is controlled very well indeed by a beta blocker known as Sotalol. I take it for the A-fib arrhythmia (60mg every 6hrs) but it also keeps my heart paced very calmly at around 60-65 BPM at rest.
BP is also controlled very well via 5mg Amplodipine and 16mg Candesartan at around 110-120 over 60-70 depending on how close to a meal the measurement is taken. I have a good home monitor (Omron arm cuff type) and check it daily as part of my Expert Patient participation role in conjunction with my GP and the various clinics I have to attend.

Oh yes, and I could not tollerate the standard ACE inhibitors (asthma) such as your Perindropril, so hence the Canedesarten and no dry cough or wheezing.

You did not mention your age .. I am 70 and male.

My home BP monitor:-
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Omron-Pressure- ... re+monitor

 

[diadeb]

Hi Signs, I have been taking Atenolol for years with no problems at all but I take it to control hypertension and have no other history of heart disease

 

[Signs]

Thanks for the input folks.
Got prescribed beta blocker Bisoprolol, low dose at 1.25 to start with and an appointment to review in a couple of weeks.
Looking forward to not feeling like throwing up!
John

 

[robert72]

I'm on Bisoprolol 1.25mg (and Ramipril 1.25mg) without any side effects. Hope you get on better with the beta-blocker.

I was on 2.5mg for a while but my BP was too low :crazy: Even now it's often 90 over 50 ish.

 

[lindisfel]

Hi Signs,
I take Doxazosin and Losartan for high blood pressure and they control the condition.
I was on Amlodipine and the drug caused arthritis pain for several years, as soon as I stopped taking it the pain switched off.

I have AF but it cannot be treated with drugs since I am at the other end of the spectrum to you...I have AF but my resting heart rate can be in the low 40's as well as being irregular.
When I walk it goes up to 70/min and becomes regular.

I think your blood pressure needs more investigation. All blood pressure medications have side affects.
Perhaps an heart anomaly after your attack has messed up the b.p.feedback mechanism?
regards
Derek

 

[Signs]

I was prescribed Bisoprolol 1.25mg. Started on Wednesday and already resting heart rate is down to between 65 - 75. Blood pressure is still elevated - not sure if that takes a while to come down or if I need additional meds but have another appointment a week monday with GP to discuss.

The day after I stopped Amlodipine (Wednesday) my headache, nausea and dizziness has gone. Also some joint pain that I thought was some old sporting injuries playing up have eased! Only now when I think back I realise that the aches started a few days after Amlodipine.

Thanks for the input folks.