Controlled hypertension suddenly spiking.
Posted , 4 users are following.
I've been on 2 mg of Mavik (trandolapril) for about 3 years and it has seemed to control my high blood pressure quite well with minimal side effects. About 3.5 weeks ago I came down with a really bad sinus cold for which I took decongestants with pseudoephedrine as well as ibuprofen for the headaches, sinus pain and fever. As soon as that cold started I felt the pressure and feeling of fullness in my neck and head, similar to what I feel when my BP goes above normal range. But being sick I assumed it was the effect of the sinus infection. Problem is, after the cold was over (lasted about a week), the sensation continued. So I checked my BP and got a nasty surprise of pretty high BP readings (in the 160/110 range). This has been going up and down like a yoyo between the upper range and almost normal for the past 2.5 weeks. I've had no incidents like this at all in the past 3 years so I was surprised. Did some research and found out that decongestants like pseudoephedrine as well as ibuprofen can increase BP and should be avoided. Sure wish my GP told me that when he prescribed Mavik. Anyways, I assumed this was the reason for the spikes and figured once the meds were out of my system the BP would go back to normal. But, 3.5 weeks later (today), I'm still having issues. Had two days with good pressure but today, I'm back to 155/106 and feeling like poop. Tired, cold (I'm usually hot), pressure in head and neck and that almost-headache I get with high BP.
I am going to my GP tomorrow, but I was wondering if anyone has had similar experiences like this and what caused them? I should mention that I'm a classic case for a high blood pressure problem: 51, overweight at 250 lbs and 5' 9", badly out of shape in a sedentary job, little to no exercise. I've had perfect BP up to 3 years ago.
0 likes, 29 replies
rocky31676 margaret1965
Posted
You will need a combination of diet, exercise and meds plan to control the BP.
Sedentary job does not help either.
margaret1965 rocky31676
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I'm starting to realize that, Rocky. Some major lifestyle changes have to be made.
rocky31676 margaret1965
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margaret1965 rocky31676
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Thank you, Rocky. That's a great plan. It's gonna take some work because I find when my BP is spiking like this, I'm totally wiped once I get home from work. All I want to do is sleep. But I do know it has to be done.
mike92384 margaret1965
Posted
margaret1965...when we become ill, or bp rises...it's our body's response to something that's wrong. A person who's taking bp medication should never ever take over-the-counter medication without consulting with the pharmacist. Ingredients in most things will clash with the bp medications. Aspirin, Advil, Ibuprofen, etc.etc. should not be taken. Tylenol regular or even X-tra strength is just fine. I don't know where you are, but if you are in the UK, then I'm sure the Tylenol is known as Paracetemol.
Most GP's will tell their patients what over-the-counter medications to avoid when they prescribe bp medications, but some don't or forget. This is where the patient needs to do their due diligence, & ask the pharmacist. On your record at the pharmacist is is noted that you take bp medications, so if by chance your GP were to prescribe something that will clash with that medication, the pharmacist will bring this to your attention, or will call the Dr. themselves. The pharmacist is the specialist when it comes to drugs...not the Dr., although they do know quite a bit about medications. If my pharmacist says something is ok, I'll take the over-the-counter medication, but follow his/her instructions & not to use it very often. If they tell me I shouldn't take it, I won't. You'd be surprised at how many people think that vitamins are a safe thing to take. They're not, only certain vitamins.
Some can be toxic.
Get some exercise...watch your salt intake, eat low fat meals, lots of vegetables, etc. & I'm sure you'll be feeling better, but by all means, see your doctor.
Please let us know how you get on. Best of luck!!!
margaret1965 mike92384
Posted
Hi Mike,
I'm a little upset with the doctor that they didn't tell me this. "Forgetting" this kind of information is inexcusable! I've never asked the pharmacist becuase, other than BP, I'm a very healthy person, so it never even occured to me. And I've been using advil all this time because I don't like Tylenol and what it does to my liver. Now I know better and will be asking my pharmacist for possible interactions any time I buy anything else OTC.
margaret1965
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g.90572 margaret1965
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mike92384 g.90572
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g.90572..if they believe her bp is fine, they won't strengthen her meds.Why would they? She's in a situation similar to mine where it's hard to get a doctor/nurse or whoever to LISTEN to you.
margaret1965
Posted
Well, that was an interesting doctor visit. It would appear I have the reverse White Coat Syndrome. They put me on the monitor and my average BP was 114/84. One of the individual readings was 106/82! So the nurse is trying to tell me that it's normal for the BP to flactuate during the day. Yes, I know that, but this is different. My BP has been fine for the past 3 years, with the usual daily fluctuations causing no issues. Now, when the BP spikes, I feel sick. (I'm one of those weird people who are super-attuned to their body). I'm very tired, my head and neck feel like they are in a vise and being squeezed, I'm often very cold and headachy and I just don't feel well. She sort of listened but didn't look convinced. My 4 readings from last night, taken after a rest while sitting in a comfortable chair, were as follows:
160/110
143/106
151/105
156/104 with average of 153/106
So I've been told to keep a log of readings and times for the next month while I wait for my next appointment and full physical. I'm a bit miffed. They don't seem to be very concerned. That could be a good thing I guess, but then, I KNOW something is going on.
mike92384 margaret1965
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margaret1965...I hear you when you say they don't seem concerned about some things. We all know our own bodies..we know when something isn't right, yet they say all is ok, & tests come back normal.
I have some things going on that are being blamed on what's going on in my spine...disc degeneration, 2 nerves that are irritated or pinched, yet things are running amok. I've seen various doctors having this/that tested, or examined only to be told things are normal, yet I know they are NOT. I don't think they're looking in the right places. I can tell you for sure, this is not in my mind...it's very real. Don't take this b.s. lying down..you deserve a proper answer!
rocky31676 margaret1965
Posted
This fluctuation maybe not normal but it can happen with ephedrine-containing OTC decongestant.
Secondly, at home you may not be taking the BP reading properly or in stressful condition, and is causing it to show higher than in the doctors visit where it is done properly. It happened with me some years ago.
Take a look at this:
https://patient.info/health/home-and-ambulatory-blood-pressure-recording
margaret1965 mike92384
Posted
Indeed. Western doctors seem to have a knack for NOT listening to their patients who are experts on their own bodies. I'm glad there is always the naturopath option. If measuring my BP for a month plus diet and exercise change won't yield any results that's where I'll be going. Good luck to you with your issue. Hope someone finally listens and figures out what it is.
margaret1965 rocky31676
Posted
Rocky, I have not taken the decongestant for 3 weeks now. Any idea how long the stuff stays in your system and affects you afterwards? And I have read on proper procedures for BP recording and follow it so I don't think that's it. Most of the time I already feel if physically before even testing it but I always make sure to rest first and do it in a calm environment etc.
rocky31676 margaret1965
Posted
Ok, if your doing it correctly with both feet on ground in calm and serene environment with the cuff at the level of your heart, etc., then i am not sure whats causing this discrepancy in your reading at home vs. doctor's office.
Usually decongestant dont affect you for more than 2-3 days which includes racing pulse and high BP.
rocky31676
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margaret1965 rocky31676
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That is the big question. That was only one visit. The BP is all over the place but most notably worst in the evenings, on average. My job can be stressful but it has actually been pretty quiet the last few weeks so I don't think that's it either. I will also bring my monitor (it's only 3 yrs old I think, or less) to the doctor's office next time to make sure the readings are correct. Though I think they are for when I "feel" ok, the readings are within the normal range or just slightly elevated, like 125/ 85
margaret1965 rocky31676
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Yes and yes
rocky31676 margaret1965
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The ideal BP should be closer to 117/78.
125/85 is still not normal but does not require hypertension medications and can be controlled with diet, exercise and stress lowering meditations/yoga.
mike92384 rocky31676
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rocky31676..that is not accurate...at least not here in Canada.Depending on age, it's quite acceptable for bp readings to be 140/80 in someone in their 50's or so. Everyone thinks the 'golden' reading should be 120/80. This is NOT true.
margaret1965 mike92384
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Yes, I have read that somewhere as well, that the accepted "ideal" reading is set too low for people over 50.
rocky31676 mike92384
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Thats is true if High BP > 140/90 considered OK, if you dont have any other associated disorders like Diabetes, CKD , etc.
https://patient.info/health/high-blood-pressure-hypertension
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Blood pressure between 130/80 mm Hg and 140/90 mm Hg
For most people this level is fine. However, current UK guidelines suggest that this level is too high for certain groups of people. Treatment to lower your blood pressure if it is 130/80 mm Hg or higher may be considered if you:
Have developed a complication of diabetes, especially kidney problems.
Have had a serious cardiovascular event such as a heart attack, transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or stroke.
Have certain ongoing (chronic) kidney diseases.
margaret1965 rocky31676
Posted