Hypertension down with meds but still dizzy and heavy head
Posted , 4 users are following.
Hi all
I'm male, 65, non-drinker, non-smoker and have had high blood pressure for over 20 years, kept in check by meds (Valtan-Mepha 160) - possibly a European product (I live in Switzerland). Recently, following a few exerting weeks on an office renovation, values went up to 176/100 for some time and stayed there. Doc changed medication 10 days ago, now including a diuretic, to Co-Valsartan 160/12.5 Sandoz, and blood pressure went down to average 135/88 within a couple of days.
However, the slight, but all-day dizziness and a really "thick head" persist, also thorax pain and neck stiffness. The latter two are recognized side-effects of the drug therapy, but the dizziness and monster hangover feeling are getting a bit worrying now.
As I was overweight at 125 kg and 176 cm height, I started losing weight and am down to 119 kg within 4 weeks. At the same time, I've started walking an initial approx. 6 km per week (not much, but better than zero).
Any thoughts/experiences on the situation? I'm an active person, and the impairment is a proper pain!
0 likes, 6 replies
claire88287 Swissman
Posted
Hi, I am experiencing all day dizziness and head pressure which got worse when Dr increased from 16mg to 24mg Candesartan. How are you feeling now and have you an update since writing this post? My Dr doesn't think symptoms are caused my BP medication and has referred me to ENT so am waiting for an appointment.
Swissman claire88287
Posted
Hi, I shed 13 Kg and am walking about 10 km a week now. Both seem to help to greatly eliminate the dizziness. It's not completely gone, and returns in times of stress (time pressure, emotional stress etc.). My doc thinks it could stem from a cramping of neck/upper back muscles, which could be slightly impeding circulation to the head, thus causing the dizziness. So I'm up for an ECG under load with a heart specialist this week and an ultrasound of the neck vessels. So it might be a rather elusive situation. But what the doc said does seem to make sense. The dizziness is definitely somehow triggered by stress and concurrent neck pain. My BP is now at 132/86 on average.
anders70981 Swissman
Posted
Congrats on the progress.
The stiff neck can also be a side effect of the medication.
Blood pressure and weight is both biomarkers for a healthy body. You lowering one with medication doesn't give you a healthy body. You have "just" reduced your risk for a stroke.
100kg at 176cm is still obese. If you drop your weight into the normal range 57 - 77. your blood pressure should drop into the normal range as well.
Medicine is great for emergencies. Not so much for long term health.
From own experience I can recommend keto as a very efficient lifestyle to reduce blood pressure.
Swissman anders70981
Posted
I agree with regard to all medicine taken. It may solve a situation but also masks what your body is trying to tell you, so I'm very careful only to take what is essential. In fact, blood pressure tablet is the only medicine I take regularly at all. And if I get to 5 headache pills per year, it's an exception.
Losing weight is definitely key to an overall better condition. BUT is sometimes a b***h when you're working long days, under stress etc. You're eating for consolation.
Regarding neck pain as a side effect: doc says nooooooo, I would assume because he a) genuinely may not know and b) he prescribed the medicine...
So, on with weight loss...
joshuapryce1987 Swissman
Posted
Work out more and eat more healthy, its good to do this. Stay away from too much fatty foods. You must drink plenty of fluids too.
Swissman
Posted
Obviously, but in a busy working life, these things tend to get neglected. One just has to remember how important all that "health stuff" is. Through the winter, my walking dwindled (hey, it's cold outside!) and I have to reactivate that asap. And I will.