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Some input about elevated BP due to prednisone increase

Posted , 12 users are following.

Padada
Padada

I just keep seeking advice from you all.  I am having issues with BP elevation on 15 mg prednisone.  AT 12.5 mg had slight elevation into the 140's and 150's, but was given ativan (to act as a smooth muscle relaxant) and it kept BP into a more normal range.  I have phoned my doctor and left a message and believe it or not, he called me back and said he would order a low dose of metropolol to take twice a day to lower BP.  Mind you, I do not have BP problems as a rule, so I know it is the prednisone.  Has anyone else had this issue?  I seem to have side effects from just about any medication, so my doctor always starts me on the lowerst dose or I may even have to split some pills.  I have no idea why my system reacts like that.  Anyway, I feel like a pest already, asking everyone so many questions, but you all have been very gracious about it and have always helped.

  a, believe it or not

3 likes, 30 replies

30 Replies

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  • pat38625
    pat38625 Padada

    Posted

    Hi and welcome on board that's why everybody has joined to help one another. I am a newbie I only got diagnosed in November so am still learning and so far my bp is ok. Someone will be along soon I hope that can help you. Hang on in there. 
    • bri21
      bri21 pat38625

      Posted

      Before I used steroids my BP was good,as now it can be up and down last reading 151 over 91 pulse can be high too .Lt is always higher when l go to hospital..as normal the more pain you are in the more your BP goes up .l still have the same pain as 3 years ago .starting new mediction today try and help to get off steroids .the last two made me very I'll .good luck
    • EileenH
      EileenH bri21

      Posted

      It's called white coat syndrome! Documented evidence...
    • helen67436
      helen67436 bri21

      Posted

      Hi bri21 hope u find something that works and will not cause side effects. I'm going through the same thing on med #3. Hope and pray this one works

  • joan123456
    joan123456 Padada

    Posted

    I too have PMR for three years now, my BP too went up at 15 but has I reduced my doses it came down without medication.  I also went on a really healthy diet, watching sodium and othe triggers for high BP.  That seemed to work for me and now within normal ranges.
    • Padada
      Padada joan123456

      Posted

      Thank you for sharing your experience Joan.  I didn't want to start a med, but 170l110 is too much for me.  It was good that you were able to avoid the BP medicine. Who wants another medication.....you have reassured me that I am not alone.  Again, thanks.
    • EileenH
      EileenH Padada

      Posted

      170/110 is concerningly high for anyone, just not you! PMR itself can do it - but I get the impression few doctors think of that. As I say - control it with medication and monitor it. If the first meds don't suit you - ask for something else. I am on Losartan (an angiotensin 2 inhibitor) and bisoprolol (a beta-blocker) and have no side effects at all I can identify except it was working too effectively after weight loss (100/60 is a bit low!) so I have reduced the Losartan to 1/2 and it's better.
  • tina-uk_cwall
    tina-uk_cwall Padada

    Posted

    Hi padada, it is a side effect of preds for some patients to experience higher Bp readings. 

    Prior to having symptoms of PMR my bp was normal they when I began experiencing a the symtoms of PMR they shot ip to about 150 over 90/100 and I was told that it probably was due to the pain. Now I have no pain as it's being controlled with preds and my bp is just as high. Now I'm told it's due to the preds. I'm waiting for an all day monitor and following those results may be put on bp tablets. But my GP has told me that as the preds reduce so should my bp and so I may also come off of any Bp tablets too. Regards christina 

    • Padada
      Padada tina-uk_cwall

      Posted

      How confusing for you to hear those two different reasons for your elevated BP.  Sometimes I think the doctors are just guessing at our symptoms.  Hope you do well and get on the correct BP tab if that is what is indicated.  I wonder why your docor wants a monitor before BP prescription?  That is not usually ordered around here.  They just hand out BP meds like candy.  But , it can't hurt and can give you a lot more information that will be valuable regarding your health.  Best of luck and keep in touch.  Thanks again for sharing. . Everyone is so nice here...I am blessed to be able to communicate with so many nice people from thousands of miles away.
    • gpgp
      gpgp Padada

      Posted

      WHere do you live? In the UK the gold standard of diagnosis of high blood pressure relies on 24 hour ambulatory monitoring before considering medication. By the way Ativan sounds like a really bad idea- it's a benzo and highly addictive
    • Padada
      Padada gpgp

      Posted

      I live in Arizona, USA.  Blood pressure meds are prescribed when anyone has elevated blood pressure simply measured by a blood pressure cuff.  Yes, the ativan is mostly prescribed for anxiety, but my doctor wanted to try it as it has a secondary  use for being a smooth muscle relaxer (so he says).  I am one who is opposed to taking any medications as a rule.  But, this issue with pmr and now elevated BP has made me desperate for pain relief and so I will take the prednisone treatment and just hope it works.  Thank you for answering my post.  I have said it before, but this forum has so much good advice and so many caring contributors. 
    • EileenH
      EileenH Padada

      Posted

      Diazepam (valium) is also used as a muscle relaxant, iv in severe cases of muscle spasm. A listed as rare and nasty side effect for iv diazepam is tachycardia and atrial fibrillation. I don't know about rare - but it is certainly INTERESTING! I won't be going ther again ;-)
    • pat38625
      pat38625 Padada

      Posted

      So glad you got sorted.  It helps ease the mind.  This forum is brilliant, would be lost without it.  So much support and information as well.  Good luck with your journey may it be pain free.
  • erika59785
    erika59785 Padada

    Posted

    I noticed an increased BP while taking more than 15 mg of prednisone.  I upped my Magnesium intake which took care of it.   128 somtimes 133 seems to be the normal range.  It was in the 140's which was too high.
    • Padada
      Padada erika59785

      Posted

      My pressure has gone up into the 160's from 15 mg of prednisone.  I have never had BP issues before.  I do take magnesium citrate every night and find it helps me relax and also, well,  keeps me regular.  Thank you for sharing with me. 
    • EileenH
      EileenH Padada

      Posted

      If your systolic is as high as 160+ you should check with your GP. More important is the diastolic reading, the lower one, but systolic160 is definitely too high and it doesn't matter what the cause is - HBP is bad for your body.
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