high blood pressure question

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jrsygal37, I've been on meds for hypertension much of my adult life. I'm on 2 different ones than you, and have tried others as well. I really haven't had any side affects from them other than they can deplete the potassium in your system if they're a diuretic type; which causes charlie horses.

The danger of high blood pressure is that it wears out the heart from having to pump harder and the blood vessels because it's that much more pressure exerted on them. The top number is the amount of pressure exerted when the heart is pumping... the bottom number is the amount of pressure in between beats when the heart is relaxed.
Pain will definitely make it higher... mine was 230/132 when I went to ER with the start of bells palsy a few years ago. I had a horrendous headache that drove it up.

As gja1000 said, it's long term high pressure that does the damage and often people don't know they have it until the damage is done, so you're lucky to have discovered it now.

Good luck! And start taking them asap... you're preventing major problems by getting it down as soon as you can.

[gja1000]

Side effects from blood pressure meds are usually very mild, if any at all. Most people don't notice any difference of any kind. Your blood pressure med does not have any diuretic in it, so you shouldn't get cramps or low potassium. It shouldn't lower your pressure too much - I woudn't worry about that. Your dosage is not the highest that can be taken so I would go ahead and start it today or tomorrow, I don't think you will find that you feel any differently at all. That said, all meds can cause side effects, so if you don't feel right after you take it, call your doc.

Also, I would recommend that you get an automatic blood pressure monitor. You can get them at most any drug store, CVS, Walgreens, etc. It is easy to just put it around your arm and push a button. They are very accurate, and that way you can keep track of your blood pressure at home. It will also help the doc to adjust your dosage. Some people have "white coat syndrome' meaning their pressure it higher when they are at the docs, even though they are not nervous. So, if you find it it consistently lower at home, then the doc can safely lower your med dosage.

[Janet]

I've been taking Diovan for years for high blood pressure. Runs in my family. I've never had any bad reactions to it at all.

[gja1000]

Originally Posted by Janet

I've been taking Diovan for years for high blood pressure. Runs in my family. I've never had any bad reactions to it at all.

Hey Janet! I take Diovan too!!! Same for me, no reactions, no problems at all.

My hubby took Lisinopril which is a med for high blood pressure (but he doesn't have high BP, he has to keep his BP low due to heart failure) and it took away his ability to smell, thus he couldn't taste his food. He was very sick at the time with another illness that was causing him to lose weight, so we had to change the Lisinopril to another med, because he was having a hard time with eating due to not being able to taste! It was very strange, but it is a side effect of Lisinopril.

[jrsygal37]

Originally Posted by Janet

I've been taking Diovan for years for high blood pressure. Runs in my family. I've never had any bad reactions to it at all.

Thanks Janet. Also got your note I'll send you an email later on tonight or tomorrow. Thanks. E. And, thanks to all with their replies. I have to go for blood work and some tests tomorow but right after I get it done I'll start taking the Avapro. Thanks again. E.