Announcements
Pressures not falling in the less than 120/80 range? See our High Blood Pressure Health Center for information about symptoms and treatment.
To learn more about how lifestyle changes can help manage and prevent symptoms:
Exercise and High Blood Pressure
Healthy Diet - Salt Shockers and Dash Diet
To learn more about how lifestyle changes can help manage and prevent symptoms:
Exercise and High Blood Pressure
Healthy Diet - Salt Shockers and Dash Diet
Diagnosed 5 days ago :(
mardibess posted:
I had excellent Blood Pressure 1 month ago! I am a 53 year old female, overweight, borderline cholesterol and pre-diabetes(under control). I take my blood pressure a couple of times a month. Usually 117/79 or so with a pulse in the 70's. I randomly took my blood pressure on 11/22/11 and it was 155/105. I panicked and called my doctor. I went in for a BP check and it ws 141/96. My gosh. What happened. I have had a lot of stress in my life with problems with my aging parents and haven't exercised much in the last 6 months besides yoga. I am so scared! I went to the doctor the following day and was placed on BP med Lisonopril 20mg a day. My blood pressure is spiking all over the place. Had a high of 180/106 a couple of days ago. I am getting a racing heartbeat and what feels like palpitations at times. I think it's because I am so scared and the anxiety and stress of all this is causing the pressure to remain high. I haven't seen a difference in my BP since being on the meds, but it's only been 5 days. I have been walking 2 miles everyday and have radically changed my diet. I have lost 4 pounds in 5 days. I am calling the doctor again on Monday. I am trying to calm down, but then I start thinking about why this happened and my heart starts racing and the BP goes up drastically again. I am only getting a BP read in the mornings now because when I do it constantly throughout the day the increase in pressure just causes me to panic more. Shouldn't this medication be working by now? Any advice or help would be much appreciated, believe me! I have read through almost all the postings and they have been a big help. I fell like I am having a heart attack sometimes by chest pounds so much. Lasts about 10 minutes, then is gone. Has happened maybe 3 times in 5 days. Please share similar stories with me. Thank you so much
8 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Diagnosed 5 days ago :(I had excellent Blood Pressure 1 month ago! I am a 53 year old female, overweight, borderline cholesterol and pre-diabetes(under control). I take my blood pressure a couple of times a month. Usually 117/79 or so with a pulse in the 70's. I randomly took my blood pressure on 11/22/11 and it was 155/105. I panicked and called my doctor. I went in for a BP check and it ws 141/96. My gosh. What happened. I have had a lot of stress in my life with problems with my aging parents and haven't exercised much in the last 6 months besides yoga. I am so scared! I went to the doctor the following day and was placed on BP med Lisonopril 20mg a day. My blood pressure is spiking all over the place. Had a high of 180/106 a couple of days ago. I am getting a racing heartbeat and what feels like palpitations at times. I think it's because I am so scared and the anxiety and stress of all this is causing the pressure to remain high. I haven't seen a difference in my BP since being on the meds, but it's only been 5 days. I have been walking 2 miles everyday and have radically changed my diet. I have lost 4 pounds in 5 days. I am calling the doctor again on Monday. I am trying to calm down, but then I start thinking about why this happened and my heart starts racing and the BP goes up drastically again. I am only getting a BP read in the mornings now because when I do it constantly throughout the day the increase in pressure just causes me to panic more. Shouldn't this medication be working by now? Any advice or help would be much appreciated, believe me! I have read through almost all the postings and they have been a big help. I fell like I am having a heart attack sometimes by chest pounds so much. Lasts about 10 minutes, then is gone. Has happened maybe 3 times in 5 days. Please share similar stories with me. Thank you so much
BillH99 responded:
It is hard to say. Anxiety can cause all of those symptoms. Both the pounding/racing heart beat and the high BP.
In general monitoring your BP at home is a good thing. But as you realize, in your case, it is causing your more anxiety. I suggest that you don't take your BP again until the morning of your next appointment.
And in the meantime while walking work on your deep breathing. Or concentrate on things like how many different trees or birds that you see. Or look at the patterns in the sidewalk. All of those things like help break the anxiety cycle.
but then I start thinking about why this happened and my heart starts racing and the BP goes up drastically again.
You need to work at breaking the cycle. Anytime that you feel it starting do some thing to distract your mind. Start doing yoga or go through the multiplication tables.
Now these symptoms can be caused by other things. So do call the doctor Monday.
Shouldn't this medication be working by now?
It takes about 2-3 weeks for it to reach max effect.
And from my experience it takes a couple of weeks before you start seeing a reduction in BP from exercise or weight lose.
In general monitoring your BP at home is a good thing. But as you realize, in your case, it is causing your more anxiety. I suggest that you don't take your BP again until the morning of your next appointment.
And in the meantime while walking work on your deep breathing. Or concentrate on things like how many different trees or birds that you see. Or look at the patterns in the sidewalk. All of those things like help break the anxiety cycle.
but then I start thinking about why this happened and my heart starts racing and the BP goes up drastically again.
You need to work at breaking the cycle. Anytime that you feel it starting do some thing to distract your mind. Start doing yoga or go through the multiplication tables.
Now these symptoms can be caused by other things. So do call the doctor Monday.
Shouldn't this medication be working by now?
It takes about 2-3 weeks for it to reach max effect.
And from my experience it takes a couple of weeks before you start seeing a reduction in BP from exercise or weight lose.
Report This| Share this:Diagnosed 5 days ago :(It is hard to say. Anxiety can cause all of those symptoms. Both the pounding/racing heart beat and the high BP.<br /><br />In general monitoring your BP at home is a good thing. But as you realize, in your case, it is causing your more anxiety. I suggest that you don't take your BP again until the morning of your next appointment.<br /><br />And in the meantime while walking work on your deep breathing. Or concentrate on things like how many different trees or birds that you see. Or look at the patterns in the sidewalk. All of those things like help break the anxiety cycle.<br /><br /> <i><b>but then I start thinking about why this happened and my heart starts racing and the BP goes up drastically again.</b></i><br /><br />You need to work at breaking the cycle. Anytime that you feel it starting do some thing to distract your mind. Start doing yoga or go through the multiplication tables.<br /><br />Now these symptoms can be caused by other things. So do call the doctor Monday.<br /><br /> <i><b>Shouldn't this medication be working by now?</b></i><br /><br />It takes about 2-3 weeks for it to reach max effect. <br /><br />And from my experience it takes a couple of weeks before you start seeing a reduction in BP from exercise or weight lose.
I've been on BP med for a couple of years and I STILL had an incident (due to stress) where for a couple of days my bp went to about 160-165/100 - fluctuating crazily. Went to urgent care and they double my bp med but once the stressful situation passed bp almost normal now.
First, DO NOT CHANGE MED DOSAGE WITHOUT PERMISSION OF DOCTOR. YOu have to get the stress under control though. It may be difficult but you really dont have any choice. DIET (and possibly cholesterol-lowering med) will get the cholesterol under control. I went from 227 to 185 to 172. (the trick will be to come OFF the RX and maintain my cholesterol).
BTW, if you develop a cough, it may well be from the Lisinopril. it is a well-known side effect. I had to get my Rx changed. Seems that, at least for me, all Bp meds cause some degree of dry cough.
As always, your doctor is your best source for medical information. Never go strictly by what people report here. Most of us are relating our personal experiences. Also your pharmacist is a good source for information relating to your meds.
First, DO NOT CHANGE MED DOSAGE WITHOUT PERMISSION OF DOCTOR. YOu have to get the stress under control though. It may be difficult but you really dont have any choice. DIET (and possibly cholesterol-lowering med) will get the cholesterol under control. I went from 227 to 185 to 172. (the trick will be to come OFF the RX and maintain my cholesterol).
BTW, if you develop a cough, it may well be from the Lisinopril. it is a well-known side effect. I had to get my Rx changed. Seems that, at least for me, all Bp meds cause some degree of dry cough.
As always, your doctor is your best source for medical information. Never go strictly by what people report here. Most of us are relating our personal experiences. Also your pharmacist is a good source for information relating to your meds.
Report This| Share this:Diagnosed 5 days ago :(I've been on BP med for a couple of years and I STILL had an incident (due to stress) where for a couple of days my bp went to about 160-165/100 - fluctuating crazily. Went to urgent care and they double my bp med but once the stressful situation passed bp almost normal now.<br /><br />First, DO NOT CHANGE MED DOSAGE WITHOUT PERMISSION OF DOCTOR. YOu have to get the stress under control though. It may be difficult but you really dont have any choice. DIET (and possibly cholesterol-lowering med) will get the cholesterol under control. I went from 227 to 185 to 172. (the trick will be to come OFF the RX and maintain my cholesterol).<br /><br />BTW, if you develop a cough, it may well be from the Lisinopril. it is a well-known side effect. I had to get my Rx changed. Seems that, at least for me, all Bp meds cause some degree of dry cough.<br /><br />As always, your doctor is your best source for medical information. Never go strictly by what people report here. Most of us are relating our personal experiences. Also your pharmacist is a good source for information relating to your meds.
Thank you for your helpful comments. I am actually taking 10mg of Lisonopril. My blood pressure this morning was 133/93. Better. I am going to the doctor today to get rechecked and discuss my anxiety, etc. I am looking forward to the day when this is all just a bad memory! Thanks again. I will post again after the doctors appt. By the way, I didn't take my BP last night. I just relaxed and kept my mind on other things. Felt better. Don't know if the blood pressure was lower, but I at least felt better.
Report This| Share this:Diagnosed 5 days ago :(Thank you for your helpful comments. I am actually taking 10mg of Lisonopril. My blood pressure this morning was 133/93. Better. I am going to the doctor today to get rechecked and discuss my anxiety, etc. I am looking forward to the day when this is all just a bad memory! Thanks again. I will post again after the doctors appt. By the way, I didn't take my BP last night. I just relaxed and kept my mind on other things. Felt better. Don't know if the blood pressure was lower, but I at least felt better.
I got compulsive and started taking my BP ten times a day. Worrying about it caused stress that made it jump. I'm a lot better off taking my meds as prescribed, and limiting to taking in once or twice a day. If once, then I do it mid afternoon. BP is usually high for everyone in the morning.
It took some talking but finally my doctor prescribed an anti-anxiety med. Apparently she was worried I'd get dependent on it. Although I take (as needed) a very low dose just having it if I need it reduced my anxiety. She prescribed a low dose which should last me three months. At four months plus...I still had a lot left.
There is a big gray area between being concerned about your health, and being obsessed and anxious. Controlling high BP is a lifelong commitment so give the meds some time to work.
I was having a hard time keeping mine below 120/xx (bottom number is seldom high) and decided that at my age (66) that I did not want to be over-medicated to achieve that goal, that 140/xx was going to be good enough. Oddly enough, when I stopped worrying about making that 120 goal, I did.
All drugs have effects, some intended, and some 'side' effects. There are side effects I'm willing to live with, and those I'm not. I have a 35% chance of dying of heart disease or stroke, and a 65% chance of dying of anything else including cancer...but I have a 100% chance of dying.
So I focus on living.
It took some talking but finally my doctor prescribed an anti-anxiety med. Apparently she was worried I'd get dependent on it. Although I take (as needed) a very low dose just having it if I need it reduced my anxiety. She prescribed a low dose which should last me three months. At four months plus...I still had a lot left.
There is a big gray area between being concerned about your health, and being obsessed and anxious. Controlling high BP is a lifelong commitment so give the meds some time to work.
I was having a hard time keeping mine below 120/xx (bottom number is seldom high) and decided that at my age (66) that I did not want to be over-medicated to achieve that goal, that 140/xx was going to be good enough. Oddly enough, when I stopped worrying about making that 120 goal, I did.
All drugs have effects, some intended, and some 'side' effects. There are side effects I'm willing to live with, and those I'm not. I have a 35% chance of dying of heart disease or stroke, and a 65% chance of dying of anything else including cancer...but I have a 100% chance of dying.
So I focus on living.
Report This| Share this:Diagnosed 5 days ago :(I got compulsive and started taking my BP ten times a day. Worrying about it caused stress that made it jump. I'm a lot better off taking my meds as prescribed, and limiting to taking in once or twice a day. If once, then I do it mid afternoon. BP is usually high for everyone in the morning. <br /><br />It took some talking but finally my doctor prescribed an anti-anxiety med. Apparently she was worried I'd get dependent on it. Although I take (as needed) a very low dose just having it if I need it reduced my anxiety. She prescribed a low dose which should last me three months. At four months plus...I still had a lot left. <br /><br />There is a big gray area between being concerned about your health, and being obsessed and anxious. Controlling high BP is a lifelong commitment so give the meds some time to work. <br /><br />I was having a hard time keeping mine below 120/xx (bottom number is seldom high) and decided that at my age (66) that I did not want to be over-medicated to achieve that goal, that 140/xx was going to be good enough. Oddly enough, when I stopped worrying about making that 120 goal, I did. <br /><br />All drugs have effects, some intended, and some 'side' effects. There are side effects I'm willing to live with, and those I'm not. I have a 35% chance of dying of heart disease or stroke, and a 65% chance of dying of anything else including cancer...but I have a 100% chance of dying. <br />So I focus on living.
You are so right. I think my elevated numbers had a lot to do with anxiety. I started exercising right away and started losing weight. Almost 3 weeks in to this diagnoses I have lost 13 pounds and my blood pressure is averaging about 142/90 something. It's still higher than it should be. I go back to the doctor in a month to re-evaluate my meds. I take 20mg Lisonpril a day with no side effects. I exercise every day of the week. 4 days of this at the gym. The other times long 2 miles walks or Yoga once a week. I'm doing all I can to fight this disease and get it as close to normal as possible. I'm not stressing about it anymore. I take Blood Pressure lowering supplements too. I started a new one called Levodyn. I don't know if it works yet. I have read mixed reviews. We shall see. My pressure has dropped significantly from the beginning, especially the top number. The lower number has dropped approximately 10 points. Not bad in 3 weeks time. I appreciate everyones comments. I have read a lot of information which has helped me understand what hypertension is all about. I knew nothing at the beginning which added to my anxiety. I will keep posting as things change. thanks again.
Report This| Share this:Diagnosed 5 days ago :(You are so right. I think my elevated numbers had a lot to do with anxiety. I started exercising right away and started losing weight. Almost 3 weeks in to this diagnoses I have lost 13 pounds and my blood pressure is averaging about 142/90 something. It's still higher than it should be. I go back to the doctor in a month to re-evaluate my meds. I take 20mg Lisonpril a day with no side effects. I exercise every day of the week. 4 days of this at the gym. The other times long 2 miles walks or Yoga once a week. I'm doing all I can to fight this disease and get it as close to normal as possible. I'm not stressing about it anymore. I take Blood Pressure lowering supplements too. I started a new one called Levodyn. I don't know if it works yet. I have read mixed reviews. We shall see. My pressure has dropped significantly from the beginning, especially the top number. The lower number has dropped approximately 10 points. Not bad in 3 weeks time. I appreciate everyones comments. I have read a lot of information which has helped me understand what hypertension is all about. I knew nothing at the beginning which added to my anxiety. I will keep posting as things change. thanks again.
So it is now April Let's see whats new. I am on 40mg or Lisinopril now and 25 mgs. of diuretic. My BP seems to go down nicely for about a month and then starts to get higher again. This morning my first check was 136/92. After waiting a few minutes and doing my breathing it was down to 118/83. I have a lost a total of 23 pounds so far. Still exercising and still watching what I eat. Yesterday morning my BP was 152/103. So there seems to be a big variance at times. I was semi stressing about things yesterday when i took it. This morning the sun is shining and I am very calm. So breathing, staying relaxed, calm and stress free makes a big difference in the BP. I go back to the doctor in a month to re-evaluate the medicines effectiveness. She may just change it, as it seems pretty high at times, but who knows. She also has indicated she wants me to continue to exercise and lose weight. I hope everyone is doing well. I will be in touch.
Report This| Share this:Diagnosed 5 days ago :(So it is now April Let's see whats new. I am on 40mg or Lisinopril now and 25 mgs. of diuretic. My BP seems to go down nicely for about a month and then starts to get higher again. This morning my first check was 136/92. After waiting a few minutes and doing my breathing it was down to 118/83. I have a lost a total of 23 pounds so far. Still exercising and still watching what I eat. Yesterday morning my BP was 152/103. So there seems to be a big variance at times. I was semi stressing about things yesterday when i took it. This morning the sun is shining and I am very calm. So breathing, staying relaxed, calm and stress free makes a big difference in the BP. I go back to the doctor in a month to re-evaluate the medicines effectiveness. She may just change it, as it seems pretty high at times, but who knows. She also has indicated she wants me to continue to exercise and lose weight. I hope everyone is doing well. I will be in touch.
Sounds like you are doing fairly well.
In addition to the deep breathing and yoga there are other relaxation exercises that you might want to try.
One place to look is book The Relaxation Response by Herbert Benson.
Also the general recommendation is that you take at least one of your BP meds at night.
But if you are using a combo pill with the diuretic in with the lisinopril you don't want to take that at night.
Any diuretic at night will keep you up going to the bathroom.
In addition to the deep breathing and yoga there are other relaxation exercises that you might want to try.
One place to look is book The Relaxation Response by Herbert Benson.
Also the general recommendation is that you take at least one of your BP meds at night.
But if you are using a combo pill with the diuretic in with the lisinopril you don't want to take that at night.
Any diuretic at night will keep you up going to the bathroom.
Report This| Share this:Diagnosed 5 days ago :(Sounds like you are doing fairly well.<br />In addition to the deep breathing and yoga there are other relaxation exercises that you might want to try.<br /><br />One place to look is book <i>The Relaxation Response</i> by Herbert Benson.<br /><br />Also the general recommendation is that you take at least one of your BP meds at night.<br /><br />But if you are using a combo pill with the diuretic in with the lisinopril you don't want to take that at night.<br /><br />Any diuretic at night will keep you up going to the bathroom.
thanks for the info Bill. I will check it out. I take the diuretic in the morning and the lisinopril at night. No problems with up all night, or at least any more than usual. I have always liked drinking water and drink a lot during the day. I need to lose more weight. I have been overweight all my life. I have about 30 pounds to go before I hit my ideal weight. Not too bad. Hopefullly that will bring the pressure down too. Stress is the big factor with me having aging parents who arent in the best of health. I'm doing all I can and will be patient with the rest. Thats all you can do. Thanks again Bill.
Report This| Share this:Diagnosed 5 days ago :(thanks for the info Bill. I will check it out. I take the diuretic in the morning and the lisinopril at night. No problems with up all night, or at least any more than usual. I have always liked drinking water and drink a lot during the day. I need to lose more weight. I have been overweight all my life. I have about 30 pounds to go before I hit my ideal weight. Not too bad. Hopefullly that will bring the pressure down too. Stress is the big factor with me having aging parents who arent in the best of health. I'm doing all I can and will be patient with the rest. Thats all you can do. Thanks again Bill.
Helpful Tips
Sleep Apnea and Uncontrolled hypertension
Greetings!! I have had about all the symptoms, testing that you all are talking about. Go to a good Sleep /Pulmonary Physician because ... More
Was this Helpful?
2
of
2 found this helpful
Helpful Resources
Related News
Related Drug Reviews
- Drug Name User Reviews
Report Problems to the
Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
For more information, visit the Duke Health General and Consultative Heart Care Center
Other Hypertension Information
More Related Communities
The opinions expressed in WebMD User-generated content areas like communities, reviews, ratings, or blogs are solely those of the User, who may or may not have medical or scientific training. These opinions do not represent the opinions of WebMD. User-generated content areas are not reviewed by a WebMD physician or any member of the WebMD editorial staff for accuracy, balance, objectivity, or any other reason except for compliance with our Terms and Conditions. Some of these opinions may contain information about treatments or uses of drug products that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment.
Do not consider WebMD User-generated content as medical advice. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your care plan or treatment. WebMD understands that reading individual, real-life experiences can be a helpful resource, but it is never a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified health care provider. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or dial 911 immediately.
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
About WebMD Advertise With Us Terms of Use Privacy Policy Sponsor Policy Site Map Careers Contact Us
First Aid WebMD Magazine WebMD Health Record WebMD Mobile Newsletters Dictionary Physician Directory
©2005-2013 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.