I am struggling with Blood Pressure Medications. I am a Type 1 Diabetic, have Afib, and Blood Pressure Medications are either intolerable for me or not working.
I recently had a Retina Hemorrhage and the doctor determined it was caused by both Diabetes and High Blood Pressure.
Even the lowest doses of medications cause intolerable symptoms. I went on a search for how to get my blood pressure under control and tolerate the medications.
I have been prescribed, at the lowest doses, the following:
Lisinopril
Amlodipine
Bumetanide
All of these medications cause me to feel dizzy, lethargic, tired, feel faint. They cause my readings to either be too high, or they cause sudden drops which are too low for me to function.
We decided to try a different approach. My newest trial is a combination of HCTZ and Valsartan. This is my third day and I feel drunk. Last night I had a low blood pressure event, my oxygen dropped to 68, then rebounded to 86, and finally 96. The good news is my blood sugar is better, my blood pressure is a better control consistency. The bad news is that I am dizzy, my legs feel like they weigh a ton, my body movements are jerky.
I have no idea about interactions with any medical issues or medications you are already on…
The natural formulas will not be as strong, but several companies have natural formulas.
Michaels Blood Pressure Factures
Kyolic Blood pressure Formula or Circulation Formula
Kal BP Defense
Magnesium, L-Arginine, garlic, kava, potassium plus others
Also popular is the things that help clean out the veins that can cause high blood pressure, garlic, lecithin, vinegar, avocados. But there is some good research on Vitamin K2.helping stop calcification of the veins.
But be careful with interactions with any medications you are on or medical conditions you have.
Generally Blood Pressure medications used fall into groups
This is the best list I know of and it’s possible that you might discuss trying a different category with your doctor?
Diuretics can cause lack of potassium, did you try to take potassium or is potassium contraindicated with you
Calcium Channel, kind of a brief description, they block calcium which contracts the heart muscle, Sometimes people can use magnesium that helps them relax Natural Vitality Calms is a popular product
Do you have a home blood pressure monitor? Can get reasonably priced at pharmacy or Amazon. Target is 120/80 or slightly lower. Too low= feel like crap, dizzy, lightheaded. Too high= well, you know. Complications!!
I think that people like us need to aim for lowest tolerable BP.
Daily ACE inhibitors like Coversyl or an ARB for everyone with IDDM for renal, retinal, cardiac protection, unless very good reason not to. Second line is calcium channel blockers.
Thanks to each of you for your input. I am aware of the warnings and complications each of you expressed. Looks like we are all in the same boat.
I was hoping someone had a miracle breakthrough that worked for them. It seems that our choices are slim to none. We can have control only if we can tolerate the side effects.
With my current cocktail; I have great blood pressure readings, my diabetes is much improved and it was already controlled, my Afib is minimal. But I feel drunk, sluggish, short of breath, feel like I am moving in slow motion. I can’t live like this.
Thankfully; I have a doctor who is willing to keep trying to find the right mix. Now we go to plan B.
Wishing better control for all of us and without complications.
