DEAR DR. GOTT: I find your articles informative and filled with common sense. I am a 69-year-old woman, 5 feet, 3 inches and 120 pounds. My blood pressure is high-normal. Otherwise, I am healthy.
My physician put me on lisinopril/HCTZ and a few months later added metoprolol XL. He later added amlodipine. Each was one tablet daily.
I began to have hot flashes and then felt cold. My stomach was upset, and I was very tired. So I started skipping the medicines and take none of them now. I walk a lot and feel much better. I realize high blood pressure is dangerous, but what about side effects, if that’s why I felt so bad? My blood pressure is about 160/75. I have a home blood-pressure cuff to monitor things.
What is your opinion of trying to control my own blood pressure without the meds?
DEAR READER: Unfortunately, you failed to include your blood-pressure readings while you were on one, then two, then three medications. That information would certainly tell the story and would give me my answer.
To begin with, your lisinopril/HCTZ is an ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitor that helps lower your blood pressure and acts as a diuretic. The diuretic prevents the body from absorbing too much salt, which can lead to fluid retention.
The metoprolol XL treats hypertension and also acts as a long-term treatment for angina and stable heart failure of cardiomyopathic, ischemic or hypertensive origin.
The amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker that dilates blood vessels, lowers your heart rate, and increases the flow of blood to the heart. It is prescribed for hypertension, angina and high-cholesterol levels.
I cannot determine if your physician has found the right combination for lowering your blood pressure by combining all three or if there may be other underlying conditions requiring treatment. Were I in your shoes, I would speak with my physician for an answer and be guided accordingly. If the only issue is hypertension and you have substantially reduced your readings without the help of medication, I endorse the plan. Exercise, a healthful diet and stress reduction perhaps through water aerobics, massage, yoga or tai chi can go a long way toward that goal and you appear to be well on your way to a healthier existence.
To provide related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Hypertension.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 check or money order to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092-0167. Be sure to mention the title or print an order form off my website at www.AskDrGottMD.com.
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