One other newbie question --

I went on Altace about 5 months ago when my BP first went up (the little orange one). It worked great for awhile, then suddenly my BP went back up again last week. My doc doubled the dosage, and within three days, it was back down.

I was relieved -- but today it jumped back up and feels like a major step backward. Could I be developing a resistance to Altace?

Thanks for any input -- I'm really confused!

Jeff

People DO develop a resistance to ACE inhibitors as the body uses other chemical routes to make angiotensin-2.
Coinicidentally enough, it often begins to get serious at about the 6 month mark.

If you DO go off, make sure you wean because without the Altace, you will have several mechanisms operating to raise your BP.

You will probably want to try an ARB next.

Thanks very much for the info. I'm not sure what an ARB is. Which one would you recommend I talk to my doctor about?

Jeff

People seem to do the best with Diovan, but I've only taken Cozaar, which isn't very good but I have LOTS:D:D.
They all cost about the same so talk up the Diovan with your doctor. Perhaps Diovan-HCT which has an additional thaiazide diuretic component is the best route.

Hi Jeff,
I take Altace too and I have found out that initially upon starting an ACEI the BP will go way down but will climb up some a few days later. Maybe you need to go up to 10mgs or maybe just add a diuretic.
Personally I think the ACEIs are much stronger BP drugs than the ARBs. Only problem - some folks get a nasty cough with an ACEI - I never did.
The best results I ever got from an ARB class was Benicar.
Cass