Hi all, I am currently taking 12.5 mg HCTZ per day, I have been on it for about a year now, and none of my doc;s have suggested labs to test for potassium or anything else. Lately, Ive noticed an increase in my pvcs/pacs they are harder and more often. Also, for the last 6 months Ive had TERRIBLE (what I thought was) eczema. I mean so itchy Im bruising myself. Ive always had eczema, just not this bad, but now Im starting to wonder if its the HCTZ. I also take propranolol(Inderal) for an irregular heartrate. Im going in on my own to the lab tomorrow to get a potassium test. I need the real skinny, on HCTZ, Im hearing all kinds of things. Any advice or suggestions..? By the way, my BP is great 115/73..
Thanks for your time!:)

mom,

Make sure you get a sodium reading as well. It is very important.

Hi,
First thing, I would do is see another doctor. A doctor who hasn't taken lab tests in a year, when you're on medications is unexcusable. By the way, I don't think you can go on your own, the tests must be ordered by a doctor.
If they do allow it, the tests are expensive and you will pay out of pocket.

I am also on the same HCTZ you're on, 12.5 mg. and my doctor takes tests every 6 months.

I also get tested every 6 months, especially since I take Lipitor (cholesterol)

mom,

With a BP controlled to 115/73 with ONLY 12.5 mg. HCTZ, I think it is quite possible that you can get a good enough BP levels without ANY drugs.

I'm assuming that the HCTZ is the ONLY thing you are taking.

Hi all, I am currently taking 12.5 mg HCTZ per day, I have been on it for about a year now, and none of my doc;s have suggested labs to test for potassium or anything else. Lately, Ive noticed an increase in my pvcs/pacs they are harder and more often. Also, for the last 6 months Ive had TERRIBLE (what I thought was) eczema. I mean so itchy Im bruising myself. Ive always had eczema, just not this bad, but now Im starting to wonder if its the HCTZ. I also take propranolol(Inderal) for an irregular heartrate. Im going in on my own to the lab tomorrow to get a potassium test. I need the real skinny, on HCTZ, Im hearing all kinds of things. Any advice or suggestions..? By the way, my BP is great 115/73..
Thanks for your time!:)
No doubt about it. Low potassium will cause PVCs. mine was only down to 3.5 and my heart was jumping around all over the place. Another thing, if you are taking a bata blocker as well, it WILL mask the low potassium symptoms. I would get a blood test ASAP