k, I'm going to the dr soon not sure what the next steps will be.

A little background. Family history- mom and grandmother died of stroke due to HBP (first major strokes around age 50 died by 65) I've tried as a young woman to keep it in check and never had a BP till age 35(and 3 kids) then it started to climb. B.c of my history when it consistently climbed and was heading to 150/85-90 on a regular basis the dr put me on a low dose of Toprol (25 mg)I think she started it on 10 mg and upped it at some point) It seemed to do a good job for a while. Now I've noticed it climbing up to the 160/85 range and yesterday it was 148/98.

My background is age 40, slightly overweight, do not drink or smoke (something I thought was one of my moms contritution to her HBP maybe not) I don't totally restrict sodium but I am not a high sodium eater.

Luckily (or unluckily) I do get headaches with my HBP so I am vividly aware how out of control it is right now as i almost always have a headache these days. And its scary walking around on meds, taking relatively good care of myself, and knowing i'm quickly heading towards 50 the age at which all woman in my family lose their battle with HBP.And no one understands that stress.

Any thoughts on what she'll do. I was trying to keep taking the diretic part till later- I've heard sometimes its worse for you than the HBP.

Shelby,

You are ahead of the game by asking the questions now and thinking ahead...that's smart!

First off, don't rule out the diuretic so fast. It's a wonder drug for many. The important thing is to read up on the diuretic (or any other drug) the doctor wants to prescribe, BEFORE you get the prescription filled. That way, you can see if there may be some reason you shouldn't take the drug (family history of gout, diabetes, breathing problems for example). Doctors sometimes don't take into account all of the warnings when prescribing these meds. Secondly, find out what laboratory work needs to be done to monitor your health and make sure you have the necessary lab work done on a timely basis. Thirdly, be aware of any changes in your thinking, moods, sleeping, overall well being. And question everything your physician tells you...they are not gods, and they can't possibly know everything.

The second thought I have is that some other condition may be triggering the headaches and high blood pressure...if I were in your shoes, I'd do some reading on secondary hypertension, what the symptoms are, what tests are needed, etc.

Good luck and good health!

Bethsehba

I agree with bethsheba on this, diuretic is one of the least side effect drugs out there. I unfortunately was one of those who reacted to it. I'm in the very small minority that does.

That being said, you're on a very, very low dose of Toprol at 25mg. Normal starting point for ToprolXL is 50mg. Ask your doctor whether or not a higher dose would give you better control but be okay on the side-effect front. You definitely want to be below 140/90 on a consistent basis.

If after trying a higher dose of Toprol and that doesn't work there's a whole host of different meds to try. Eventually you'll find something that works really well.

I was at 165/110 and took almost a year to find the right mix of med that works for me. Happy 125/75. :)

Don't give up yet! Trust me.

interesting. What would be the side effects with the diabetes? I don't have it but my father (onset age 5) my brother (onset age 21) and nephew (onset age 22) all have(Dad past tense) juvenile insulin dependent diabetes. Shoould that history be a concern when choosing a treatment plan.

And thank you for the pat on the back. i am bound and determined not to end up like my mom and gm. I was hoping that their lack of medical care over the years coupled with the alcoholism and heavy smoking was the culprit and I stupidly assumed that if I didn't drink or smoke and went to the dr annually I would break that cycle. I hope I can.

I agree with bethsheba on this, diuretic is one of the least side effect drugs out there. I unfortunately was one of those who reacted to it. I'm in the very small minority that does.

I was at 165/110 and took almost a year to find the right mix of med that works for me. Happy 125/75. :)



Violet,

I'm sorry to hear that you had a bad experience with the diuretic...and personally, I don't think you are in a minority. I think many people have problems, and their doctors don't recogognize or deny there are problems. It sounds like your doctor isn't in that category and I am very happy that your pressures are GREAT!!

Bethsheba

... What would be the side effects with the diabetes? I don't have it but my father (onset age 5) my brother (onset age 21) and nephew (onset age 22) all have(Dad past tense) juvenile insulin dependent diabetes. Shoould that history be a concern when choosing a treatment plan.

I personally would be very concerned about the history of diabetes in your family and taking a diuretic. Diuretics, or at least hydrochlorothiazide can elevate blood sugars or mask diabetes. And although you don't have diabetes, side effects can be magnified if you are susceptible. For example, I had lots of respiratory problems on hct (and ended up with 2 different meds for breathing AND an inhalor) only to read afterwards that someone who has asthma shouldn't take hct. I don't consider myself having asthma, but I have one of two respiratory attacks a year. However, on hct, it was a daily/nightly event. Again, you can save yourself alot of pain and a lot of money by reading about the med BEFORE you fill the prescription.

And thank you for the pat on the back. i am bound and determined not to end up like my mom and gm. I was hoping that their lack of medical care over the years coupled with the alcoholism and heavy smoking was the culprit and I stupidly assumed that if I didn't drink or smoke and went to the dr annually I would break that cycle. I hope I can.

Shelby, you deserve more than a pat on the back if you grew up in a household with alcohol consumption and heavy smoking, and you don't drink or smoke!!! You are absolutely AMAZING, and you need to give yourself more than a pat on the back for credit. You apparently don't realize how very, very smart you were to give up those vices. Alcohol abuse and smoking are significant factors in maintaining blood pressure and you're in a much better place not having to deal with those issues...they can easily elevate pressures 10-20 points!

And by the way, I am very confident that you can break the cycle...in a way, you already have.

Take care, Shelby.

Bethsheba