My readings have been dancing around 155/100 for about a year (I am a 55 yr old female). I keep switching medications, from Altace, to a beta blocker, to a calcium blocker (that made me terribly constipated)and now back to a beta blocker. Initially this medication seemed to be helping. The readings went to 140/88. But now I see the readings going up again, plus my bpm has dropped to 56 resting. Is this low pulse a concern? I do feel a little light-headed, but it could be anxiety. My doctor keeps changing meds and telling me to come back in 3 months for a check. Should I be seen more often?

Altace was the worst med. that I have even been on, but everyone is different. My pulse has come down to those levels as well on meds. I have also quit drinking during the week & it has made a big difference.

Hi judym:
Three months between visits seems to be the norm because it often takes that long to see any appreciable effects of the med on BP. I don't understand the constant med changes, though. Usually, they start you off with say a beta blocker (and maybe a diuretic), increase the dosage if BP still isn't reduced, and add a drug from a different class only when the original med doesn't seem to do the trick. They switch meds immediately if you experience side-effects. Switching constantly seems a bit chaotic to me.

Thanks for the responses. I feel somewhat better to know that a pulse rate of 56 is not so unusual. One more quetion. Is that a common reaction and/or the intented purpose of beta blockers? Do those of you with fluctuating blood pressure ever get flushed..like really red faced-- when your bp gets goes up? I have been in situations that really are not stressful or embarrising, and yet I turn red as a beet. My guess is that if I could take my bp then, it would be quite elevated.

Hi judym:
Heart rate does slow down while on beta blockers, and this is expected (heart doesn't have to work as hard). Not sure about the "flushing". If you're of an age, it might possibly be related to hormonal changes.

Judy-
A three month check up at the doctor is okay once your BP has stabilized and the drugs seem to be working without side effects.

But if your are not feeling great and your #s are not stable, then your doctor, ESPECIALLY when starting you out on a NEW med or different doage should be asking you to return within a couple of weeks, rather than waiting months. If the new med isn't "taking" it seems negligent for your doc not to know for three months! (The beta blockers particularly, usually kick in within a week). Some other drugs may take a bit longer. But no matter which drug, 4 weeks MAX should be enough time to guage whether you are on the right track.

Not sure about the flushing, except that it can be a side effect of the calcium channel blockers, which you say you are not taking anymore. It is NOT a side effect of beta blockers, except I have read that in some people alcohol in conjunction w/ betas can cause flushing. Otherwise, it shouldn't be a problem as far as the drug is concerned. What does your doctor say about it?

zuzu xx



[This message has been edited by zuzu8 (edited 09-26-2003).]