Cold Turkey Effects - High & Low Blood Pressure Message Board

*Paul · 08-23-2004, 01:59 AM

It's weird i went of 50Mg Atenolol and my BP rose to 158/95, which was really what i was reading pre-meds. But seems to have stabilised, i am averaging 135/88 at the moment, i am still reaching readings of 158/95 but it seems more usually now to be 135/88. Its odd because these are figures i was getting whilst on the meds and the doc was happy with. To be honest the only real difference is that on meds i never managed a peak reading over 147/85, but now my max value has increased. My averages don't seem to bad to me though, prehypertension (high normal) doesn't seem a reason to go back on meds?? Any views would be appreciated.

Paul

Machaon · 08-23-2004, 05:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by *Paul

It's weird i went off 50Mg Atenolol and my BP rose to 158/95, which was really what i was reading pre-meds. But seems to have stabilised, i am averaging 135/88 at the moment, i am still reaching readings of 158/95 but it seems more usually now to be 135/88.

Depending upon how long you were on the medicine, it can take the body quite a while to readjust to being off the medicine. You might consider continuing to track the changes to your blood pressure, or heart rhythm, over the next few weeks.

*Paul · 08-23-2004, 06:18 AM

Beerzoids,

I have been on Atenolol since November last year. I seem to be tracking my BP readings frequently purely because of my curiousity if the effects coming of the meds are having. I just feel my doc will make a rush decision as i am due to see him tomorrow to review my BP and discuss other BP meds. Well as present i don't feel i know anything conclusive to tell me (or perhaps him) whether or not i should be on meds. With reading around 158/95 this is what put me on meds in the first place. But when i was on the meds my doc was happy with anything below 140/85, some of the readings at present are around this figure but others far higher. So confused, can a sensible decision really be made with fluctuating readings like these.

Paul

Machaon · 08-23-2004, 07:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by *Paul

So confused, can a sensible decision really be made with fluctuating readings like these.

Paul

Six years ago my blood pressure started to soar, even though I was on several BP meds. I was getting reading around 180/120. With readings that high, my heart was beating fast and weakly, and I was feeling quite ill. I started taking readings and keeping records. I've now got about 14,000 readings, and I've found some patterns to the cause of my high blood pressure, and I've been able to significantly lower my blood pressure with much less medicine. BP can vary considerably during the day, but if it is under control, it will vary within a safe range.

I've found that different seasons of the year have an effect on my BP. I've found out that during high pollen/high pollution days, my BP will be higher.

Anything with caffeine will cause a rise in blood pressure, especially chocolate which has other heart irritants besides caffeine. Sometimes, the effects of a caffeine product, such as coffee, tea, soda or chocolate, can effect the BP for more than one day.

I have found that certain allergens or irritants will cause my BP to go higher and remain higher for a few days. Thus, even if I avoid chemicals, allergens, irritants that effect my blood pressure, I may not see a decrease in my BP for a few days. During those "withdrawal" days, if I come into contact with another BP irritant, then I won't see a decrease in my BP. This makes it very difficult to associate the causes of higher blood pressure to actual BP problems.

My blood pressure and heart rhythm problems significantly changed when I stopped using fabric softeners and detergents for my clothes, bedding and towels. Another significant change was when I stopped using aspartame, an artificial sweetener. I also have a very restrictive diet, avoiding a lot of foods and additives that effect my blood pressure.

I've got advanced heart disease along with my allergies.

You might find that just a simple change in your diet might bring down your BP without medicines. The most obvious changes would be to avoid coffee, tea, chocolate and soft drinks containing caffeine, for at least a week, to see if there is a positive lowering of your BP.

Regards, and best of luck and health!