High Blood Pressure Meds - lack of stamina - High & Low Blood Pressure Message Board

williampenn · 04-15-2005, 08:44 AM

I was recently put on Altace for my high blood pressure. I'm a 37 year old male in otherwise very good shape. It seems I've lost my stamina when excerising. I used to go three plus miles running no problem. Now, I'm winded after one. The only thing I can attribute the change is that I started taking this medication. Any thoughts?

Thanks

Random2 · 04-15-2005, 09:18 AM

Altace was the 1st drug that was prescribed to me 2 1/2 years ago. It was the worst combined with Toprol. Didn't do much for my b/p, but I went from running 3 miles to feeling exhausted after 1. It's the Altace. Why docs. prescribe Altace 1st is beyond me. It did nothing but make me feel more anxious and my b/p actually went up on the drug. It was a really bad combo. I am on Atenolol 100 MGS & Lotrel 5/20 now. My B/P is 108-110 over 61-65 with a pulse of 53. I am weaning off of the Atenolol. No reason to be on a Beta-Blocker with no heart trouble, which was proven from 2 EKGS and a chest Xray..... I just want to feel 34 or younger, not 94.....

Editor · 04-15-2005, 10:35 AM

Greetings,

Altace is also an ACE inhibitor. I suppose it is somehow "better" (more expensive" than lisinopril or any of the other ACEs. Anyway, I was prescribed 10 mg of lisinopril, rather than a Beta Blocker. My heart rate is normal for my age and athletic (or non) condition, usually 70 bpm.

Supposedly, the ACE was not supposed to lower my pulse. But, after 2 weeks on the stuff, I would get average readings of 55 bpm. One day it was 48! My wife asked if I was even alive! I cut the pills in half and took them that way for a few weeks. Still low. Then, I cut them in half agian, approx. 2.5 mg. After a few days my pulse rate rose back up to a comfortable 65 bpm.

I hear you, I would get tired (not out of breath) but just tired after climbing a few flights of stairs. Also, would get light-headed and just didn't have the get up and go.

I finally weaned off and stopped last week. Well, my BP went back up a little, but I feel better. I know it's a difficult thing, but I really didn't have a great experience with this drug so I am afraid to try another. Maybe I'll take my chances on the BP. Anyone else have any thoughts on this subject.

Regards, Brenden.

Lenin · 04-15-2005, 01:44 PM

Mr.Penn,

ANY BP medication will sap your energy. After all, it's blood pressure that gets nutrients from your food into you cells.
I found that the LEAST ennervating were the diuretics like thiazides. But with them runners have to worry more about electrolyte balance, especially in hot weather.

sunbird_owner · 04-15-2005, 02:27 PM

I take Benicar 20mg. I ran a half marathon in February. Ask your doctor for some samples.

Jay