High Blood Pressure and Weigh Loss/Gain - High & Low Blood Pressure Message Board

sueinge · 06-18-2008, 04:42 AM

I have been on BP meds for 10 years. When I started taking medication I gradually gained over 20 lbs. I am sure from age but also the meds. I am 40 years old. After I had my last child a few years ago I had some BP issues so they upped my dosage. Thru hard work I have lost 35 lbs, quit smoking, and no longer drink any alcohol. I had bloodwork done recently and my cholesterol was 168, so I think the weight loss has been good for my overall health. My problem is, I check my BP at Walmart, CVS, grocery store all the time and it is 100/65. I feel dizzy when I stand up. BUT at the docs office it is always high, I have white coat syndrome. So my doc WILL NOT lower my dosage. I am frustrated because I need to lose 10 more lbs and I am sure if I don't have to take as much BP medication it will be easier to lose. My pulse is like 55 most days and I can barely get it up during exercise. It has taken me over a year to lose the 35lbs I have lost, so I know it is taking like double the amount of time to lose as most people not on meds. So, does anyone know if reducing my medication will help me lose more weight? I know this is kind of a rambling post, but what are others experiences on weight loss and being on BP medication? Thanks!!!

flowergirl2day · 06-18-2008, 07:55 AM

Congratulations on your weight loss!

I know how difficult losing this much weight must have been for you. What a great achievement!

I have been trying to do the same with little or no success. I am on multiple meds, five of which are for the blood pressure control. Because so many medications alter our metabolism, their use often results in a weight gain. I was no different. After going on the meds, the weight started to pile on. For the most part, I have managed to keep it off. For almost a year (before returning to work), I walked faithfully for two hours every day and also did 1/2 hour of resistance exercises twice a day. Because of my dietary restrictions I eat very healthy food. In spite of my efforts, there has been no weight loss. Though I have remained very active, I no longer keep up the daily routine.

I am currently dealing with issues similar to yours regarding my blood pressure control. Though I had many fleeting hypotensive episodes in the past and a couple of longer lasting ones (the longer ones a result of an extra dose of Hctz for treating edema), I now have a consistantly lower blood pressure. It is normal to low, with minimal medication (a fraction of my usual daily amount). It dips really low with the medication, making me symptomatic like you. Being dizzy and feeling unwell is not a good feeling.

There is no doubt that your weight loss has led to an improvement in your blood pressure. Hopefully, your pulse rate will not get much lower -do you feel tired a lot?
Your drug regimen needs to be reviewed. Some adjustments to it might be necessary. You should purchase a good blood pressure monitor and learn to use it properly. Do not rely on the readings you get in shopping malls. Take your blood pressure at least twice a day at the same time of day. Keep a record of the measurements, the times and the circumstances. Show this diary to your doctor. If that isn't convincing enough, there's the ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. You should not have to resort to that. Any further weight loss might lead to an additional reduction in your blood pressure. If your physician refuses to review and adjust your medication, start looking for another doctor.

Good luck,
flowergirl

sueinge · 06-18-2008, 12:49 PM

Thanks, Flowergirl, I appreciate your reply. I am glad to know I am not crazy in thinking this weight gain is due to being on meds (somewhat). I do have a monitor that I use at home but I don't use it consistantly. I agree, if my doc won't listen to me and be willing to adjust my medication it is time for a new doc!

famnd · 06-18-2008, 11:14 PM

Hi Sue,

I've gained 20 lbs in the last 5 yrs since I develop HBP. I walk an 1hr everyday, ride my exercise bike for 1/2 hr, swim 1 hr, plus do knee exercises in the pool for 15 min. Like you I can't get my heart rate up because of being on 1800 mg of a alpha/beta blocker. I've read that it is not wise to try to push oneself in this respect because of possible stress on the heart.

My Endo says that Beta blockers do slow down metabolism plus I've recently learned that Synthroid hinders weight loss as well. My Endo doesn't wants me to eat 1500 cal a day but my experience has taught me that I just can't lose on that many calories. But I'm not giving up, I keep trying to lose weight & not get discouraged.

I agree that you should see if you can cut down on your meds. You need to monitor your own b/p so you'll have some stats to show your Dr.

We would all appreciate learning how you went about losing your 35 lbs. Congratulations!!! Fam

sueinge · 06-20-2008, 01:19 PM

Well, I did it the old fashioned way, diet and exercise, but it has been a LONG slow process of getting the pounds off. I stopped eating fast food, and junk food and soda, and work out 3-4 times a week, walking on my treadmill for 30-40min.

It has been so hard.

I am sure you all understand how hard it is!