I am at the end of my rope. I've been battling hpertension for about 5 years now.
It seems that I've taken just about every type of bp medication there is (beta and calcium channel blockers, alpha blockers and ace inhibitors as well as a number of different diuretics).
One thing I've found, in dealing with this condition, is that there is no shortage of medications to throw at it.
But answers are few, far and in between. Either immediately or after a time, I become resistant to the treatment and either the dosage is increased or a new "more improved drug with fewer side effects" is prescribed.
My doctors tell me I've undergone all of the necessary testing required to find the cause. Many many blood tests. An ultrasound once revealed that my kidneys were smaller than normal. However, every ultrasound that I've had since seems to indicate that everything is "perfectly normal".
Recently, after another routine change in meds, I was prescribed Analipril. From the first day I started on the drug I got the most painful headaches I had ever experienced. They were absolutely blinding! My blood pressure started going up.... to around 200+/140. I called my doctor and informed him that I was going to go to the hospital as an emergency patient. He agreed that it was a good idea. After more blood testing, an EKG and a CAT scan I was told that it did not seem that I was a person who has had hypertension for a number of years. Everything looked good. My doctor then prescribed hydrocodone for the head pain and another new drug called Norvasc (a vasodilator) to take in conjunction with the Analipril.
With the very next dose of Analipril, about 2 hours after an intravenous dose of pain killer at the hospital, the severe headeache returned with a vengeance. I finally called my doctor and convinced him that I was having some type of reaction to the Analipril. I am currently taking a double dose, 20 mg, of the Norvasc. My bp is now averaging 170+/120+.
A couple of curious observations I've made, over the years of taking various medications:
1. When I'm given a beta blocker, to lower my heart rate, my body seems to counter by constricting my blood vessels thereby maintaining the undesirable elevated level of bp.
2. When I'm given an ACE inhibitor my heart reate immediately increases to maintain my maladjusted set point.
3. The most effective treatment has been the combination of Cardura and Hydrochlorothiazide.
Unfortunately, I had to change doctors because of relocating to the great north east. I can't seem to find a doctor here willing to prescribe this combination. Besides, I can't even guarantee that the combination would still be effective.
While taking the Analipril, I noticed that my heart rate was in the mid 60 to lower 70 bpm range. This puzzled me because my heart rate normally never goes much below 80 and I am told that ACE inhibitors impede the system causing vasoconstriction. Since I've changed to the 20 mg of Norvasc my pulse is averaging in the 90's.
In light of what I've learned about my sympathetic nervous system none most of these reactions seem rather logical if you consider that, perhaps, my system is trying to maintain some set point which it has determined to be necessary for my survival.
Sincerely,
Earl
- Re: Stubborn Hypertension Aileen 18:39:58 11/04/00
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