Blood pressure is lower, but I feel worse than before.. is this normal?
I have recently been diagnosed with high blood pressure. It had been consistently around 190/125 for a couple of weeks for sure, but it had probably been that high for as long as two years earlier without me knowing what the problem was. Obviously I didn't feel good, but about a week ago my doctor prescribed exforge and my blood pressure has been lower (consistently around 155/109)... but I actually feel worse. Is this normal?
It seems like those times when I feel really bad (ie. tingling in my arms, pounding in my ears, hot, general pain in my body); I get the blood pressure cuff my doctor gave me and check it expecting the reading to be higher than usual... just the opposite is the case. It almost seems that my blood pressure is 'supposed' to be high for some reason.
Could this mean that there is some other problem that is causing my body to increase my blood pressure for a good reason?
Hi Jhardin,
What you are feeling may be linked to your medication/treatment. It can take time for your body to adjust to medication. Consult your physician to determine if you need to take a "wait and see" approach or if you need to adjust the treatment plan.
All the best,
Lisa Nelson RD
- Thank you for your input
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efittery
Saturday, August 08, 2009 at 06:40 PM
Hi Lisa,
I think taking a proactive position is always warranted with dealing with your physician.
Speaking from experience, being in compliance and taking your drugs during the years it takes to resolve your blood pressure problem is really difficult. Also, everytime you switch doctors they will either leave you on the meds your other doctor prescribed or start the process over again.
I would suggest you get/ask permission to use the following article, which is found on about.com.
Individualizing the Treatment of Hypertension
Impedance Cardiography - A new way of tailoring blood pressure therapy
By Richard N. Fogoros, M.D., About.com