Too early to start BP medication?

[aaronc879]

At my annual physical last year my blood pressure was 136/86. My Dr said that if it's that high this year she will likely want me to start BP medication at age 41. My physical is next week. I have taken my BP periodically and it is all over the place but usually in the 120s or 130s/80-ish. There is no more I can do with lifestyle changes. Lets say my BP is low 130s/low 80s, should I try to get out of taking meds or start taking them even though I am only 41? Are there certain meds that would be recommended? How much do they cost? I am low income and don't want to spend more than I need to.

 

[RobbieB]

BP meds are really cheap.

 

[RunningBum]

I seem to recall, and a quick search confirms, that you eat mostly stuff like frozen pizza. That's a lot of salt. Can't be good for your BP. But, it's your business if you don't change your diet. It just seems to me that's a likely way to lower your BP without meds.

 

[aaronc879]

I seem to recall, and a quick search confirms, that you eat mostly stuff like frozen pizza. That's a lot of salt. Can't be good for your BP. But, it's your business if you don't change your diet. It just seems to me that's a likely way to lower your BP without meds.

When pizzas became hard to find during early Covid days I stopped buying them and never started back up. I do consume more salt than recommended and that isn't going to change. I exercise as much as my chronic pain will allow. Not sure if that will be enough.

 

[Amethyst]

Do you have access to a blood pressure monitor, maybe at the grocery store, where you can take your own pressure a few times and see if it's consistently high? Blood pressure readings can vary even inside of 10 minutes.

Before prescribing medication, I would expect your doctor to have someone take your BP a few times in a row and see if you're consistently high.

 

[aaronc879]

Do you have access to a blood pressure monitor, maybe at the grocery store, where you can take your own pressure a few times and see if it's consistently high? Blood pressure readings can vary even inside of 10 minutes.

Before prescribing medication, I would expect your doctor to have someone take your BP a few times in a row and see if you're consistently high.

That's what I was thinking as well. I could buy a cheap one to use myself at home. I could keep a log for a few months and follow up with the DR. If it's not consistantly over 130 then no need for BP meds. Bottom number is rarley over low 80's so shouldn't be a problem.

 

[bingybear]

many BP meds are cheap.. but not all of them.


Dropping some weight or increasing exercise can help. I dropped 15 lbs which helped my bp... But they still won't remove my pacemaker. Go figure.

 

[aaronc879]

many BP meds are cheap.. but not all of them.


Dropping some weight or increasing exercise can help. I dropped 15 lbs which helped my bp... But they still won't remove my pacemaker. Go figure.

I'm 6'6" 175 pounds so losing weight is not necessary at all. I am 10 pounds lighter since my last physical one year ago though. As I mentioned earlier I exercise as much as my chronic pain will allow. I have been biking 40-80 miles most weeks and doing the occasional 30 minute walk. Even if it's raining outside I will just walk around the house for 15 minutes straight at least a couple times a day.

 

[WyomingLife]

I have been on Carvedilol since age 51. It is exceedingly inexpensive — maybe less than $50/year, but don’t quote me on that. It isn’t a lot, however.

There are different causes for high BP — lifestyle, stress, BMI, genetic, etc. Some really young and fit people have high BP, at least that is what my GP told me. My GP described an athlete in her late 20’s who was a professional cyclist, yet she had high BP because of her genes. So she was on the medication since that age.

It is important to get your BP under control no matter the cause, however, as high BP can contribute to a lot of other health issues. So if you have done what you can via diet and your physician recommends you go on medication, I wouldn’t feel badly about it if I were you. It just is what it is, and know that you will he going on the pills a lot later than some athletes (apparently)

 

[aaronc879]

I have been on Carvedilol since age 51. It is exceedingly inexpensive — maybe less than $50/year, but don’t quote me on that. It isn’t a lot, however.

There are different causes for high BP — lifestyle, stress, BMI, genetic, etc. Some really young and fit people have high BP, at least that is what my GP told me. My GP described an athlete in her late 20’s who was a professional cyclist, yet she had high BP because of her genes. So she was on the medication since that age.

It is important to get your BP under control no matter the cause, however, as high BP can contribute to a lot of other health issues. So if you have done what you can via diet and your physician recommends you go on medication, I wouldn’t feel badly about it if I were you. It just is what it is, and know that you will he going on the pills a lot later than some athletes (apparently)

My high BP is caused by high salt intake(over 2000mg most days) and genetics. I am reasonably active and very thin. My stress has been high most of the last 3 years due to injury and surgeries but its getting better now.

 

[bingybear]

some people just need the meds due to there genes.

 

[DenverGuy42]

I joined the kroger (king soopers/city market/many other names they go by) RX savings club for $36/year ($72 for a family of six).

I get most of my meds straight from them without going through my insurance. Why? Because they are cheaper.

My lisinopril is $0.00. Yes, free - once you are in the club.

I also take metoprolol er - it costs $12 for a 90 day supply - once you are in the club.

my cholesterol medication (statin) is likewise $12 for a 90 day supply.

the only med I get from my insurance is a medication that is still under patent and has no generic version yet. That costs a bundle

 

[kaneohe]

One thing you may want to consider if you go on the BP pills. Make a deal w/
Dr. to monitor your blood for a few months. When my Dr. put me on, it was after an initial reluctance which I remembered when I finally got on them. I got him to agree to the blood tests, and after 2 wks on the pill, I got a frantic call from him to stop immediately. Apparently my liver enzymes had gone thru the roof so he took me off the ACE inhibitor lotensin (benazepril) and put me on a different family which has been ok.

Perhaps a rare instance but it can happen. To this day that Rx remains in my medical record as my only allergy and I try to get a blood test for each new medication.

 

[calmloki]

Aaronc - Salt is good - salt works - salt makes things tasty. But it is a choice. I had to back away hard from salt for my heart and after a while you adjust to new levels of salt as a flavor enhancer. Now I use a dab here and there but never sprinkle it on my plate and many dishes are just grossly salty to my taste. Lemon juice in a spray bottle is my go to now.

Currently doing a dose of furosemide because we ate out too often last week and I jumped 8# in water weight that is feeling like it is around my heart and lungs and I can't breath. Salt restriction is easier.

 

[MRG]

I went on BP meds at 35, it's was due to my inability to control my work environment. They put me on beta blockers and I thought I was ok. Funny drinking 12 cups of coffee will help reduce the downer beta blockers but it stunk.

Finally one year I felt worse than most, ended up in the ER with my heart rate at 33BPM, my life on BP meds was greatly impacted by my need for the meds.

I took different meds until after I retired and lost weight. You have no need to drop weight. Reducing sodium may help but your numbers don't seem to be more than a little white coat hypertension.

 

[aaronc879]

Aaronc - Salt is good - salt works - salt makes things tasty. But it is a choice. I had to back away hard from salt for my heart and after a while you adjust to new levels of salt as a flavor enhancer. Now I use a dab here and there but never sprinkle it on my plate and many dishes are just grossly salty to my taste. Lemon juice in a spray bottle is my go to now.

Currently doing a dose of furosemide because we ate out too often last week and I jumped 8# in water weight that is feeling like it is around my heart and lungs and I can't breath. Salt restriction is easier.

I have never added salt to any meal in my life. However, I eat mostly processed foods which are high in salt. I don't cook anything ever and don't plan to start. I wish the canned foods I eat had less salt but they don't.

 

[Bflotomny]

BP Checking Procedure

I like you have BP that is all over the place. Finally as the result of Life Insurance exam I went to see my GP. He said at my age (70 y/o) over 85% of the people have High BP and are put on med's.

But it was what the nurse said during a follow-up that made all the difference in the world. She always would ask if I was in pain. Pain will drive the BP up. She also asked if I had to go to the bathroom. Needing void will cause a reaction also.

She explained the procedure to take BP at home is as follows:

THIS IS MOST IMPORTANT Sit is a straight back chair for at least 8-10 minutes QUIETLY, Relax before starting.
The cuff should be on your arm and your arm resting on a desk or the chair handle. Not hanging down or extended over something.

Think about these recommendations next time your escorted into a treatment room at your GP's. You just walked from the parking lot into the office. Then into a treatment room. Where your told to hop onto the litter. Where Suzy wraps your arm in the BP cuff while she asks questions about your heath. No wonder so many people are on BP med's

 

[latexman]

I have never added salt to any meal in my life. However, I eat mostly processed foods which are high in salt. I don't cook anything ever and don't plan to start. I wish the canned foods I eat had less salt but they don't.

A lot of canned foods, chips, crackers, etc. come in “low salt” versions. Next grocery store run make a point to get all low salt stuff. Eat on that a week and pop in and have your nurse take your BP.

I’ve been on 2 HBP meds since age 51. My Dr. is now threatening a 3rd. I got it from Mom and Dad. A double dose.

 

[mountainsoft]

At my annual physical last year my blood pressure was 136/86. My Dr said that if it's that high this year she will likely want me to start BP medication at age 41. My physical is next week. I have taken my BP periodically and it is all over the place but usually in the 120s or 130s/80-ish. There is no more I can do with lifestyle changes. Lets say my BP is low 130s/low 80s, should I try to get out of taking meds or start taking them even though I am only 41? Are there certain meds that would be recommended? How much do they cost? I am low income and don't want to spend more than I need to.

My BP has hovered around 135/85 for at least the last 25 years (around age 30, as far back as I have records). Occasionally, it goes slightly higher, and other times it goes a bit lower. But generally it's around the 135/85 mark.

I have never taken medications, but ironically my BP is still lower than my wife who has been on Lisinopril for many years. Really high BP runs in her family.

My Dr suggested medication to lower my BP, but the risk reduction was very minimal. For me taking meds for the rest of my life wasn't worth that minor risk reduction. After all, I could take the meds and still have a heart attack or stroke.

My blood readings are generally good otherwise. I'm a bit overweight and don't exercise as much as I should, but my diet is good, I've never smoked, I live a low stress life, and am otherwise quite healthy. The only people in my family tree who have had heart attacks had horrible diets and smoked a lot.

I'm certainly not recommending the same for you, it's just the choice I made.

 

[EA-Sports]

What caused the reluctance to take bp med, is it the cost or the side effect?

 

[Koolau]

Alert: I'm not a medical professional so I'm going to tell you way more than I know here:

There are numerous causes for high BP. It's my opinion that it is important for your Doc to figure out WHY your BP is elevated. Then s/he can properly treat it (or not!)

Having said that, I'm not aware that most BP meds have much in the way of serious side effects IF properly prescribed and IF properly monitored.

The serious, long-term effects of elevated BP are well known. Unfortunately, elevated BP causes damage long before you usually have symptoms. Then, it could be too late.

I would always be skeptical, as you are, but I would either trust my Doc or find one I DO trust to monitor/treat BP. Doing so is likely one of the most important things you can do for you health to insure long, productive life.

Now returning you to rational medical opinions!

 

[The Cosmic Avenger]

Interestingly, almost 10 years ago, my spouse and one of my closest friends both went from normal BP to dangerously elevated BP within a couple of months of each other, shortly after turning 40. That seems to be a common age for symptoms to start for those with a genetic predisposition to high blood pressure. And, as Koolau said, the long-term effects of untreated high BP on your blood vessels and the organs they perfuse are well known and deadly.

Another interesting fact: I've never had more than very slightly elevated BP (decades ago when I was overweight, eating a lot of fast food, and working a high-stress job), but my doctor, who explains everything or points me to research, said I should keep my sodium intake low even though I don't have to worry about my blood pressure. Specifically, she said high sodium intake is detrimental to your heart, even if your blood pressure is in a healthy range. So I've stopped with the sodium bombs...for the most part!

 

[H2ODude]

I like data. And I miss my now retired GP. At about 66 my BP was about 135 over 80 something. He wrote a scrip for metoprolol and told me to buy a BP monitor and if it kept over those numbers for a month get the scrip. They did and I got the scrip. He then retired, and when I started the pills it didn't seem to drop, next guy added losartan and BP has been just over 100/70 ish.

I've never had anything like a side effect, seems to work fine, both are about $3 a month each. I've worked on diet and always have exercised, trying to get LDL down (and I have managed to lower each year a few points). Watching the numbers closely (my $50 BP monitor keeps the data on phone, I take it every few weeks) I suspect I could achieve acceptable numbers without the pills as when I've forgotten to take the rise is minor. But for $6 a month I'll keep the plumbing at lower pressure. I like to cook and over the years have realized that for me, lowering salt in diet would be a hardship.

 

[braumeister]

My BP is borderline, being usually around 137/85 and it has been for years.

My doc would like me to bring it lower with meds, but I've tried them twice and although there was a slight drop I had the side effect of getting lightheaded whenever I stood up. That was so unpleasant that I stopped the meds and just accepted that this level of BP is "normal for me."

 

[statsman]

some people just need the meds due to there genes.

This. I had a friend at work who was a stronger biker. Could ride a mountain bike and keep up with road bikers, if need be, but his preference was climbing. We had some steep roads/bike trails outside of Silicon Valley that I couldn't climb, but he had no trouble with them.

But like his sister, he had high blood pressure despite being amazingly fit with low body fat. Genetics. He ended up on BP meds sometime in his mid 40s.