64 replies to this topic

[natkas]

For the past 3 years I've had "borderline" hypertension (high BP) and today it has finally come down to being prescribed Karvea (Irbesartan) by my doctor. I really wanted this to be a last resort, but I can't seem to be able to lower it myself.

I don't and never have smoked.
I only drink alcohol on the rare occasion.
I'm running about 4-5 days a week, usually with a minimum of 30 min each session.
I'm not overweight (my BMI is now 20 and 18 months ago it was 24).
I believe my diet is relatively good - certainly not perfect, but better than most, and definitely better than it was 18 months ago.
My job is not really stressful, nor is my home/family life. I might be a bit of a "stress-head" but not overly so...

Taking into account the above, it seems my BP problem has not improved at all. One contributing factor is a family history of high BP on my father's side. He's been taking tablets to control it for maybe 10 years or so from his mid 50's, but I'm 34!

I've been presribed the lowest dose for 30 days to start.

I should also mention some of the BP readings. I definitely get "white coat" hypertension. We're talking 160/112 today, 150/110 last week. I also have my own monitor at home and readings are 152/94, 130/93, 149/104, 136/88, 138/86, 132/93 - so still a bit on the high side. Doctor says the diastolic should be 80 or under more often than not for my age. I also wore a 24hr monitor for a day last week and the results were not great - on the rare occasion it was under 80 - even when I was sleeping it wasn't perfect (although it's not easy to get a restful sleep when the monitor takes your BP every hour!).

Anyway, I'm wondering if any one else is on the BP lowering drugs and if it affects your running at all.

Thanks!

[Gadfly]

I can sympathise/empathise with all of your situation natkas - it's my story too!

Familial high BP and I tried everything to lower mine - was on meds while pregnant and then it lowered to a borderline level.....but crept up again. I suffered with the 24hr monitor to find that my levels were way too high and overnight wasn't coming down like it should either. I lost 18kg, took up running, got fit, changed my diet to low salt, high potassium, high calcium etc (with the help of a good friend who is a dietician)......and 12 months later my BP was still going up. I also had some early changes in the blood vessels in my eyes usually only seen with 60+ year olds.

SO..onto medication. Tried avapro first and was like a dizzy zombie and it didn't really lower it too much. I'm now on Natrilix Sr which is doing the trick BP wise, but has taken me a while to get used to the side effects. Being a diuretic I need to drink much more water than I used to and that in turn makes more trips to the loo. OK, not too bad until you try running and training in the summer for a half marathon.......hydration became a real issue for me. I have now got a bit more used to it, carry water with me wherever I go, even on a short run and much prefer the cooler weather than hot for running. I do get some tingling in my fingers occasionally, but it has pretty much settled now.

I still get whitecoat hypertension, and my BP still goes up when I'm sick or really stressed out (like now!) but my overall recordings at home are great. I still keep tabs on my diet, but I must admit I'm not quite so vigilant about salt and potassium as I should be! And the best news for me - I found out 3 weeks ago that my eyes are 'back to normal'. Being on orthoptist, it was a real shock to find out that I had early changes.... I was so pleased to see that they have reversed. Not a usual finding, but by the time they are usually found in a 60+ person with uncontrolled BP it's too late. I guess there is something to be said for being 36 on on meds early!

Take it easy with running as you settle into the meds - they all have different side effects and your reaction to it will be different to someone else too. Don't overdo it if they are making you feel odd.....it will come good with time (if they are the right ones for you). I was advised that the side effects should have settled by 2-4weeks to a manageable level....if not, time to try another type of med.

Good luck.

[FatboyCsaba]

natkas, on Jul 2 2009, 10:48 PM, said:

For the past 3 years I've had "borderline" hypertension (high BP) and today it has finally come down to being prescribed Karvea (Irbesartan) by my doctor.

<snip>

I believe my diet is relatively good - certainly not perfect, but better than most, and definitely better than it was 18 months ago. from his mid 50's, but I'm 34!

<snip>
Anyway, I'm wondering if any one else is on the BP lowering drugs and if it affects your running at all.

Thanks!

I know people in a similar situation as you.

You need to totally change youre lifestyle. This is something only you can do and involves power of will. Take control of your destiny dont let big pharma ruin your life.

[bornagain]

oops sorry bout the premature button push

Yes,

Same deal, up to age 35 I had 120/70, then steadily rose 160/100

Coversyll keeps me under the 100,
last couple of years have gone from not being able to run to 5-6 ks and city to surf stuff (-5 Kg and waist hip ratio down to 88, BMI would still rate me overweight though).

I am highly suspicious that the coversyll makes me more vulberable to tendononsis, I have had achilles problems, ankle and calf problems.

Anyway, getting fit helps but not as much as I would like, lets see how the next few months go...

[Bellthorpe]

FatboyCsaba, on Jul 3 2009, 11:01 AM, said:

You need to totally change youre lifestyle. This is something only you can do and involves power of will. Take control of your destiny dont let big pharma ruin your life.

There are people for whom no change of lifestyle will lead to lower blood pressure. The posters above might well be amongst them.

If 'big pharma' is able to lower blood pressure to safe levels when other factors can't, that's hardly 'ruining your life' is it?

[Rico]

How dangerous is high blood pressure in otherwise healthy fit, non-smoking, healthy eating, nondiabetic people? Is it dangerous on its own or only when it's part of a cluster of risk factors?

[Bellthorpe]

It's a major risk factor for cardiac and renal disease.

[BabyNurse]

Natkas, just checking, but...

Your GP has checked to see whether the hypertension has a cause, haven't they? Because there are issues such as renal disease which, as well as being caused by high blood pressure, can be a cause of it as well.

Would just hate to see someone on antihypertensives to treat something which is in fact a symptom of some underlying problem, that's not a lifestyle factor.

PS FatboyCsaba: my husband is hypertensive. His is as a result of kidney disease that started when he was a child, which is congenital and has nothing to do with anything he has/hasn't done in the past. His BP is kept under control now by "big pharma" so as to make sure he doesn't have a CVA/MI while we wait for a renal transplant.

It's not always that simple.

[Louise]

Bellthorpe, on Jul 3 2009, 11:33 AM, said:

It's a major risk factor for cardiac and renal disease.

just out of interest... how major is "major"?

if you say, for example, that it doubles or triples your risk of having a heart attack, and my nominal risk is only 1% (because I eat well and exercise), then is a 2% or 3% risk factor really worth screwing up everything else in your body just to get the numbers looking "normal"?

I've read so much bad stuff about the drugs that doctors try and push you onto that I'd rather take my chances with going au naturale.

[FatboyCsaba]

Louise, on Jul 3 2009, 02:30 PM, said:

I've read so much bad stuff about the drugs that doctors try and push you onto that I'd rather take my chances with going au naturale.

yea. thats right. I can google as well as most people. googling this returns some intersting results:

"swine flu pharmaceutical share prices"
"hypertension pharmaceutical share prices"
"disease pharmaceutical share prices"

enjoy
Fatboy

[Mouse]

I don't see the big deal in taking the meds if it works natkas? Being alive is a pretty important part of running!

Good luck.

[natkas]

Thanks everyone for your input.

I really don't see how I can improve my lifestyle factors much more, besides being even more diligent with my salt intake. Running certainly hasn't improved it at all.

I just hope the BP drugs don't slow down my running or have any other adverse side effects.

Forgot to mention in my initial post that I've also had a blood & urine test to rule out other concerns or contributing factors and all is fine re kidney function, creatine levels, cholesterol, and a bunch of other stuff that I can't remember.

[undercover brother]

(for once will ignore all the stupid/unhelpful comments)
natkas i am assuming your gp is managing this?
not having a go at them but i wonder if you need a review by a hypertension specialist.
you're pretty young to have a high bp.

[Bellthorpe]

Louise, on Jul 3 2009, 02:30 PM, said:

just out of interest... how major is "major"?

Very major.

Quote

if you say, for example, that it doubles or triples your risk of having a heart attack, and my nominal risk is only 1% (because I eat well and exercise), then is a 2% or 3% risk factor really worth screwing up everything else in your body just to get the numbers looking "normal"?

Ah, statistics. Useful in their place, of absolutely no use at all if your number's up.

Eating well and exercising don't in themselves ensure that you're a very low risk.

Quote

I've read so much bad stuff about the drugs that doctors try and push you onto that I'd rather take my chances with going au naturale.

If you don't have high blood pressure (you didn't say) and you believe that all your risk factors are fine, so be it.

If you do have high blood pressure, then your cavalier attitude might well bring you undone.

I had a heart attack recently. Most of my risk factors (cholesterol, blood pressure, etc.) were low. Plenty of exercise. But there are other factors at play here.

As for drugs that 'doctors try and push onto you', my doctor is working with me to help take fewer drugs. But I'll be on some of them now for life. I don't mind. The alternative is to have a shorter life. Pretty clear to me. I have never had a doctor try to push me to take a drug that did not have a clear benefit. And let's face it. It's my decision, not his, to take a drug or not.

While we're talking about 'au naturale' [sic.] I'd appreciate if you'd read this post and offer your views. The poster to whom I replied there apparently didn't have the stomach for it.

[TynoMite]

I'm in pretty much the same situation as Natkas, different drug though - Atacand - (as it turns out same drug and dose as my ~60 year old uncle)
My GP was concerned about the fact I was really too young for the BP issues.
Sent me to a Cardiologist.
Cost me a few hunjy to have a quick ecg, double check the test results my GP sent and say - yeah, the atacand is a good drug, stick to it, come back in 3 months.
The whole thing cost me a motza - amazing how many tests aren't covered my either medicare or private health!
I HATE the idea of sucking a tablet down every day for the next 40 odd years, but I've sort of resigned myself to it now.

[orlando]

Apart from cardiovascular disease, hypertension is the single most important risk factor for stroke. To me, that's pretty major.

[natkas]

undercover brother, on Jul 3 2009, 09:30 PM, said:

i am assuming your gp is managing this?
not having a go at them but i wonder if you need a review by a hypertension specialist.
you're pretty young to have a high bp.

What exactly do you mean by "managing"? For the last 3 years they:
- measure my blood pressure everytime I go in
- had me wear the 24hr blood pressure monitor twice
- had my blood & urine tested 3 times
- had an electrocardiogram & an echocardiogram
- suggested I buy my own blood pressure monitor for at home use (which I did)
- suggested I exercise (this was when I wasn't do any!) and reduce salt in the diet

How do I find a hypertension specialist? (I googled but not much luck) Would I need a referral?

Well, I popped my first BP drug tonight....

[undercover brother]

natkas, on Jul 3 2009, 10:24 PM, said:

How do I find a hypertension specialist? (I googled but not much luck) Would I need a referral?

yep.
just wondering why you have hypertension at such a young age thats all.
those dudes do some more cleverer tests.

[natkas]

TynoMite, on Jul 3 2009, 10:12 PM, said:

amazing how many tests aren't covered my either medicare or private health!
I HATE the idea of sucking a tablet down every day for the next 40 odd years, but I've sort of resigned myself to it now.

I know! The 24 hour bp monitor hire cost me $100 with nothing claimable on medicare or private health insurance.

Likewise, I think I've accepted that maybe I'll just have to take these damn pills.

undercover brother, on Jul 3 2009, 10:28 PM, said:

yep.
just wondering why you have hypertension at such a young age thats all.
those dudes do some more cleverer tests.

I think I'll take the pills for the next 30 days as suggested by my doctor then ask about the hypertension specialist at my next appointment.

In my first post I mentioned my father has high BP, but you're right, I am a bit young to have it now.

[undercover brother]

cool.
your gp sounds quite thorough and may have done everything/almost everything.
not going to hurt to ask in a gentle manner.

[natkas]

Thanks undercover brother and yes, I will ask.

Also going to try lemon juice. Apparently it's meant to lower blood pressure. There's no harm in trying!

[undercover brother]

Louise, on Jul 3 2009, 02:30 PM, said:

just out of interest... how major is "major"?

framingham
bugger! cant find the plain english summary

[Bellthorpe]

This is a fair quick summary.

[undercover brother]

true.
what i was after was some independant risk analysis.
ie. if you decide to stop taking your antihypertensives and instead lick a tree as your 'natural' form of treatment and your diastolic stays above 100 for 10 years how much does it increase your chance of MI, stroke etc... by.
same for smoking, cholesterol etc...
the points thing is too hard to read at this time of night in front of the cricket when i cant be assed.

Edited by undercover brother, 08 July 2009 - 09:48 PM.

[Slow Roastin' TURKEY]

Hi Natkas

I have been taking Micardis Plus (telmisartan) and currently Micardis (telmisartan without the diuretic component) for over 3 years with virtually no effect on my running.
My GP changed me to straight Micardis approx. 6 months ago because he believed the amount of running I was doing (average of 70k p.week) meant I didn't need a diuretic.
I was diagnosed as clinically hypertensive approx. 3.5 years ago when I took up running as part of a lifestyle changing program. My systolic BP readings were marginally higher than yours however I'm 10 years older and was a heavy smoker for 24 years. I also started out at 40kg overweight and my mother suffers with high BP. My disystolic readings were slightly lower than yours.
I was initially started on Coversyl and then Coversyl Plus and when the right results didn't happen my dosage was increased. The first cardiologist I saw, after approx. 6 months of running, gave me an exercise stress test which was stopped after 7.5 minutes when my BP hit 240/70. He advised me to continue taking Coversyl and to be "very cautious" about my exercise intensity levels.
I went to another Consultant Cardiologist a few months later who was recommended to me. He gave me an ECG, had me wear a BP monitor halter for 24 hours and then gave me an echo stress test. He confirmed my clinically hypertensive diagnosis and prescribed Micardis Plus. He strongly encouraged me to continue my running and lifestyle changes and advised that one of his main resons for prescribing Micardis was because it would have minimal effect on my running. It was an antihypertensive drug that wouldn't slow me down. He advised me that he had a patient who was a national competition level triathlete in his early 30's who was taking Micardis with minimal side effects and also an Army SAS officer who was able to remain on active duty. He advised me that the more I continued to run the more I would get to know my own body and how hard I could push myself. He advised that the medication was a necessary "insurance policy" and it should compliment my improved fitness and lifestyle changes.
I've now, after a few injury setbacks, got my 10k under 50mins, my long run up to 30ks and am doing my first marathon in September - Sydney. I can't think of any noticeable side effects or drawbacks from taking Micardis for over 3 years apart from sometimes forgetting to take it ! I've pretty much accepted that I'll be taking them for the rest of my life but so far the Cardiologist's advice is proving right and I'm comforted by his "insurance policy" analogy.
Everybody's circumstances are different and I encourage you to seek more than one opinion at a specialist level because the preference is to avoid having to take any medication if at all possible. I'm pretty certain I have read other threads on CR (I wouldn't know how to go about finding them) where some runners have successfully reduced their BP to the stage where they don't need medication and with time (read age) on your side this might be something you can aim for.

[natkas]

Thanks for your post, Slow Roastin' TURKEY. I'd be very interested in doing a stress test, and I'll be sure to ask lots of questions at my next doctor's appointment.

My BP seems to be just borderline hypertensive over the last few days (monitoring at home) and I've only been taking Karvea over the last week so I can hope that it drops too low and I won't have to take them anymore! Early days yet...but I'm hopeful.

I think the drugs are also giving me headaches. I've woken up with a headache for the last 3 days, but it seems to disappear by 11am.

[WallyGator]

natkas, on Jul 2 2009, 10:48 PM, said:

Anyway, I'm wondering if any one else is on the BP lowering drugs and if it affects your running at all.

Hi natkas,

I am 48, so a bit older. Around 5 years ago I found I had high blood pressure. I am currently on Micardis Plus (80/12.5) and Zanidip (20mg) - thus a fairly high dose I believe. I have been on these for a few years now. My dad who is 74 is also on Micardis but only 40mg.

Yesterday I had my 3 monthly check-up and was 120/75. When I started the medication the furthest I had ever run was city to surf (14kms) and then I only ran for the 10 weeks prior. Weight dropping from 103 to 93 has meant normal is 120/75 instead of 140/85 thus I expect that if I ever knuckle down and loose more weight, then I should be able to reduce the dose. I was 160/?? when diagnosed.

The medication does not affect me at all. I am now running HMs (2nd one this weekend) and am training for a FM (longest run 27 so far). You can see my times below.

Also, my GP told me that some medication will slow the heart rate. Mine does not so there is no restriction an what I am allowed to do. I can still use the theoretical 220 - age as a maximum heart rate.

Cheers,

[blkbox]

natkas, on Jul 9 2009, 12:29 PM, said:

I think the drugs are also giving me headaches. I've woken up with a headache for the last 3 days, but it seems to disappear by 11am.

I had massive headaches when I first started taking Karvea many years ago. My GP soon had me off them when I told her what was happening.

For the record, I no longer take any medication, a complete overhaul of lifestyle and exercise "cured" my hypertension (and it was far worse than yours).

As UCB has suggested a good long chat with your GP and a visit to a specialized consultant is the way to go - there may be a trigger for your hypertension that can be controlled.

Good luck for the future.

[FatboyCsaba]

blkbox, on Jul 9 2009, 01:00 PM, said:

I had massive headaches when I first started taking Karvea many years ago. My GP soon had me off them when I told her what was happening.

For the record, I no longer take any medication, a complete overhaul of lifestyle and exercise "cured" my hypertension (and it was far worse than yours).

As UCB has suggested a good long chat with your GP and a visit to a specialized consultant is the way to go - there may be a trigger for your hypertension that can be controlled.

Good luck for the future.

There are herbal Hypetension/BP alternatives products that can be procured from chemist. I'm sorry if ive given the wrong impression with my previous post on this topic. I dont want to come in between a business and their profit, I am just merely suggesting there may be other alternatives. Some herbal medicinal products are producted by pharmaceutical firms also.

[natkas]

Well, I've been on Karvea for 2 weeks now and my blood pressure has dropped already.

I'm also even more conscious of my sodium intake.

I've also taken up drinking green tea and straight lemon juice (not together!), so maybe that's helping too. Hopefully if my BP drops too low, I can get off the drugs.

Also might get some garlic tablets (it's meant to help as well, and more natural than Karvea!)

Edited by natkas, 17 July 2009 - 10:32 PM.

[Bellthorpe]

I'm sorry, I don't understand. How is a garlic tablet more natural than a Karvea tablet?

Why don't you just eat garlic? In your cooking?

[natkas]

Well, I'm assuming that a garlic tablet's contents would be mostly garlic, right? Or wrong? I haven't really investigated to be honest. (Hey, I haven't even got them yet!)

And Karvea is who knows what? Chemicals and stuff...?

Would love to use garlic all the time in cooking, but I'm a little concerned about the stink factor, especially since I sweat a bit when running (I swear I'm sweating more since taking Karvea too).

But I am enjoying the lemon juice, green tea, and have also discovered dark chocolate can help lower BP. Yay! Other foods to lower BP include ginger, celery, onion, spinach, avocado, broccoli, potato, tomatoes, watermelon, red grapes, oranges, apples, bananas, salmon, tuna, olive oil, flaxseed oil, red wine, sunflower seeds, parsley, cayenne pepper, nutmeg, allspice, cinnamon, pepper.......

[undercover brother]

natkas, on Jul 18 2009, 08:24 PM, said:

Well, I'm assuming that a garlic tablet's contents would be mostly garlic, right? Or wrong? I haven't really investigated to be honest. (Hey, I haven't even got them yet!)

i think what BT may be illuding to is the lack of regulation and consistency of contents in over the counter 'natural' medicine.
not sure about hypertension but garlic is a well studied product in altitude/acute mountain sickness.
its a long story but the short version from the experts is that there are quite different results with different garlic products.

[natkas]

Ah, ok, point taken. For now I'll stick to the green tea, lemon juice, and all the natural foods, and will add proper garlic where I can!

[Bellthorpe]

I'm just trying to imagine cooking without garlic.

Nah, can't do it. It would be like cooking a meal without chillies. Impossible.

[Heydeho]

natkas, on Jul 2 2009, 10:48 PM, said:

For the past 3 years I've had "borderline" hypertension (high BP) and today it has finally come down to being prescribed Karvea (Irbesartan) by my doctor. I really wanted this to be a last resort, but I can't seem to be able to lower it myself.

I don't and never have smoked.
I only drink alcohol on the rare occasion.
I'm running about 4-5 days a week, usually with a minimum of 30 min each session.
I'm not overweight (my BMI is now 20 and 18 months ago it was 24).
I believe my diet is relatively good - certainly not perfect, but better than most, and definitely better than it was 18 months ago.
My job is not really stressful, nor is my home/family life. I might be a bit of a "stress-head" but not overly so...

Taking into account the above, it seems my BP problem has not improved at all. One contributing factor is a family history of high BP on my father's side. He's been taking tablets to control it for maybe 10 years or so from his mid 50's, but I'm 34!

I've been presribed the lowest dose for 30 days to start.

I should also mention some of the BP readings. I definitely get "white coat" hypertension. We're talking 160/112 today, 150/110 last week. I also have my own monitor at home and readings are 152/94, 130/93, 149/104, 136/88, 138/86, 132/93 - so still a bit on the high side. Doctor says the diastolic should be 80 or under more often than not for my age. I also wore a 24hr monitor for a day last week and the results were not great - on the rare occasion it was under 80 - even when I was sleeping it wasn't perfect (although it's not easy to get a restful sleep when the monitor takes your BP every hour!).

Anyway, I'm wondering if any one else is on the BP lowering drugs and if it affects your running at all.

Thanks!

Hi natkas
I just read your post and i too have similar blood pressure readings to you and my HTN (hypertension) is also in the family. I am just wondering if your Doctor said it was safe for you to continue running seeing you have hypertension taking into consideration the strain running has on your heart.

[natkas]

Heydeho, on Aug 4 2009, 07:42 PM, said:

Hi natkas
I just read your post and i too have similar blood pressure readings to you and my HTN (hypertension) is also in the family. I am just wondering if your Doctor said it was safe for you to continue running seeing you have hypertension taking into consideration the strain running has on your heart.

Hi Heydeho,

My doctor didn't say anything about my running and I did specifically mention it. I said something along the lines of being surprised that my BP hasn't improved over the last 15 months or so (since taking up running). I also told the doctor how much and what kind of distances I'm doing.

I actually saw my doctor again the other week as a check up after being on Karvea for a month. BP is now where it should be, but I swear my speed and endurance is affected. The doctor looked it up on the computer but nothing was noted regarding affect on exercise so I've been advised to persist with the current medication. I have the option of trying different medication, but that might have different side effects. I also asked if there were any other alternatives and in a nutshell was told no, as all other factors are ok (as mentioned in my initial post).

Added to that is some problem with my right leg/knee/hamstring for which I'm off to the physio again tomorrow, so I'm feeling a little bit down at the moment. I was hoping to do my first full marathon this year, but that's off the cards now - I'm struggling to do 10km!

I can only hope that my BP might drop low enough to let me get off the medication - bit of a long shot but I'm hoping.

Did YOUR doctor say anything about running and HTN?

[Pharmlou]

natkas, on Aug 9 2009, 09:46 PM, said:

Hi Heydeho,

My doctor didn't say anything about my running and I did specifically mention it. I said something along the lines of being surprised that my BP hasn't improved over the last 15 months or so (since taking up running). I also told the doctor how much and what kind of distances I'm doing.

I actually saw my doctor again the other week as a check up after being on Karvea for a month. BP is now where it should be, but I swear my speed and endurance is affected. The doctor looked it up on the computer but nothing was noted regarding affect on exercise so I've been advised to persist with the current medication. I have the option of trying different medication, but that might have different side effects. I also asked if there were any other alternatives and in a nutshell was told no, as all other factors are ok (as mentioned in my initial post).

Added to that is some problem with my right leg/knee/hamstring for which I'm off to the physio again tomorrow, so I'm feeling a little bit down at the moment. I was hoping to do my first full marathon this year, but that's off the cards now - I'm struggling to do 10km!

I can only hope that my BP might drop low enough to let me get off the medication - bit of a long shot but I'm hoping.

Did YOUR doctor say anything about running and HTN?

Hey mate,

am new to running but an old hand when it comes to the medical side of things. Your doctor has chosen an excellent first line antihypertensive for you, so provided those headaches have gone, it would be silly to try you on something else. There is no problem with you running and having mild hypertension, especially seeing as you are on medication any way. Given your family history, it was inevitable that you need medication and as you age you will probably find that it will eventually get worse and require even more medication ( sorry about the bluntness). The fact that you have good CV fitness has almost definitely made a difference to the progression of your genetically inherited disease. To put that into perspective, we have otherwise very healthy 19 year old men and women on similar medication to you ( and more) in our practice. Hereditary hypertension is quite common and you have done very well to avoid medication for so long. Left untreated, would expose you to a greater risk of stroke and would lead to kidney damage ( among other end organ damage) which will in turn make your hypertension worse and then also make you a candidate for type2 diabetes. The reason you feel you are not running well ( other than the injury you mentioned ) is that are in denial about the diagnosis. The sooner you get over this, the sooner you will get back to achieving those PB's that you strive for.
Ran my first C2S this year with an old school friend who runs regularly. He is in exactly the same boat as you are with regards to HTN and medication and he ran a PB this year!!

Cheers


Please DYOR when it comes to medical advice. See your own doctor!!

[SMC42K]

G'day Natkas. I am in the same boat with high bp, similar readings to yours and I have been running for over 35 years with several marathons, countless halves, 16 six foot tracks (most recent this year) and 34 C2Surfs (most recent yesterday).
My doctor told me my level of fitness has probably prevented me from a heart attack or stroke but urges me to take medication as sooner or later something severe will most likely happen. He has given me some coversyl (10mg) to take, which I have taken occasionally but more often than not, I forget. I have also been advised to take Carta aspirin to thin my blood, but again I forget to take them. I have always been averse to taking any kind of medication unless I have no alternative. I always believed that continuing living an active life and diet to reduce high b.p is better than medication. I do not add salt to my food and when buying takeaway food I always ask for no salt. I much prefer home cooked food with lots of vegies (not overcooked), including garlic. but it hasn't reduced my bp. Having read this thread, I am now having a rethink about my attitude to taking medication and will have to get serious about taking it. Pb's are no longer of importance to me and haven't been for some time, but breathing and looking at the green side of the grass is. Especially while continuing to be active & not restricted to a bed or wheelchair.
Thank you for an excellent thread.

[Fossil]

I was put on medication 4 or 5 years ago but actually came off to try without after checking myself regularly with a BP meter at home - now my blood pressure is fine and has been for a few years so obviously the medication was not necessary and I could have been on it for the rest of my life! Problem appear to have been 'white coat syndrome', general life stress, and probably a slightly beeter diet and raise exercise level helped - oh and pollution (even mild) has a massive effect on mine

[FatboyCsaba]

Fossil, on Aug 11 2009, 06:38 AM, said:

I was put on medication 4 or 5 years ago but actually came off to try without after checking myself regularly with a BP meter at home - now my blood pressure is fine and has been for a few years so obviously the medication was not necessary and I could have been on it for the rest of my life! Problem appear to have been 'white coat syndrome', general life stress, and probably a slightly beeter diet and raise exercise level helped - oh and pollution (even mild) has a massive effect on mine

Did you cut down on your caffeine? Some people are more sensitive to caffeine than others. How can a fit young lad like you had high BP anyway?

[Fossil]

FatboyCsaba, on Aug 11 2009, 01:15 PM, said:

Did you cut down on your caffeine? Some people are more sensitive to caffeine than others. How can a fit young lad like you had high BP anyway?

Caffine up if anything! I think I opened up the arteries a little more with heavier/more training and became less stressed :-)

My dad lived to 92 and at 90 it was discovered that his BP was extremely high - 200 and something over something very high and his heart wasn't the cause of death - we can thank MRSA for that! So there's probably something genetic in there and I will need to keep check on it as dad was still cycling 50 miles in a day to see his brother when he was 90!

[natkas]

Pharmlou, on Aug 10 2009, 11:32 AM, said:

The reason you feel you are not running well ( other than the injury you mentioned ) is that are in denial about the diagnosis. The sooner you get over this, the sooner you will get back to achieving those PB's that you strive for.

Thanks for your input Pharmlou, but I don't think I'm in denial about my high BP! If I was, then I probably would refuse to take the medication, and not try to also reduce it by other means.

I've been a good girl and have not missed a single tablet yet (take note SMC42K!!)

I will persist and do some better training and hopefully everything will come good soon (including my ITB issues!)

[BigBert]

Pretty much the same story for me.
When I was 17 and went into the army, they told me my BP was high. Never really thought much about it.

Then a few years ago went to the doctor for something else, he took a BP and was not too happy. Did the 24hr monitor and he said overall it was OK.
Then last year I went to the doctor for a checkup for life insurance. After a single BP reading he put me onto Micardis. I thought he was being alarmist since a single test doesn't tell you the whole story. I figured it was probably needed however so tried ot for a few weeks, but didn't feel good on it.

Decided to take strong action instead. Took up running and cycling, started eating properly and have lost 22kg. I still have about 10kg to go before I think I am where I should be.
I stopped taking the Micardis becaue I felt after the weight loss, it wouldn't be necesary any more. I occasionally test myself at home and it's normally around the magic 120/80 number so wasn't too worried.
Went for a checkup yesterday and it was high again so the doc insisted I went back onto the Micardis.

Looking back, it would appear that I too cannot control it enough through lifestyle change alone, and figure that being on the medication is probably the right thing to do. Not too happy about it, but I'll see once the remaining weight is gone.
If I have to stay on it I will.

Not sure of the effect on my running but will have to see how it goes.

[wobbly man]

Had a health check last week = 148/99. Donated blood two days later = 137/87. Both on the high side for a 49yo. I checked through the blood bank recordings and it has been edging up this year but so has my weight. Its time to reduce some of my wobbly bits I think...

Anyone else heard of hibiscus tea helping with high BP?

[chilliman]

wobbly man, on Nov 27 2009, 08:58 AM, said:

Anyone else heard of hibiscus tea helping with high BP?

Not sure, there is a study here, and apparently they will make your scooter go faster.

[undercover brother]

i think we need a study to see if CR raises or lowers people's BP.
probably depends on the thread they are reading

[Bellthorpe]

Or writing ...

[Quinkin]

My experience with a diagnosis of hypertension has left me with a distrust of GPs.

Being overmedicated on blood pressure medicine is a nightmare. I lived that nightmare for five months, until I managed to see cardiologist who gave me a stress test and a 24 hour blood pressure monitor.

The 24 hour blood pressure monitor showed that my blood pressure was OK most of the time. I had white coat hypertension big time. The stress test showed that I could play sport. I couldn't run because of my knees

Initially taking the blood pressure pills didn't have much of an effect other than that I developed a coversyll dry cough. The nightmare really began when it was decided that my blood pressure was a little high, and the dose was doubled. I soon felt continually on the verge of collapse, I was dizzy, fatigued, my legs felt like jelly, my chest felt tight. It was hell.

I then spent five months seeing GPs who ran every test under the sun to try and find out why I was so debilitated. In the end they said my condition was a mystery and sometimes doctors have no answers. My blood pressure figures were great, but I felt like I was dieing. I asked them if it was the pills, no it's just stress, they told me.

In the end I simply couldn't continue feeling the way I did. So I stopped taking the pills. Within 24 hours I started feeling almost human. It took another 3 months to feel normal again.

I saw a new GP who found out I had haemachromatosis, an iron overload disorder, and I began treatment for that. At our second consultation, he prescribed more blood pressure medicine and Zoloft! What about the 24 hour blood pressure monitor, I thought.

I didn't return for the next consultation. There is no way I can contemplate reliving that five months. The thought of it scares me.

Edited by Quinkin, 27 November 2009 - 05:59 PM.

[Bellthorpe]

Your salt consumption?