Blood Pressure Medication and Weight Loss

This is so important to consider, that I wanted to post it for those of you on medication for High Blood Pressure. As you drop weight, you will need a lower dosage. Of course you don't want to be your own doctor, but you must be your own advocate and aware of what too much medication will do to you! I've been through this and having medication lower your blood pressure too much, to an unsafe level is no fun! For me, my normal energy level dropped drastically and I HAD to lay down and could not function. This is how I have handled it during my weight loss journey. I keep a wrist type blood pressure reading device and monitor fairly frequently. Falling somewhat below the "normal" 120/80 is okay if you feel okay. When I was having trouble, my readings were around 85/60. YIKES! I would break my pill in half or thirds and then monitor the following days. At my last physical, my doctor told me I had been doing the right thing. At that visit, she reduced my Lisinopril from 20mg. per day to 5 mg. Currently I'm on half of the 5 mg. per day and hope to be able to go off the meds completely soon! Be aware of how weight loss affects medications.

Replies

  • oldmanstauf
    oldmanstauf Posts: 202 Member
    Which may be true in some instances. I go to my cardiologist for checkups. I was 66 lbs down since my last appointment and the weight loss hadn't made any significant effect on my blood pressure. Some of it's just genetics. In fact, they're discussing the potential for additional medication. But sure, it's a good idea to double check to make sure meds aren't lowering your blood pressure too drastically.
  • Pamela777
    Pamela777 Posts: 66 Member
    Diana - some good advice there - thank u.

    I'm on blood pressure med n crestor too. My total cholesterol went from 306 to 177, after 3 months of eating low carb, seeing my cardiologist beginning of August. I'm sure he will decrease it eventually, possibly with blood pressure meds too. I have diabetes so keeping an eye on all this is really important. So good to hear people who lose the weight r regaining their health, not just asthetics.

    The biggest thing I am aware of is a change in my sugars - some days I can forego my meal shots and only take my nightime insulin shot - awesome!:drinker:
  • DianaJaneD
    DianaJaneD Posts: 157 Member
    @ oldmanstauf .....Thanks for your comment! Good point and I'm so glad you added it!