Advice on BP and Stress

[JaneMarks]

I was recently prescribed apo-lisinopril for high blood pressure. I had been getting reading lately at about 130/96. That being said, I have also been under enormous stress lately (new job, finances, child with illness ect) I am not the type of person who takes stress on, but it's been hard to ignore lately. I've been checking my blood pressure at home and usually get readings of 120/85. So I'm just not sure if I want to begin taking the pills if this is something that will pass as I find ways to handle the stress better. Secondly, I occasionally smoke a little bit of pot....to unwind. I find it quite effective....that being said, I'm concerned that this medication may interact with the pot...any input on both questions would be appreciated.

[M_Pounce]

I'm with you - it seems like you're being rushed onto a med you may not need. Get back with your doctor and have him go into a list of reasons why he thinks the med is appropriate.  Then make him refute your reasons for NOT going on it.  I'm thinking closer tracking and maybe stress management might be a safer course of action.

good luck!

[Londres70]

How many "high readings" have you had?  

I would discuss the possibility of monitoring the bp closer before taking medication with your physician again.  

I am not an expert on "pot," but your physician should be made aware that you on occasion smoke it.  

[JaneMarks]

I have no history of hypertension, nor do I have a history of it in my family (my mother actually has hypotension). I know for certain that my stress level has been unusually high the past few months due to circumstance. I am a generally healthy person, but a bit overweight. I have begun watching my salt intake, dieting (calorie counting, smaller portions) and excercising on a regular basis in hopes that I can reduce it on my own. I just really don't want to start a medication that I'll have to be on for life....that being said, I also don't want to damage my heart or kidneys.

[M_Pounce]

130/96 isn't extraordinarily high... what is your normal baseline (prior to your most recent readings).  Do you have a history of hypertension? Do you have family history of hypertension or heart disease?

The doctor that prescribed your meds, is he a doctor you have been seeing regularly for years?  If you think this may be passing and has everything to do with the amount of stress your under, go back and have a candid discusion with him.  He may have prescribed this for a reason, and if you don't know it, he needs to give you that info.  

good luck and keep us posted!