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Hitgh Blood Pressure on Tx
Whats up guys!! I'm 6 weeks into Tx now.. I'm still feeling pretty good.. No exteme Sx so far... I'm in the Telaprevir trial and i go to the study nurse almost every week to get the blood test and to get a quick physical.. well every time i go my blood pressure is threw the roof... 148/102 I went to my regular doc and she gave me a script for blood pressure meds... Do you think the Hep C Meds are causeing my high blood pressure???
i'm already taking 12 pills aday for the hep c, now i gotta take more pills.. Great
I know high blood pressure is a serious thing and i wanna know if i can get away with out taking the pressure meds??
Is there a different way to fix my blood pressure without taking the meds??? or should i shut up and just take the pills?? lol
I did have little problems before tx with blood pressure but it turn out that i was just extremely **** off about having Hep c... so when i relaxed alittle my blood pressure would go to normal...
If nobody knows i am UND at 2 weeks into Tx.. I'm responding well :0)
i'm already taking 12 pills aday for the hep c, now i gotta take more pills.. Great
I know high blood pressure is a serious thing and i wanna know if i can get away with out taking the pressure meds??
Is there a different way to fix my blood pressure without taking the meds??? or should i shut up and just take the pills?? lol
I did have little problems before tx with blood pressure but it turn out that i was just extremely **** off about having Hep c... so when i relaxed alittle my blood pressure would go to normal...
If nobody knows i am UND at 2 weeks into Tx.. I'm responding well :0)
Great news about being UND and still feeling good.
I don't know about the blood pressure but did you get the script your doc wrote okayed with your trial nurse? Vertex provided me a list of meds not to take and there's a lot of them for high blood pressure on the list. Just make sure they know what your taking.
At first my blood pressure was a little low and she told me the meds could do that but I don't know about it being high. I'm sure some one will.
I don't know about the blood pressure but did you get the script your doc wrote okayed with your trial nurse? Vertex provided me a list of meds not to take and there's a lot of them for high blood pressure on the list. Just make sure they know what your taking.
At first my blood pressure was a little low and she told me the meds could do that but I don't know about it being high. I'm sure some one will.
To Tippy:
I'd be very grateful if you'd post the high blood pressure meds Vertex says not to take.
To BB:
I'm as frustrated as you about the connection between high blood pressure and tx.
There really isn't a lot of information out there and few people here seem to have this 'side effect'. Many people may not monitor their pressure and wouldn't be aware of fluctuations. Or it may simply be uncommon.
I went from normal blood pressure before tx to continually increased doses, still with no success.
Before tx, all my techniques to control pressure without meds worked well. On tx, nothing works (so far not even the meds).
I have very elevated diastolic (resting) pressure, like you. Yours is high, at 102, and that's what I'm running into, even on meds. (The current ideal is 115/75.) My problem is that the meds send my systolic plummeting to 100, making me feel faint, but so far are ineffective for my diastolic. Bummer. It's tricky for the doc to sort out.
As you said, high blood pressure is serious when left untreated. It insidiously and slowly does damage that can have fatal consequences.
Treating it, though, can be a pain in the arteries.
I'd recommend taking the pills. I hope this is only temporary for both of us. Which ones did your trial nurse approve?
And congratulations on your UND at TWO weeks. That's huge, wonderful news. Do you know how many weeks you'll be treating altogether?
I'd be very grateful if you'd post the high blood pressure meds Vertex says not to take.
To BB:
I'm as frustrated as you about the connection between high blood pressure and tx.
There really isn't a lot of information out there and few people here seem to have this 'side effect'. Many people may not monitor their pressure and wouldn't be aware of fluctuations. Or it may simply be uncommon.
I went from normal blood pressure before tx to continually increased doses, still with no success.
Before tx, all my techniques to control pressure without meds worked well. On tx, nothing works (so far not even the meds).
I have very elevated diastolic (resting) pressure, like you. Yours is high, at 102, and that's what I'm running into, even on meds. (The current ideal is 115/75.) My problem is that the meds send my systolic plummeting to 100, making me feel faint, but so far are ineffective for my diastolic. Bummer. It's tricky for the doc to sort out.
As you said, high blood pressure is serious when left untreated. It insidiously and slowly does damage that can have fatal consequences.
Treating it, though, can be a pain in the arteries.
I'd recommend taking the pills. I hope this is only temporary for both of us. Which ones did your trial nurse approve?
And congratulations on your UND at TWO weeks. That's huge, wonderful news. Do you know how many weeks you'll be treating altogether?
Ok here is what it says:
Medications that should not be taken with Telaprevir because of potential for serious drug interaction.
For high blood pressure:
bepridil, verapamil, diltiazem, felodipine, nifedipine, nisoldipine
There's plenty more on the list but only included the ones for high blood pressure.
Medications that should not be taken with Telaprevir because of potential for serious drug interaction.
For high blood pressure:
bepridil, verapamil, diltiazem, felodipine, nifedipine, nisoldipine
There's plenty more on the list but only included the ones for high blood pressure.
so you take blood pressure meds and they dont work.. that ***** what does the doc say..
the trial nurse approved atenolol
the trial nurse approved atenolol
My bp pre tx was 110-115/75-80 resting heart rate 62-65
During tx bp was 120-130/80-90 resting heart rate 80-95
During tx my bp and heart rate sometimes spiked very high for no determinable to me, reason.
Now, 7 weeks post eot, this morning my bp was 115/73, heart rate 66. This was the first time my # have been back to normal since I started TX.
Have also been doing moderate cardio exercise, and some weights again for last 5 weeks.
apache
During tx bp was 120-130/80-90 resting heart rate 80-95
During tx my bp and heart rate sometimes spiked very high for no determinable to me, reason.
Now, 7 weeks post eot, this morning my bp was 115/73, heart rate 66. This was the first time my # have been back to normal since I started TX.
Have also been doing moderate cardio exercise, and some weights again for last 5 weeks.
apache
My BP varied during tx. I was 'excited' (as in having a ribatude) at the doc's office and it was 170 over high. I went in about week 20 (of 24) and it was 116 over very good. I did start lisinopril after finishing. It had been borderline high for several years. . .. not really tx related.
Of interest to me is managing my rising cholesterol post tx. I'm going with diet and exercise. It would be ironic to get rid of the virus just to have a stroke.
Of interest to me is managing my rising cholesterol post tx. I'm going with diet and exercise. It would be ironic to get rid of the virus just to have a stroke.
Nope, do not take, and never have taken any bp meds...or any other habitual meds. Other than peg and riba.
apache
apache
As you know I'm in the same trial as you. I had boarderline high BP before TX and was on a low dose of meds before starting trial, 40mg micardis per day. I have been on the BP meds all through the trial and the nurse got approval from Vertex. Actually my BP has been low normal since being on TX. I'm hoping I can stop the BP meds after tx.
Bingo! You're on a beta-blocker and I've been mulling over whether this is the ticket for tx.
I'm on Ramipril, an ace inhibitor that has such good reviews, it's mind-boggling. And it doesn't work for me for my tx-related pressure.
Beta-blockers fell out of favor and had bad press, even though my mom took it successfully for years. Somehow, it makes sense to me that how it dilates the arteries and slows down the heart would be a perfect match with the side effects of tx. My doc loves ace inhibitors but I think she may be missing something.
Copyman, who prescribed your betablocker, your MD or your hepatologist?
BB, you've been prescribed a beta-blocker also, so please let us know if you respond to it. I'm excited about this now, since I've been frustrated as h-ell taking medications that don't work when I typically take nothing at all, not even vitamins.
I'm on Ramipril, an ace inhibitor that has such good reviews, it's mind-boggling. And it doesn't work for me for my tx-related pressure.
Beta-blockers fell out of favor and had bad press, even though my mom took it successfully for years. Somehow, it makes sense to me that how it dilates the arteries and slows down the heart would be a perfect match with the side effects of tx. My doc loves ace inhibitors but I think she may be missing something.
Copyman, who prescribed your betablocker, your MD or your hepatologist?
BB, you've been prescribed a beta-blocker also, so please let us know if you respond to it. I'm excited about this now, since I've been frustrated as h-ell taking medications that don't work when I typically take nothing at all, not even vitamins.
thank you guys for your comments.. I guess im gonna take the meds even if i dont wanna... If it helps my BP than so be it.. i just didnt want extra meds and more sx... i hope i dont have to take these meds after Tx either... I really dont want any more toxins in me, so after tx im gonna try to be as healthy as possible... the doc put me on 25mg of atenolol i think its a low dose also.. a stoke at 27 years old is possible...
your right It would be ironic to get rid of the virus just to have a stroke...so more meds it is... hope they work... thanks guys
BkBoy
your right It would be ironic to get rid of the virus just to have a stroke...so more meds it is... hope they work... thanks guys
BkBoy
Sorry, my bad. Micardis is an ARB. Someone who is on it recently told me it's a beta-blocker but I just looked it up.
Nice that it's working for you.
Nice that it's working for you.
"Beta-blockers fell out of favor and had bad press, even though my mom took it successfully for years. Somehow, it makes sense to me that how it dilates the arteries and slows down the heart would be a perfect match with the side effects of tx. My doc loves ace inhibitors but I think she may be missing something."
-----------------------------
Actually, beta-blockers and diuretics increase a patient's risk of developing DIABETES. while ACE inhibitors and Angiotensin Receptor Blockers decrease the risk of diabetes. Clinical guidelines in Great Britain, (but not the US), call for avoiding diuretics and beta-blockers as first-line treatment of hypertension due to the risk of diabetes.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beta_blocker
I certainly wouldn't want to try a beta blocker during treatment when developing IR/Diabetes can make you fail.
Do you know what Metformin, ACE inhibitors, and statins have in common? They're anti-oxidants. That's why all of them can prevent diabetes.
This is one of my favorite articles. Yes, I have lots of favorites...LOL
"Is Oxidative Stress the Pathogenic Mechanism Underlying Insulin Resistance, Diabetes, and Cardiovascular Disease? The Common Soil Hypothesis Revisited"
http://atvb.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/full/24/5/816
Co
-----------------------------
Actually, beta-blockers and diuretics increase a patient's risk of developing DIABETES. while ACE inhibitors and Angiotensin Receptor Blockers decrease the risk of diabetes. Clinical guidelines in Great Britain, (but not the US), call for avoiding diuretics and beta-blockers as first-line treatment of hypertension due to the risk of diabetes.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beta_blocker
I certainly wouldn't want to try a beta blocker during treatment when developing IR/Diabetes can make you fail.
Do you know what Metformin, ACE inhibitors, and statins have in common? They're anti-oxidants. That's why all of them can prevent diabetes.
This is one of my favorite articles. Yes, I have lots of favorites...LOL
"Is Oxidative Stress the Pathogenic Mechanism Underlying Insulin Resistance, Diabetes, and Cardiovascular Disease? The Common Soil Hypothesis Revisited"
http://atvb.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/full/24/5/816
Co
Yes, somewhat the opposite in the U.S. where diuretics have received recent press with study backing as the most effective first-line rx treatment for high bp. For example, my internist suggest hydrochlorothiazide to start with, that being a very common diuretic. On the other hand, my cardio likes the Ace Inhibitors to start. And to add to the confusion, my tx doc liked the combo treatments like Hyzzar which combine the angiotensin II receptor Losartan with the diruetic hydrochlorothiazide.
All this left me one very confused guy :) and lately I've been experimenting with both losartan and hydrochlorothiazide either solo or in combination to see what actually works as no sense taking a combo like Hyzaar if one drug is simply going along for a free ride without benefit. I have yet to try an Ace Inhibitor but hear they have more side effects (dry throat and coughing for example) than an angiotensin II receptor like Cozaar.
Any more suggestions here would be welcome because while I'm confused, maybe if I get more confused I will then see some clarity.
-- Jim
All this left me one very confused guy :) and lately I've been experimenting with both losartan and hydrochlorothiazide either solo or in combination to see what actually works as no sense taking a combo like Hyzaar if one drug is simply going along for a free ride without benefit. I have yet to try an Ace Inhibitor but hear they have more side effects (dry throat and coughing for example) than an angiotensin II receptor like Cozaar.
Any more suggestions here would be welcome because while I'm confused, maybe if I get more confused I will then see some clarity.
-- Jim
Promote Heart Health
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Avocados are a good source of potassium, a mineral that helps regulate blood pressure. Adequate intake of potassium can help to guard against circulatory diseases, like high blood pressure, heart disease or stroke. In fact, the U.S. Food and Drug Association has authorized a health claim that states: "Diets containing foods that are good sources of potassium and low in sodium may reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke."
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http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=5
Avocados contain oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat that may help to lower cholesterol. In one study of people with moderately high cholesterol levels, individuals who ate a diet high in avocados showed clear health improvements. After seven days on the diet that included avocados, they had significant decreases in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, along with an 11% increase in health promoting HDL cholesterol.
Avocados are a good source of potassium, a mineral that helps regulate blood pressure. Adequate intake of potassium can help to guard against circulatory diseases, like high blood pressure, heart disease or stroke. In fact, the U.S. Food and Drug Association has authorized a health claim that states: "Diets containing foods that are good sources of potassium and low in sodium may reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke."
One cup of avocado has 23% of the Daily Value for folate, a nutrient important for heart health. To determine the relationship between folate intake and heart disease, researchers followed over 80,000 women for 14 years using dietary questionnaires. They found that women who had higher intakes of dietary folate had a 55% lower risk of having heart attacks or fatal heart disease. Another study showed that individuals who consume folate-rich diets have a much lower risk of cardiovascular disease or stroke than those who do not consume as much of this vital nutrient.
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=5
Dear Co:
I hope BB has a chance to read your post and then discusses the betablocker with his doctor, who prescribed it to be taken during tx. There may be a valid reason for this class of drug during tx but the NP is likely unaware of the IR risk. I'd love to hear back from BB about the doctor's reason. Maybe it's a balancing act. (Please don't laugh.)
I know beta-blockers are out of fashion, except under the table for performance anxiety, so thank you very much for sending me great information that confirms this. Still, it's important to say again that my mom took it successfully for at least thirty years. She didn't develop diabetes or have cardiac events.
Jim:
My ACE may be a beauty of a drug by all accounts but it ain't bringing down my isolated diastolic during tx. Nonetheless, I love what I read about the 'magic' ACE and don't mind taking it. I prefer it to an ARB, which hasn't been studied as long. There was some very bad press about it recently (I'm linkless today) in combination with ACE.
I briefly had a dry cough but nobody who's done tx would likely give it a second thought. It was tolerable and temporary.
Rocker:
I love avocados, always have, except for when I overdosed on them and couldn't bear to have them in sight. Avocados aren't enough, though, sorry to say.
I hope BB has a chance to read your post and then discusses the betablocker with his doctor, who prescribed it to be taken during tx. There may be a valid reason for this class of drug during tx but the NP is likely unaware of the IR risk. I'd love to hear back from BB about the doctor's reason. Maybe it's a balancing act. (Please don't laugh.)
I know beta-blockers are out of fashion, except under the table for performance anxiety, so thank you very much for sending me great information that confirms this. Still, it's important to say again that my mom took it successfully for at least thirty years. She didn't develop diabetes or have cardiac events.
Jim:
My ACE may be a beauty of a drug by all accounts but it ain't bringing down my isolated diastolic during tx. Nonetheless, I love what I read about the 'magic' ACE and don't mind taking it. I prefer it to an ARB, which hasn't been studied as long. There was some very bad press about it recently (I'm linkless today) in combination with ACE.
I briefly had a dry cough but nobody who's done tx would likely give it a second thought. It was tolerable and temporary.
Rocker:
I love avocados, always have, except for when I overdosed on them and couldn't bear to have them in sight. Avocados aren't enough, though, sorry to say.
I'd be interested in anything you have regarding problems with ARBs.
Regarding your ACE:
(1) What strength did you try and was it suggested to titrate up ?
(2) Any side effects
(3) Did it bring down your systolic and how much?
(4) Have you tried diuretics either with it, or alone? I've read a diuretic can amplify the effects of the ACE but maybe it's just additive.
Of course it your ACE isn't doing its job then you have to change, what will be your next drug of choice?
--------
Regarding your ACE:
(1) What strength did you try and was it suggested to titrate up ?
(2) Any side effects
(3) Did it bring down your systolic and how much?
(4) Have you tried diuretics either with it, or alone? I've read a diuretic can amplify the effects of the ACE but maybe it's just additive.
Of course it your ACE isn't doing its job then you have to change, what will be your next drug of choice?
--------
the bad thing is i got the meds now i started last night and i did talk to my regular doc about my mom having diabetes and my grandmother had Hypoglycemia... Great now what do i do... i have the meds.. the study nurse said it was OK USA... like co writer said the hep c meds can cause diabetes.. But my blood pressure did go down, its normal on the meds i checked today...
what do u guys think i should do now??? i have enough BP meds for a month...
what do u guys think i should do now??? i have enough BP meds for a month...
Just re-read your post and saw your systolic really plunged! That's what I need, something to lower my systolic as my distolic is OK.
Are you IR or diabetic? If not, I doubt that will happen on treatment regardless of what bp meds you take and I assume your blood will be monitored on a reg basis. Personlly, I'd go with whatever works at least during tx. My liver specialist suggested Hyzaar which contains a diuretic while I was treating and he is well versed in IR andp diabetes not to mention treatment! Do you monitor at home? This is important to distingiuish high bp from white coat syndrome. Also, I hve found that cutting down on salt helps as well as exercise but the latter can be difficult on tx. Lastly, sleep on your stomach or side versus your back. Kid you not, they studied this and it can lower bp
I have to run but wow, BB, throw me some of your atenolol my way! I'll take it for a day to see what happens.
Maybe you're just a dream responder but unless this was a random reading, I'm popping my eyes wide open to hear this. And you're also a dream responder on your trial, you lucky guy. Remember, I'm an old f-art, so I may be a tougher case to crack.
I'm totally confused and it looks like several of us are, so let's not allow confusion to raise our blood pressure. Someone will sort it out one way or the other. The situation isn't urgent.
Co?
Jim:
Sorry, Zombie has to run. I promise to reply tonight.
Maybe you're just a dream responder but unless this was a random reading, I'm popping my eyes wide open to hear this. And you're also a dream responder on your trial, you lucky guy. Remember, I'm an old f-art, so I may be a tougher case to crack.
I'm totally confused and it looks like several of us are, so let's not allow confusion to raise our blood pressure. Someone will sort it out one way or the other. The situation isn't urgent.
Co?
Jim:
Sorry, Zombie has to run. I promise to reply tonight.
im not ir or diabetic.. but my mom is probably doesn't matter... white coat syndrome is what i thought i had but I did check at the supermarket before i got the drugs... i check when i get to the supermarket and i sit down there for like 10 mins and check again.. lol i have been sleeping on my stomach pretty much my whole life... i actually do good with the foods i choose to eat.. i dont eat much salt at all.. im thinking its the hep c meds that are causeing my High BP
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