New Medications: Beta Blocker plus Ace Inhibitors and Ca Channel Blocker

[duncan_b3]

I am taking a Beta Blocker, an ACE Inhibitor and a Calcium Channel Blocker. Is that normal?

[tinmuning]

Those are drugs from hypertension. For most cases, one type of anti-hypertensive is enough. But for resistant or severe cases, they do give combination of different drugs. However, it is the first time I heard of someone taking 3 types of drugs at the same period---usually it's just a combination of 2 anti-hypertensive drugs.

However, if your doctor prescribed you those and you are not getting too much side effects, then it's probably best to keep taking all 3 types until your doctor says so.

[Squelix]

Duncan, My dr also had me on the same program of blood pressure drugs as you. After a few years my pressure gradually came down (after a weight loss) and the drug regime became too much for me. I fainted and after coming to I took my blood pressure, it was 90 over 60 (very low!). Point being, its important for you yourself to keep tabs on your pressure regularly, like weekly. I bought a cheap digital monitor from Wallymart. Another tip: don't quit your beta blocker cold turkey, like I did. Those drugs will cause very unplesant withdrawal symptoms. Taper off.

[richard_f]

I take all three of those as well. One way to minimize side effects is to rx low doses of multiple drugs.

[michaelsturn]

I'm 43. I've been taking blood pressure meds since I was 22. I take a calcium channel blocker, beta blocker, an ace inhibitor, and a diuretic. My nosey insurance company thinks that any more than three blood pressure meds requires a kidney test. My doctor tests my blood and urine every six months and everything is fine. You mentioned that your blood pressure was elevated in the doctor's office. I have what they call "white coat' hypertention. Basically every time I have my blood pressure taken by anyone other than myself, it's about 30 points higher due to anxiety. the best thing to do is to buy a home blood pressure cuff and keep a daily log of your blood pressure. Bring your machine to the doctor to verify the high reading he's getting to prove the accuracy of your meter. Show ther doctor your daily log and he should prescribe based on your real blood pressure during the day as opposed to the high reading in the office because of anxiety.
Most importantly, watch SALT. Not table salt, that's obviously cut out, but read the package and how many servings the mgs. of salt represent.

[petenyc]

@michaelsturn Old thread but my 2cents. I have the same issue when I go to the Dr for my BP issues, higher at the office than when I take it at home.

3 months ago at checkup it was 210/145 which shocked me and put the fear in me. On meds now and it is back to normal levels, along with lifestyle changes. I am a hawk when it comes to sodium intake and keep it as low as possible – along with no caffeine and cut back and trying to quit smoking along with more exercise.

We are not sure if it was due to genetics or lifestyle, so next month we will be backing off some of the meds (currently on three) to if it was changes I made or meds. Main goal is to strike a balance and possibly lower the meds I’m on – my liver could use a break as well as my wallet..

I do the same as you, keep a log and stay on track with the lifestyle changes. Good luck with your issue.

[painstaking]

Malignant hypertension. It would be advisable to take a look at the Renal GFR, and to also get an echo. That kind of hypertension leads me to believe there is something wrong. Increased blood pressure is normal with aging and arteriosclerosis. But progressive or a rapid increase is worrisome.

[middle_aged]

Always check with a doctor, but it is not uncommon for people to be on multiple blockers at once. calcium channel blockers and beta blockers are pretty common. as others in this thread have said, if your doctor is prescribing this for you, there is probably a good reason.

[painstaking]

Always check with a doctor, but it is not uncommon for people to be on multiple blockers at once. calcium channel blockers and beta blockers are pretty common. as others in this thread have said, if your doctor is prescribing this for you, there is probably a good reason.

You are very right. I am just saying that if it was normal before and out of no where you are seeing systolics above 200, that is something that needs to be investigated before just going on antihypertensives, which the doctor probably did. It is in no way normal per se, but that does not mean it is not benign. And using these kind of medications at once, you must be vigilant. The combo of a calcium channel blocker and a beta blocker leads to lower heart rate; if you are continuously bradycardic, that is something that you would want to bring up with your doctor.

There are sometime causes for hypertension: stress, chf, renal failure, arteriosclerosis, pheochromocytoma, fibromuscular dysplasia, another cause, or maybe it is just idiopathic (genetic?). It is a good idea to know. Most cardiologist, are going to check for edema, order blood tests (lipid panel, renal and hepatic, cbc, etc), and decide if more testing is necessary. Simply having a discussion with your doctor can help you better understand why you are experiencing hypertension and what you can do to help it which I believe is important for any patient being treated with medication.

Now if your blood pressure is primary hypertension that is not malignant, not severely elevated, has been progressive with aging, that is something that is quite common. And if you have white coat hypertension, a BP diary is a useful tool for a doctor to prevent him from say prescribing excessive antihypertensives that would lead to hypotension when not in a clinical setting.

Hypertension is a disease which can be alleviated and is extremely important, as long standing hypertension can lead to a host of serious complications.

What this boils down to is this: If you have any disease, do not simply grab the prescription and fill. Talk to your doctor, discuss the causes, discuss the risks, discuss the treatments, and make an informed decision.

On another note, take none of my advice as medical advice or substitute for a medical doctor, I am just passing on my knowledge in the hopes of helping others understand.

[Survived03]

Same here with the exception of CA blocker. I would highly recomend the extended release beta blocker if you are not already on one. I use Coreg. Was on the two a day and usually right after I took it I would be extremely slow and tired. Not with Coreg.