What should I do to control my high BP?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Your blood pressure is certainly high and requires proper treatment and management. Pedal edema is a known side effect of Amlodipine. If your blood pressure is not controlled, it indicates a need to switch to another class of medication or a combination of two medications.

Blood pressure readings around 160/90 mmHg (millimeters of mercury) typically require at least two medications for control, as is the case with your Losartan H, which contains Losartan potassium and Hydrochlorothiazide. It would have been helpful if you had shared the dosage of your blood pressure medication.

Nevertheless, if you are currently taking 50mg/12.5mg in the morning, consider adding 50mg of Losartan potassium in the evening as well. If your blood pressure remains uncontrolled after a few days on this regimen, consider taking LosarH 50mg/12.5mg twice daily. Your target blood pressure is 130/80 mmHg.

Remember that lifestyle management significantly contributes to blood pressure control alongside medication. This includes daily walks or exercise, weight loss, salt restriction, using salt substitutes, avoiding junk and pre-cooked food, and adopting a healthy diet such as the DASH (dietary approaches to stop hypertension) diet.

As I was reviewing your laboratory reports (attachments removed to protect the patient’s identity), I noticed that your LDL ("bad" cholesterol) and triglycerides are high. High LDL (low-density lipoprotein) contributes to coronary artery disease, stroke, and peripheral arterial disease. It is highly recommended to control your blood lipids to avoid these complications. Similar lifestyle management is recommended as described above, along with using vegetable oil, avoiding oily foods, incorporating fish and chicken into your diet, and limiting red meat. These changes will greatly contribute to controlling your LDL cholesterol.

I would also recommend a statin medication (such as Atorvastatin or Rosuvastatin) to control your bad cholesterol for at least the next three months. Please repeat a fasting lipid profile after three months to determine whether to continue the medication. Please remember that statins are not recommended during pregnancy. The rest of your blood work-up is satisfactory.

Finally, if you are experiencing palpitations, an ECG (electrocardiogram) is advised, especially during the palpitations, to assess the heart's rhythm at that particular time. If needed, medication can be started depending on your heart rate, rhythm, and necessity.

I hope this information is helpful.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further queries; I would be happy to answer them. I am always here to guide you regarding any health concerns.

Take good care of yourself.

Regards