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Does Atenolol Cause Variations In The Blood Pressure?
Question: My blood pressure is too close together. I'm on Atenolol 100 mg once daily but they still are close together. The systolic is usually normal close to 120 but my diastolic runs between 90 and 105. What causes that and do I need to be concerned?
Brief Answer:
Diastolic hypertension
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
Your systolic pressure is ideal at 120, but as you've noted, the diastolic is too high. The diastolic pressure is the pressure in your arteries when your heart is in it's resting phase. This is between beats, when your heart is refilling with blood.
If repeatedly (over the course of several days) your diastolic pressures are over 90, then it is time to talk with your doctor about adjusting your medication. If you just started the atenolol, it can take several weeks to see how your pressures are going to be on the medication.
Diastolic hypertension can be caused by a number of factors. You are 44, so age is not a factor for your's. Family history (other members of your family have had this) can play a part, as can lifestyle factors such as smoking, drinking, leading a sedentary lifestyle and obesity.
I am glad to see that you are meditating and using counseling. These are helpful, as are exercise and restricting alcohol intake if that applies to you.
If your diastolic pressure exceeds 110, then you should go in to the ER. I do not expect that that will happen, just a guideline.
So - if you recently started Atenolol, you may still see improvement in your diastolic pressures.
If not - record several blood pressure readings done at various times over a few days, and if they remain over 90, make an appointment to see your doctor.
I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information.
Diastolic hypertension
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
Your systolic pressure is ideal at 120, but as you've noted, the diastolic is too high. The diastolic pressure is the pressure in your arteries when your heart is in it's resting phase. This is between beats, when your heart is refilling with blood.
If repeatedly (over the course of several days) your diastolic pressures are over 90, then it is time to talk with your doctor about adjusting your medication. If you just started the atenolol, it can take several weeks to see how your pressures are going to be on the medication.
Diastolic hypertension can be caused by a number of factors. You are 44, so age is not a factor for your's. Family history (other members of your family have had this) can play a part, as can lifestyle factors such as smoking, drinking, leading a sedentary lifestyle and obesity.
I am glad to see that you are meditating and using counseling. These are helpful, as are exercise and restricting alcohol intake if that applies to you.
If your diastolic pressure exceeds 110, then you should go in to the ER. I do not expect that that will happen, just a guideline.
So - if you recently started Atenolol, you may still see improvement in your diastolic pressures.
If not - record several blood pressure readings done at various times over a few days, and if they remain over 90, make an appointment to see your doctor.
I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information.
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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