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What Do High BP, Palpitations And Shortness Of Breath Indicate?

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Posted on Mon, 13 Jul 2015
Question: Hi Im 49 year old. Last year I started having high blood pressure from stress at home and work. My doctor diagnosed me with essential hypertension due to my family history.. Initially was prescribed lissinopril but didn't work well because I was having heart palpitation, dizziness, shortness of breath and blood pressure was unstable. Doctor did EKG, Stress test and everything seemed normal..I stopped the lissinopril and symptoms went away but blood pressure was around 140-90 and doctor prescribed 80ml valsartan. Valsartan worked well and generally controled blood pressure to 125-75 about 3 months without side effects then I started to get the light headache on the left side of my head when bent or try to work in my car and use force, feel like arthritis pain which travels or gets worse in bad weather also feeling doomed and depressed , when I get a soda or a beer I get heart palpitations. I never used to have heart palpitation and now I do..Im active walk and stay all day at work, exercise with my bicycle, go to gym but still have these symptoms..As I said they get worse when weather changes..Id appreciate an advise.Thanks
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (54 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Valsartan should be stopped.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.

I have read your question and understand your concerns.

Both, headaches and irregular heartbeat are among others, possible side effects of Valsartan use, so, in my opinion, you should discuss with your treating Doctor about changing it.

Humor changes such nervousness, feeling depressed are listed as possible side effects of Valsartan use too, but also may be related to headaches.

Headaches characteristics you describe could be related also to sinusitis or sinus infection.

If headaches don't improve after stopping Valsartan, further evaluation needed about sinusitis.

In conclusion, stopping Valsartan use and changing it with another anti hypertensive drugs class ( calcium channel blocker eg.)
should improve your symptoms.

Hope this helps. I remain at your disposal for further questions and clarifications.

Wishing you good health.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (24 minutes later)
Thank you Dr Spaho! Appreciate your fast answer and advise. Best thing I did consulting here because feel peace in my heart. I shall stop valsartan,continue my gym exercises and bicycle training until my next scheduled visit with my family doctor. And definitely request my sinusitis to be checked. Could you please recommend any hypertensive med name you would prescribe because my doctor was insisting in the water pill. I refused it due to seeing bad reviews and side effects different patients on line about it. Thanks again
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (17 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
You can use Verapamil eg.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.

Water pills or diuretic drugs are used in combination with other anti hypertensive drugs such calcium channel blockers, angiotensin converting enzyme blockers, beta-receptors blockers, cholesterol lowering drugs, etc. ant as any other drugs may have adverse effects.

In my opinion, since the blood pressure values were not really high, one drug therapy should be tried first to control high blood pressure.

You can try Verapamil eg., but since it is a prescription drug, you should discuss with your treating Doctor about its use.

Hope I helped you.
Take care.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho

Neurologist, Surgical

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 4493 Questions

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What Do High BP, Palpitations And Shortness Of Breath Indicate?

Brief Answer: Valsartan should be stopped. Detailed Answer: Hello and thanks for using HCM. I have read your question and understand your concerns. Both, headaches and irregular heartbeat are among others, possible side effects of Valsartan use, so, in my opinion, you should discuss with your treating Doctor about changing it. Humor changes such nervousness, feeling depressed are listed as possible side effects of Valsartan use too, but also may be related to headaches. Headaches characteristics you describe could be related also to sinusitis or sinus infection. If headaches don't improve after stopping Valsartan, further evaluation needed about sinusitis. In conclusion, stopping Valsartan use and changing it with another anti hypertensive drugs class ( calcium channel blocker eg.) should improve your symptoms. Hope this helps. I remain at your disposal for further questions and clarifications. Wishing you good health.