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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can Blood Pressure Medication Cause Weight Gain?

I was put on medicine to increase my Blood Pressure. I did a stress test which they said was slightly abnormal after a week on the medicine. I do have a dull ache at times in my chest on the left side. My pulse is also pretty low. usually resting between 43-59. I have had the EKG, CT, Echo and other tests. I go back to my cardiologist on the 23rd of January. I also, have gained like 5 lbs without even trying... Could this be due to the medicine? FYI- My blood pressue now ranges from 137/75 to 107/59 with no difference in activities I have noticed...
Mon, 2 Jun 2014
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Internal Medicine Specialist 's  Response
Thank you for the query.
I would like to your age, gender and if you can recall what anti hypertensive have you been prescribed. Taking your history into account it seems unlikely that you have been prescribed beta blocker since you heart rate is on the lower side (or it may be low as a effect of beta blocker itself). Beta blockers may cause undesirable effects of lipid profile and blood sugar. Presently, you are maintaining your BP in an acceptable range, sometimes on the lower side also.
Drugs like diuretics cause increased urination and are unlikely to cause weight gain. Drugs in the calcium channel blocker group may cause some amount fluid retention and swelling in the legs, which may be a cause (however, 2.5 kgs is unlikely).
I would advise you to have a salt restricted diet, as salt can cause water retention and weight gain. If possible, please monitor your water/fluid intake and urine output and get a renal function test done (urea, creatinine).
In all probabilities, your weight gain may be due to fluid retention. In case you are symptomatic you should consult your cardiologist for a check up and revise of medications.
Hope this helps you.
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Can Blood Pressure Medication Cause Weight Gain?

Thank you for the query. I would like to your age, gender and if you can recall what anti hypertensive have you been prescribed. Taking your history into account it seems unlikely that you have been prescribed beta blocker since you heart rate is on the lower side (or it may be low as a effect of beta blocker itself). Beta blockers may cause undesirable effects of lipid profile and blood sugar. Presently, you are maintaining your BP in an acceptable range, sometimes on the lower side also. Drugs like diuretics cause increased urination and are unlikely to cause weight gain. Drugs in the calcium channel blocker group may cause some amount fluid retention and swelling in the legs, which may be a cause (however, 2.5 kgs is unlikely). I would advise you to have a salt restricted diet, as salt can cause water retention and weight gain. If possible, please monitor your water/fluid intake and urine output and get a renal function test done (urea, creatinine). In all probabilities, your weight gain may be due to fluid retention. In case you are symptomatic you should consult your cardiologist for a check up and revise of medications. Hope this helps you.