I've been considering this for a few years.
I took beta blockers in my late-teens early 20s when I was playing football (to a fairly high level) and rugby. It wasn't pretty. I didn't know at the time that my heart rate was impacted. The GP that put me on them probably didn't think about it either as I suspect he typically prescribed to old people that weren't particularly concerned by this disbenefit.
Shortly after my football coach discovered I was on beta blockers (and nearly had an aneurysm himself!) I started on the new ace inhibitors. They (Ramipril) went ok, but caused a horrible cough, eventually ended up on an ARB/CCB combo (google's telling me that's a good option for athletes). But I noticed when i was tracking my blood pressure that it didn't make much difference... and then I read a BMJ article which reported that treatment for borderline hypertension wasn't necessarily worthwhile (something along those lines). I spoke with my GP and we agreed I'd stop taking any medication.
... +10 years later I started tracking my BP again, and it's definitely higher than it was (av. 150/98), so i'm thinking about going back and trying again. But i'd very much like to avoid side effects. And I really don't want to get any slower on a bike! These days I have HRV and HRM data so i'll be able to keep an eye on things not just go with gut feeling.
Anyone else active, taking BP medication and have any advice?
I have been on BP meds for about 6 years, and I’ll be 60 next month. They have no noticeable effect on my cycling and swimming performance. I’m not a doctor, but if I had a BP averaging 150/98 at home I’d be seeing one pretty urgently.
Been on them 15+ years now. They killed riding performance and really led to me packing in cycling. I went from from of the pack on club rides to hanging off the back.
Properly did my head in as cycling was always competitive for me, I wasn't a bimbler, so I gradually stopped and never really touch a bike now. Mine was 178/130 ish when I found out by chance and ironically I was the fittest I'd ever been, competing and cycling 5 days a week.
That said - I'd rather be alive than to be able to pedal a bike quickly.
150/98 - yeah get to a doctor!!
Mine was high at around 170ish/135ish. Sometimes I could feel a bit of pressure on my heart from working late nights (was a hectic period then). GP then prescribed me with some Amlodipine and Lipitor (atorvastatin) and I took them for nearly 2 years. Then one day I noticed some "performance" side effect issue and decided to stop taking both. Blood pressure was already normal by then and "performance" slowly normalised again (125/80 or 90). Since I don't own much or owe anyone in this life, I said to myself sort it. If I can "go" now I will "go" happily in an instant. I know my BP is due to lack of sleep and staying up late to work. That's just me. (I will be having my annual check of my BP etc with GP tomorrow)
If you are worried then perhaps check with your GP again for different medication.
If I can "go" now I will "go" happily in an instant.
If I could got in an instant that would be an ideal way to end my days.
If I had a stroke and had to rely on other people to wipe my arse and feed me - well I'd rather try my best to avoid that.
So even though the pills have side effects (lethargy being one) I'll deal with those. You have to review and mix them up over time as what worked one year can be less effective as your body changes.
I've been on amlodipine for a few years, started on 5mg. Fine, no issues. Got upped to 10mg and started getting swollen ankles and some other side effects. I lost 5 stone and started getting low BP and unpleasant side effects, stabbing pain in the chest and palpitations during excercise so I cut my dose in half back to 5mg and been fine since, still getting prescribed 10mg but I pay the same regardless and now it lasts 2 months instead of one, I'm sure the Dr's will catch on eventually but until then it's fine. Not tried any others so can't say for certain but I'm hoping another 2 stone lost will mean I can come off it for good.
I guess some people react to some more than others.
My cocktail is Amlodipine 10mg Ramipril 5mg Atorvostatin 10mg daily.
No side effects, fit as a fiddle, can ride and windsurf as long and hard as ever. Age 72 and wouldn't change a thing.
Checked today 150/90 😬
If I stop posting on STW for more than 12 months, I am already 6 feet under or being turned into fertiliser for the grass to feed the cows.
Nurse and GP not happy at all but I told them I ain't taking Amlodipine and Atorvastatin again because they gave me simply too many size effects (I hope some reversible).
Apparently, the side effects I got are all known ones for some people (not all people get the same side effects). Well, I got them all and not pleasant at all if not annoying.
Told them I would rather "go" as a whole (man) than "half" a man that look like a lizard man with extremely itchy scales. I mean how many buckets of Eczema cream do I need cover myself with.
They now ordered me for further BP check next week, and advised me that they would give me different medication. 🙄
I think I might want to try Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs) like Losartan, Valsartan and Candesartan, or Nebivolo or Doxazosin based on AI recommendation. 😆 😬 🤔
The scary thing is that AI is rather accurate (actually accurate) in describing my side effects. Hello! 😲
I don’t like offering medical advice I am not qualified to give but happy to share my experience. I am on ARBs, valsartan. I have a pretty low resting heart rate anyway so didn’t want beta blockers. Started on 80mg but that did nothing so was upped to 160mg, but again still around 150/90. So not much impact on my blood pressure (other medical issues going on with me though causing the high blood pressure) and can’t say I have seen any difference to my cycling performance or any side affects but only on them a few months and not cycled too much in this time, so maybe not much help. It is important to find the cause of the high blood pressure as that will dictate the treatment.
Checked today 150/90
An annual BP check is nowhere near enough when you've had BP as high as you've previously had. Get a home monitor and check often at various times of the day. You can build up a proper picture then.
Re the drugs - there will be a combination that works. A quick Google says there are over 220 types! So don't sack them all off because they didn't work once. I've been on Ampodipine over six years with no noticeable side effects.
This is my current combination! I'm on 8mg of Doxazosin but they don't do a 8mg tablet so I have to take x2 4mg...
I don’t like offering medical advice I am not qualified to give but happy to share my experience. I am on ARBs, valsartan. I have a pretty low resting heart rate anyway so didn’t want beta blockers. Started on 80mg but that did nothing so was upped to 160mg, but again still around 150/90. So not much impact on my blood pressure (other medical issues going on with me though causing the high blood pressure) and can’t say I have seen any difference to my cycling performance or any side affects but only on them a few months and not cycled too much in this time, so maybe not much help.
I only found out the side effects after nearly one year plus of taking the medication. Didn't make anything of it at first but when the side effects finally got my attention (serious), it was a bit late as many parts of my body developed "scales" (extreme dry skin), and also other bodily function (the "jewel"). I stopped it instantly and took a while for some side effects to disappear but some are still there (scales). I just hope there is no permanent damage. What annoy me most of the side effects is that they gradually appeared (sneakily) and by the time I knew it, it was almost too late.
I am going to give ARB or Nebivolo or Doxazosin a try but I will have to keep a close eye on the side effects, hopefully none. Is something appears I am going to avoid all of them unless emergency (they have to force me).
I also need to do some research on the BP medication as not everyone will have the same side effects.
Two of my friends developed ED after taking BP medication but I don't know if they have changed medication since. 😑
An annual BP check is nowhere near enough when you've had BP as high as you've previously had. Get a home monitor and check often at various times of the day. You can build up a proper picture then.
Re the drugs - there will be a combination that works. A quick Google says there are over 220 types! So don't sack them all off because they didn't work once. I've been on Ampodipine over six years with no noticeable side effects.
This is my current combination! I'm on 8mg of Doxazosin but they don't do a 8mg tablet so I have to take x2 4mg...
Thanks for the info.
I ain't going back to Amlodipine and Lipitor (atorvastatin) as the side effects are simply too high a price to pay.
Medical journals stated Doxazosin or Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs) as more suitable for some as they are "3rd generation" bp medication. I am going to give Doxazosin and ARB a try.
I also need to do some research on the BP medication as not everyone will have the same side effects.
Research will have your head spinning!! It really is hit and miss and sometimes one drug has to be introduced to counter another.
And something that did work gradually doesn't won't any more. I was on Bendroflumethiazide for seven years - Dr replaced this with the Doxazosin at the end of 2024. Only Ramipril has been there since day one. And cardiologist added a Beta blocker (the Atenolol) last summer.
I'm on half the original dose of Atenolol as the original dose knocked me out and I could have won a gold medal for sleeping! The half dose is much, much better.
You should be getting regular blood test too - at least once a year. I'm every six months.
Despite years of testing they've still not found a cause for mine - every result (ECGs, Ultrasounds, Cholesterol etc.) comes back as normal.
Research will have your head spinning!! It really is hit and miss and sometimes one drug has to be introduced to counter another.
Yes, I guess that's the norm for medication. Try to get the balance is not easy.
You should be getting regular blood test too - at least once a year. I'm every six months.
Despite years of testing they've still not found a cause for mine - every result (ECGs, Ultrasounds, Cholesterol etc.) comes back as normal.
On the blood test too etc. My bad cholesterol is slightly high as with PSA but the rest are normal. Will see what the GP install for me next. I don't think the cause is that obvious unless there is highly dedicated GP that looks into everything about a person. (future AI will do this).
Despite years of testing they've still not found a cause for mine - every result (ECGs, Ultrasounds, Cholesterol etc.) comes back as normal.
Essential hypertension is what I was diagnosed with when still at school. Every time I moved dr I’d get another round of the same tests all coming back as normal.
I still remember my initial GP saying that it’s nothing to worry about now, you might have a stroke in your 50s that’s all (!)
you might have a stroke in your 50s that’s all (!)
😬 is that due to arteries blockage? My friend just had a "balloon" (that tiny device that expand the artery) inserted into his heart artery. They poked him from a vein in his thigh to the heart artery. He is totally fine now with no shortness of breath etc.
I think I've always had slightly high BP. It was never raised as a concern by a GP until I was booked in for minor routine surgery and the hospital, during the pre-op tests said "oh, this is way too high, if it's this high next week we won't be able to operate".
Had a week of zero alcohol, salt etc, went back to the hospital and it was even higher so they binned the op and wrote to my GP. Eventually the hospital got bored of all the back and forth - GP saying it wasn't high enough to do anything, hospital insisting it was far too high to operate - and they gave me a load of diazepam then did the op anyway!
Finally (a couple of years later during a routine check-up) the GP did get on board and I was prescribed Lisinopril which gave me a persistent cough, kind of like having Covid. So they changed that to Candesartan, an Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB) and combined it with Amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker.
Only low doses. I've not noticed any impact on cycling. Maybe my abilities and performance aren't good enough to be affected by things like that! The GP and the pharmacy were both pretty good with following up after the prescription, checking for side-effects etc.
So they changed that to Candesartan, an Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB) and combined it with Amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker.
Do they have to combine all of those? i.e. with Amlodipine?
I have the cough, although I also apparently have a post nasal drip or something that can also cause a cough...first half hour of being upright after sleeping and I've a dry cough.
I'll need to book a chat as I'm on a cocktail.of tablets and I suspect I may not be as happy on them as my laid-back approach to having to take medication is leading me to believe.
I had three stents fitted 6 years ago due to me getting chest pain, very surprising as I have always been fit. Turns out one of my arteries was slightly twisted and not allowing blood to flow properly, I was 56 at the time and my dad died of a heart attack at the same age. Consultant says it may be hereditary. Anyway I’m on Lipitor as well but can’t think of any side effects but I’m going to the GP to discuss coming off them. I’m back to hard training now on my new gravel bike and feel fitter than I’ve done for years, I think the increased blood flow is really helping
you might have a stroke in your 50s that’s all (!)
😬 is that due to arteries blockage? My friend just had a "balloon" (that tiny device that expand the artery) inserted into his heart artery. They poked him from a vein in his thigh to the heart artery. He is totally fine now with no shortness of breath etc.
not that I’m aware of. All other tests have shown me to be in good health. No cholesterol issues etc.
^^ your OP suggests you last spoke to your GP about it 10+ years ago. I’m guessing by your comment you are now approaching that 50 number ? A lot can change in the heart health in that period and given than you had some earlier flags, and have hypertension based on your BP, you are now getting to that statistically high risk stage of your life.
Surely a proper chat now with the GP would be a wise approach..
Yes. I’m basically getting a baseline of daily readings over one month so I can have a worthwhile chat with my GP. He’s about my age and a good enough bloke… but I work in the system and have friends that are GPs. Throughout my life they’ve given me very generalised advice based on a typical hypertension patient. Ie - cut down on salt, do more exercise etc, when I explain how my diet and exercise I do they’re nonplussed.
We’ll have a relatively short time to make a decision so I’d like to go with as much information and knowledge as possible.
Do they have to combine all of those? i.e. with Amlodipine?
There are dozens of different BP medications, I get the feeling they prefer to prescribe low doses of combinations rather than a higher dose of one particular one plus they do work in different ways.
I had three stents fitted 6 years ago due to me getting chest pain, very surprising as I have always been fit. Turns out one of my arteries was slightly twisted and not allowing blood to flow properly, I was 56 at the time and my dad died of a heart attack at the same age. Consultant says it may be hereditary. Anyway I’m on Lipitor as well but can’t think of any side effects but I’m going to the GP to discuss coming off them. I’m back to hard training now on my new gravel bike and feel fitter than I’ve done for years, I think the increased blood flow is really helping
How's your blood pressure? Do the stents help in normalising blood pressure?
I started BP meds last year - am only 45 and doing all the lifestyle things but genetics is genetics . I was on amlodipine first but what started as slightly swollen legs became quite painful ankles when the weather warmed up. Have since been put on lisinopril and once I was on the right dose (didn’t read the label properly) and had zero problems sports-wise.
When I was chatting with the GP about it he said there’s a whole pile of drugs to work through for blood pressure if the first ones don’t work out.
I couldn't be happier on Ramipril 2.5, and may up it if necessary.
For a year or two when my road miles had taken a tumble, I didnt feel right, I took an hour or so of riding to feel i was warmed up, i was out of breath and had no oomph. Now i realise it was my high BP- around 160/100 at its worse, I'd started getting very bad vertigo, and could feel the pressure (I think). For ages the GP was all 'lose some weight, do more exercise, eat healthier' first. I'd told him i ride a lot and ate pretty well, didnt drink much- he obviously thought 'yeah WHATEVER'. Anyway when I finally got on them, feel much better on the bike, keep up with the pack, lost 3kg can concentrate better, its all good. Don't fanny about, get on the meds and enjoy life.
Checked it today 128/88 so ok I guess
Checked it today 128/88 so ok I guess
You will survive. 😀
My GP set a target for me at 120/80. 🙄
I doubt most people can achieve that target without a long-term artificial medical intervention, unnecessary. Which also means pharmaceutical company has a "forever" income source.
After a few days recalling my prescription, I have now figured out that my initial bp was high, and the GP prescribed me with medication to lower the bp, but lowering the bp (my lowest was 130/80) resulted in more side effects. i.e. solve one problem but created more problems - severe eczema, severe sinus blockage, ED (now "normalise"), dry cough and need to pee often. The sinus blockage is the killer as I can only sleep for 3 hours a night before needing to sleep in a sit up position.
Well, I guess I need to watch my diet from now on and switch to eating something that will lower my bp. i.e. no more (bad) cholesterol rich food and probably end up with steamed food only. Plenty of Chinese steamed food recipes so no worries.
Update. GP prescribed me with Losartan Potassium 25mg for a month to see how it goes. Then up the dosage as necessary.
Well, I went to my GP today to discuss my BP. After explaining all the side effects etc we decided to try Losartan Potassium 25mg to see how it goes. I suggested that LOL! I said I wanted newer "2 or 3 generation medication". He agreed and was going to prescribe me 50mg but told him I wanted to try 25mg first as I wanted to make sure there would be no side effects. As I explained "I don't want to solve one problem and created another 4 due to side effects". My GP was a little surprise that I had so much side effects which was uncommon for most. I did my research and unfortunately I fall into the tiny percentage of people who do not tolerate well with certain medication. In 4 weeks I will have to go back for more blood test and BP check again but GP still insists on 50mg. We shall see.
Read through this thread with interest. I’m 2 months into my medication. I never thought I would have high BP as I’ve never been overweight and always done some form of exercise. Joined the Our Future Health survey in 2020 ish and it flagged that my BP was a bit high. Cholesterol was fine as was everything else. I’ve kept an eye on it since then and it’s hovered around 155/95. Bit the bullet and went to docs as like someone has said I don’t mind if I drop dead but I really don’t want to burden my family after having a stroke. He put me on Amlodipine 5mg but after a month BP was not as low as he would have liked. He said under 140/80 is target so he upped it to 10mg but when I took in a morning by 3pm my legs and ankles were killing me. Not swollen but joints were painful and calf muscles were sore. I’ve dropped it back to 5mg and gonna see how it goes. Interested in the performance drops mentioned as I was out on Thursday and dropped by a mate who hasn’t done that for 10 years. Mileage has dropped since November but not enough to warrant that kind of drop. Gonna keep an eye on it now and maybe go back when I’ve finished this course of meds.
One of my mates has just been diagnosed. Rides everywhere and has an active job. Another mate has been on BP meds a long time.
I do have a home monitor that I should use TBH. I only tend to get tested when I land in A&E with broken bones !
I took beta blockers in my late-teens early 20s when I was playing football (to a fairly high level) and rugby
is that because you needed to or some sort of drug enhancement benefit ?
I’ve kept an eye on it since then and it’s hovered around 155/95.
It looks like yours BP is about the same as mine. My GP also advised me not to do strenuous exercise.
Bit the bullet and went to docs as like someone has said I don’t mind if I drop dead but I really don’t want to burden my family after having a stroke.
I was not bothered but all my friends and family members persuaded me to continue medication (now with new prescription); and yes half dead is worst than completely dead. 😬
He put me on Amlodipine 5mg but after a month BP was not as low as he would have liked. He said under 140/80 is target so he upped it to 10mg but when I took in a morning by 3pm my legs and ankles were killing me. Not swollen but joints were painful and calf muscles were sore. I’ve dropped it back to 5mg and gonna see how it goes
I think the standard BP med starts with Amlodipine 5mg but mine included Lipitor (atorvastatin) when my GP first prescribed me BP med. The combination managed to keep my BP down to 140/90 but with the result of side effects. Not sure what 10mg might do to you. I am not going back to that combination again.
As for a target of 140/80, that's achievable with BP med but I am not sure everyone should have the same target. I think western bodies can tolerant a slightly high BP reading but I cannot be certain. As for the painful joints, you might want to keep an eye on the side effects. Frequent muscles cramp can happen too.