Afternoon BP spike taking meds
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Feb 10 2009
Q: Why does my BP spike every day around 4 p.m.? It stays very elevated for around an hour, then gradually goes down in the evening. I am on Atenolol, Hydrochlorot, and just started Enalapril this week.
A: Blood pressure is not constant. It varies throughout the day. Also you are on several blood pressure medications. Depending upon their strength and when you take them, they will have different peak effects on your blood pressure at various times throughout the day. I assume your doctor started the Enalapril (Vasotec) to get you in better control. You should discuss the best time to take your medications with your doctor. Make sure you mention the afternoon spike.
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May 5, 2009 - 11:05:40I have uncontrolled blood pressure, especially in the afternoon and night. My doctor says I have small arteries around the renal artery that are blocked and too small to stent. My renal artery has a stent and was recently balloned out approx. two months ago. My pressures at night have gone as high as 235 to 240 systolic. I am on several kinds of meds, including clonidine HCL, 0.l mg tabletmyl, along with a .03 mg patch (5 day).
Do you have an answer for this?
You need to discuss your night time blood pressure readings with your doctor. Multiple drug treatment is common with the difficult to control high blood pressure related to renal artery problems. It may take your doctor a while to figure out the best combination for you. Use of the RESPeRATE could help but you will still need drugs.