High Blood Pressure Medication Taken By Someone With Low Blood Pressure

[naomi24]

That might sound strange, but I know someone who is doing just that. Taken long term, what would the potential dangers/outcome be?

[aelmpvw]

begs the question, why?

[Old_Geezer]

I'd guess fainting fits.

And yes, it does sound strange.

[hellywelly4]

Wouldn't it lower their blood pressure still further?

[Sqad]

Not the full story here.

Why is he/she taking "high BP medication?

Who said he/she has low BP?

[naomi24]

I tried to keep it short but I’m not surprised you ask. The person in question has psychological problems and suffers severe panic attacks whenever she has to leave the house - which she does only when absolutely necessary. Hence, when she visits her GP for her regular appointments to receive prescriptions for medication she’s been taking for years, her blood pressure shoots up and the GP, assuming she suffers from high blood pressure, prescribes for it. Instead of telling him what’s really happening, she takes the tablets - along with all the rest.

[naomi24]

Sorry sqad, I didn't answer your question. Her husband, a trained First Responder, checks her blood pressure regularly.

[Sqad]

So.......we have no evidence at all that she does indeed have low BP.

The GP is treating her high BP which I guess you think is "white coat syndrome" and providing she doesn't have any symptoms of low BP i.e fainting then I can see no problem.

[grasscarp]

She should tell the doctor that she doesn't agree that her blood pressure is high. Sounds like she suffers from white coat syndrome which is well known to up the pressure when a professional is taking a reading.
My doctor gave me a 24 hour monitor to wear for one day/night. It takes regular readings and is not uncomfortable. When I returned it the doctor agreed that I do not have high blood pressure.

[Sqad]

Just got your 2nd post.

As I have said, if she does not have the symptoms of low BP, then i can see no problem.

[naomi24]

grasscarp, I know what she should do - but she doesn't do it. The same with her other medication. She gives the GP the impression that, with the help of the medication, she lives a normal life, but she doesn't. Far from it. She is a recluse.

None of us here can say whether or not she has low blood pressure - her husband says she does and I take his word for it - so really I just want to know what the dangers are for someone with low blood pressure taking medication for high blood pressure.

[grasscarp]

OK. At least she is married to someone who can keep an eye on her. Pity she doesn't let him come to the doctor with her. Personally I hate taking anything if it can be avoided.

[Sqad]

naomi.......I think it highly unlikely that she would go from a low BP at home to a high BP in the doctor's surgery.

She might, just might go from a normal BP at home to a high BP in the doctors surgery.

I agree with grasscarp a 24 hour monitor would be the answer, but you cannot force it upon her.

Many drs, including sqad think that white coat syndrome should be treated with BP lowering tablets.

[naomi24]

Grasscarp, Me too. She won't let her husband go with her to the doctor. When he suggests it she flies into a rage and says he's controlling her life. I've suggested he write to the GP explaining the situation, but really what can the GP do if she won't tell him the truth?

[naomi24]

sqad, thank you - but what are the dangers for someone with low blood pressure taking medication for high blood pressure?

[Sqad]

I have answered your question in my post 14.01

[naomi24]

Additionally, I don't think this is white coat syndrome. Her panic attacks occur every time she goes anywhere. Theatre trips, holidays abroad, even visits to family and ordinary shopping trips are abandoned because of them. She can't bring herself to go anywhere now.

[naomi24]

sqad, so it would have no effect. Thank you. That's a relief.

[Mamyalynne]

Someone, somehow has to persuade her she needs help with her panic/anxiety state.

The rest will then follow hopefully.

[naomi24]

^If only! We've tried. This has been years - and it's getting worse. After much persuasion she agreed to go to counselling, went once, decided the man was an idiot and refused to go again. She lies to her GP continually and she won't listen to anyone. She is mentally ill.

[Mamyalynne]

Very sad.