High blood pressure/AD considerations

[Sparrow]

I'm new to all of this, but I'm trying to figure out some of the things I've read (there's so much to take in).

A specialist (for breathing/vocal cord dysfunction) expressed concern over my blood pressure - 146/93. She said I should talk to my primary care doctor. I have seen consistently high readings despite taking Lisinopril. I'm in the process of losing weight (I've lost 35 lbs with a very long plateau until I started talking to a wellness coach. I still have over 100lbs to go). I know from past experience that my blood pressure comes down with weight loss (long story).

Question is, though - I wonder if there are any blood pressure medications that may have extra benefits for protection against Alzheimer's or at least some theoretical positive effect on AD...?

I vaguely recall something about calcium ion channel blockers. I also know that the blood-brain barrier is an issue to consider. The calcium channel blockers are uniquely interesting to me, because I think that's an avenue also recently being explored for non-opiod pain management. I have widespread osteoarthritis at age 38 and possible fibromyalgia. If we could "kill three birds with one stone" (theoretical AD improvement, theoretical pain improvement & blood pressure management), it seems very win-win.

This forum has become a tremendous resource for me and a source of reassurance, comfort and support. There just aren't words. I'd appreciate your viewpoints before I have a conversation with my PCP.

Thank you!

[Julie G]

Congrats on all of your improvements so far, Sparrow. As you have personally experienced, higher BP tends to go hand-in-hand with insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. With weight loss and a normalization of your glycemic markers, I suspect that your BP will naturally drop. That said, hypertension alone is a significant risk factor for cognitive decline so I think you're very wise to use medication while you're working on optimizing your health. I'm bumping this thread up in hopes that Katie will weigh in. I think she's done some research to find the best BP med that also reduces AD risk. Here's a recent Forbes article that offers some suggestions. Out of curiosity, are you already supplementing with magnesium? Most folks are deficient without knowing it. Magnesium, taken before bedtime, can help with sleep and reduce BP.

[KatieS]

Thanks Julie for bumping up while I'm pondering my response. Due to my severe Raynauds, I opted for a calcium channel blocker (CCB) nifedipine based on study, but evidence for nifedipine over the more commonly used amlodipine hasn't been replicated and the research was sponsored by nifedipine. I wrote the author a few times without a response. Possibly, amlodipine might be more effective. Although Julie's article did not support CCB; this recent study had the dementia prevention for CCB and angiotensin blockers (ARB) equivalent (OR .56 to .60 respectively).

Sparrow, if not for the Raynauds, I would switch back to an ARB. However, while on losartan, my B/P plummeted ~85/60 and had mild positional lightheadedness. So with your weight loss and decreasing insulin resistance, whatever you take, monitor with a home cuff and have your doctor agree upon how to adjust the dose. Due to a fractured knee as a teenager, I have knee osteoarthritis, so I have looked if the CCB would benefit, theoretically but nothing solid. Any weight bearing joints will greatly benefit from the weight loss. One major downside for me is that the nifedipine should not be taken with curcumin which did decrease my knee pain. Actually all the CCB are metabolized by the liver's CYP3A4, but the interaction with curcumin is "minor", so I have a Tumeric/Ginger tea, not the mega-dose I was taking before. I think with continued weight loss and CPAP treatment (me too), your pain will diminish even more.

[Stavia]

Sparrow, you've got great advice so far. I agree with Julie and Susan.

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[Sparrow]

Thanks, all! I sent a note to my doctor. I was hesitant to refer directly to my genetic test results in my message, but mentioned my "family history." Not sure if that's going to persuade him. I do trust his judgement, though. I'm hoping that I'll be able to get off my blood pressure medications as I continue to lose weight.

I hate that I take all the meds that I do right now, but they do improve my quality of life.

[Sparrow]

I got a message back from my doctor that seems sensible. I'll be staying on Lisinopril 40mg. I've lost about 10 lbs in about a month (?) so he's counting on my blood pressure to go back down. He said that one reading of 140/90 isn't enough to be concerned about. I had a few other readings that were in that ball-park, but I do know from past experience that my blood pressure goes down when I lose weight. (I once lost 175lbs).

I've found my weight loss groove again.

I've also discovered cauliflower "rice" so I'm a happy camper. Having it as a side for the 3rd time this week. Well, there's a lot because I did a whole cauliflower, but I think this is something I want to do all the time! Making it with chicken broth and olive oil and cooking it for 8 minutes is the trick for me. Put a little feta cheese on it and good to go. Having it with a portabella mushroom "burger."

[floramaria]

Excellent, Sparrow! Happy to hear that you are having some cooking success. Learning to tweak a recipe and individualize it to your taste is a valuable skill, and you are developing that with your cauliflower rice; it is very satisfying to learn that you can make healthy food that tastes good. Congratulations on losing 10 lbs in a month.

[ru442]

I'll be staying on Lisinopril 40mg.

Hey Sparrow... and great progress! Be careful with Lisinopril, one of the side effects is a really nasty persistent cough. Both me and the wife had to get off it because of that (mine would happen in the morning right after I took it, wife seemed to have it throughout the day). Currently I am on Benicar (generic Olmesartan) which I've had no side effects.

RU

[Ski]

Curious from those on BP medication....what was your BP readings without medication? I have to take my readings at home as in a doctors office, Id be on medication for sure (white coat syndrome). I run about 117/72 but always wondered if thats okay and whether Id benefit from a small dose or simply not worth the side effects.

[ru442]

Curious from those on BP medication....what was your BP readings without medication? I have to take my readings at home as in a doctors office, Id be on medication for sure (white coat syndrome). I run about 117/72 but always wondered if thats okay and whether Id benefit from a small dose or simply not worth the side effects.

You are fine, that's normal BP. If you get into the 140/80 range then you may need to consider meds (pre-hypertension).

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