5 Year Echo and High Blood Pressure!

[Hank]

I had my 5 year post-op echo today and all of my valves (including the bionic one) are functioning normally.

Blood pressure was high again and they put me on a two week regimen of NORVASC for it.

Anyone else taking this drug? I have not read up on it yet.

 

[Bryan B]

I haven't taken it but I think there are a few here that have. Here is a link to their website:

http://www.norvasc.com/patient/index.asp

And here's a patient education sheet:

http://www.e-mds.com/healthinfo_view/drug/i_00000007ZC/

I take Toprol XL which seems to work well for my BP and heart rate.

 

[Johnny Stephens]

Norvasc

Norvasc

I took Norvasc about 15 years ago, and recently for about a month immediately following my valve surgery.

It was the most effective BP medicine I ever took - I got good response at the very lowest dose. Unfortunately, because of the "rare" dry tickly cough side-effect, I had to move to something else. My dad has taken it since his 5X bypass in 1984, with no problems.

Congrats on the great echo report

 

[epstns]

Hank,

Glad the echo is so good -- BP they can manage. I'n not taking Norvasc, but both my wife and her mother have used it. It was effective, but bot developed swelling of their feet and ankles after about 6 months of using it. My wife also had a little bit of the cough. Both of their doctors switched them to alternatives, and all is now well.

Hope it works well for you, though.

 

[Ross]

The only thing I've ever heard about Norvasc is that it produces a bothersome cough. Congrats again on the rest of the report. I've had HBP for a very long time. I can tell you this, when they find the right medication to treat it, take it! When my aneurysm went, I could not afford the meds and wasn't taking them. I suspect that also had something to do with it giving way.

 

[lorrieb]

been taking norvasc for about 5 years now and it seems to keep it on an even keel. unfortunately with my heart problems my bp is now starting rise but thats not because of the norvasc



good luck

 

[KimC]

Hank,

I tried Norvasc to treat coronary vasospasms but couldn't tolerate it -- I have low BP. Initially, I really liked the drug as it seemed to improve my circulation, spasms and well-being.

Be sure to report any side-effects to your cardio. I actually had severe angina on the fourth or fifth day of taking it, but again, I have low BP and the attack occurred at night, probably when my BP dropped.

It's a powerful drug ... just be careful. We wouldn't want anything to happen to da God Fadder of VR.com!

Best regards,

 

[heartyone]

My wife takes Norvasc (along with Atenolol, Coumadin and aspirin therapy) to keep her blood pressure down following AVR and full arch replacement. The only side effect she's had with it is her ankles are bigger than they used to be. She doesn't have the cough problem. It very effectively keeps her blood pressure within range, so she and her cardio are ignoring the big ankle thing but are keeping an eye to make sure they don't get any bigger.

 

[tobagotwo]

Look like you've gotten a lot of feedback, as well as some good links from Bryan about your new meds. Very glad to hear that your echo report was so favorable in all other ways.

Best wishes

 

[Rich]

Hi Hank,
Those echo results sound great and that's sure the most important part.
The BP is something I'm sure they can handle.
My wife takes Altace which has done a terrific job for her with no side effects whatever.

Rich