Blood pressure medications cause problems

Question: Hello! I have turned 69, and unfortunately I am on two types of blood pressure medication – Lisinopril and Lercanidipine. Both my spouse and I now have smart watches and use them all the time. Do you think these blood pressure medications have an impact on performance, body battery and heart rate variability status? My Max o2 is 37.

Answer: Hello! Yes, it may be that these medications affect the stress balance. Both have a high heart rate as a side effect. Lercanidipine, for example, has tachycardia, rapid pulse, as a common side effect. As for Lisinopril, it is described as less common.

My experience of blood pressure measurement is that it is very important to have a good blood pressure monitor at home. Preferably one that measures three times within 5 minutes and calculates the average itself. (Unless you like calculations). The blood pressure should preferably be below 120/70. But, I think that at your age 130/80 is fine. If you suspect that the side effect in the form of a high heart rate may stress you and, for example, disturb your sleep, you can ask whether your GP can try a beta blocker such as Selo-Zok instead. It will both lower blood pressure and heart rate.

Regards, Dr. Torkil