Understanding Both Sides
September 27, 2024
IF HEALTHY LIFESTYLE changes, such as limiting sodium and exercising regularly, can’t keep your blood pressure in a normal range on their own, medications may help. Common classes of high blood pressure medications include calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers and diuretics. All can cause side effects, but most medications are well tolerated.
“Blood pressure medications are generally very welltolerated,” says Kristen Hughes, MD, internal medicine physician and hospitalist at Huron Regional Medical Center. “The main side effect I see is low blood pressure, which often means the dose is too high. This can also occur in someone who’s ill and not eating or drinking normally.”
If you’re ill, taking a blood pressure medication can worsen the symptoms of infection. You may need to delay starting the medication until you recover.
SPEAK UP ABOUT SIDE EFFECTS
If you experience side effects, tell your primary care provider (PCP). They may adjust your dosage or prescribe a different medication.
“As with starting almost any medication, you may experience nonspecific symptoms, such as dizziness, fatigue and nausea,” Dr. Hughes says. “Sometimes, these symptoms are temporary as your body adjusts. Some people experience these symptoms when their blood pressure normalizes because their body isn’t used to having normal blood pressure.”
If symptoms continue or interfere with your normal activities, tell your PCP so they can find a solution.
Kristin Hughes, MD
AT HOME IN THE HOSPITAL
Huron Regional Medical Center internal medicine physician Kristen Hughes, MD, is passionate about bridging the gap between inpatient and outpatient care as a hospitalist – a physician who cares for patients in the hospital. Like Dr. Hughes, most hospitalists are internal medicine physicians by training.
“I love working as a hospitalist,” Dr. Hughes says. “I see patients in the hospital who come to the emergency department or clinic and are too sick to be sent home. My role is to manage their care until they’re well enough to go home. It’s enjoyable because I get to see patients improve every day.”
Need help managing high blood pressure and other aspects of your health? To find a primary care provider, visit www.huronregional.org/find-a-doc.
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