Blood Pressure Drop

[BowlingJoe]

I've been using CPAP for 2 weeks now and have noticed a fairly significant drop in BP over several measurements, particularly in the systolic number. I'm on medication for BP and have been for a few years. Pre-CPAP, a typical reading would be something like 135/85 (regardless of time of day). This morning I took two readings on my home machine and at work and readings were 117/71 and 113/73. My titration number has averaged 10.5 over the two weeks.

I'm hoping to eventually reduce or eliminate the meds. Has anyone out there experienced anything similar when they first started with CPAP? Thanks.......

Joe

[Gerald]

Joe....

What you are experiencing is very common.

Sleep Apnea causes stress....and stress causes high BP.

You're on your way to recovery.

Gerald

[El Pap]

When I started therapy I noticed a slight improvement in BP numbers, but no where near the improvement I saw after a few months of walking briskly for 40 minutes a day, at least 5 times a week. If you are not already getting at least this level of exercise, and your doctor says it's okay, I'd highly recommend starting.

[OwlCreekObserver]

After you've recorded at least a few days of readings, you might want to touch base with your doc to see if you should reduce your meds. When mine dropped, my doctor told me to start splitting the pills and taking a half dose each day.

OCO

[DreamStalker]

As others have stated, CPAP can lower your BP and you may need to lower your BP med dosage. My doc had to lower my dosage in half after first 3 months on CPAP and gave me new Rx for lowest dose pills made (Diovan and Lozol) ... then I had to once again cut dosage in half a few months later but now I have to use a pill splitter. Last October, my first visit with a cardiologist Rx me beta blocker for arrhythmia. This year I became more vigilant about my diet/exercise and I think I may be able to get off the Diovan and Lozol all together. I have a feeling I may be stuck with the beta blocker for life though.

[Marietjie]

splitting the pills and taking a half dose each day.

..........

I also splitted the pills and BP was fine BUT - some more good news...... now I take ½ pill every second day.
I'm positive that I soon won't be needing any pills for high BP.

[BowlingJoe]

Thanks to everyone for the information and encouragement. Exercise is definitely important, and I try to hit the eliptical machine 4-5 times a week. With new energy I'm hoping to want to exercise even more often.

Joe

[dmstangu]

Joe....
What you are experiencing is very common.
Sleep Apnea causes stress....and stress causes high BP.
You're on your way to recovery.
Gerald

True, but more important, lack of oxygen during the night causes strains on all internal organs, two of them being the kidneys. Pre-CPAP, I used to "take a leak" once, maybe twice a day, thus retaining most of the water intake. My hands and feet were always swollen. Since CPAP (and no other variables changed), I'm using the bathroom at least 4 times a day (with more volume), no more swollen limbs (although I find myself eating more salt than before... ) and yes, my BP dropped from 140/90 to 125/75.