HIV and High Blood Pressure [Hypertension]

[BlkRedBonenla]

Any concerns with HIV meds [ATRIPLA here] and high blood pressure meds?

My last two doctor visits have revealed elevated blood pressure. While it actually decreased from the earliert to the most recent visit, my doctor says it's nearing the low end of the HIGH MARK. I started ocean swimming about a year ago [couldn't imagine getting into a pool again now] and have swam all winter, 3-4 times/week, one to one-and-a-half mile stretches. In response to this alert: I have eliminated SALT [use SPIKE and Mrs Dash now] from my diet and will see at next visit if that helps. I hope the salt water isn't contributing to this, but my next test is to stay out of the water and find a pool. If all fails and the pressure increases, HBP meds!

Lowell

[aztecan]

Hey Lowell,

Matt (Newt) is the expert regarding meds and interactions, but I have never heard of any correlation between HIV meds, Atripla or otherwise, and high blood pressure.

I, too, have seen my blood pressure increase in recent months, but I think I am quite a bit older than you. (I couldn't ocean swim if you paid me!    )

I presume you don't smoke, so that contributing factor can be removed.

Some people are just genetically predisposed to some of these things, I believe.

Have you asked your doc about any changes you could make. It sounds like you are doing all kinds of good things for yourself to stay healthy.

Let us know how things pan out.

HUGS,

Mark

[YaKaMein]

Hey Lowell,

My story is similar to yours [no ocean living though]. My experience is anecdotal but I saw an increase in BP, along with increased lipids after six months of starting Atripla. Never had any elevations before HAART. My BP was inching up to 150s/90s from 100s/70s and cholesterol 2.5x and triglycerides almost 3x normal values.

After almost a year of diet modification and supplements [will exercise more one day], the values were lower but still high. So I then agreed to meds, Lipitor 20mg, lisinopril 20mg which has brought all values within normal range.

My doc says she has seen such elevations with HAART before. It could be coincidence, no way to tell since studies are inconclusive. But my guess is if no Atripla, then no hypertension or hyperlipidemia for me. Not an option.

Here are some studies that indicate differences in conclusions.

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/518813

http://www.aidsmap.com/en/docs/FD35F51A-3364-4CC3-8C3A-8F0D82367BD7.asp

http://www.tufts.edu/med/nutrition-infection/hiv/health_cvd.html

http://www.aidsmeds.com/articles/hiv_blood_pressure_1667_13569.shtml

[BlkRedBonenla]

Thanks, YaKaMein and Aztecan. I will keep everyone informed. Sorry for the delay in replying. I guess when the Moderator MOVED my post to this area I no longer get an email alerting me that my post is replied to.

I do not smoke [anything: one must qualify in these 420 times!], drink, and am vegetarian.

Bottom line: with my family history, I will go on BP meds if I must.