About Charles Cusumano, FMP, PA-C Expertise I will answer questions about the different causes of Hypertension; the complications; the treatments and the drugs used.Hypertension is a silent, potentially deadly disease that`s completely treatable. Knowledge is power.
Experience Nationally Certified Physician Assistant/Family Medicine Practitioner.
I've been in practice since 1975.
Organizations I am currently serving as an expert in the Family, General and Internal Medicine site right here at AllExperts.com. You can visit my profile there. I was also honored as a Distinguished Fellow in the AAPA.
Awards and Honors Distinguished Fellow American Academy of Physician Assistants
Hypertension - Amlodipine besylate side effects or anxiety?
Expert: Charles Cusumano, FMP, PA-C - 6/24/2009
Question Hello Doctor,
I am a newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic and hypertension patient. My doctor has set 135/75-80 as a blood pressure target for me owing to my diabetes. I am 39 year old man, a non smoker, 5' 10" and about 250lbs. I am currently exercising 3-4 times a week to take off the weight and have lost 18lbs since my diagnosis. My bp is, generally, well within target and my resting heart rate is down around 50. I am on 10mg Amlodipine 1xday and 5mg Metformin 2xday.
Over the two months since I've been on amlodipine all I can say is that I feel odd. I have noticed things like a swelling/tingling in my hands, an occasional racing pulse and being able to feel my heart beating (I asked my wife to feel my heartbeat but she noticed nothing out of the ordinary).
My latest is a pain in the center, left side of my neck when physically active. The pain is very minor, but noticeable, and persists for maybe an hour'ish after cessation of the activity. I cannot dismiss it as strictly muscular
Ultimately, I wonder if I am not just imagining these things or attributing unrelated issues to my hypertension. I have had several doctors visits (for this an unrelated issues) over the past few months and they are all quite positive about my health. My ekg is strong etc.
I don't know if this is common but I have found being diagnosed with high blood pressure to be a terribly dislocating event.
Answer Hi Michael,
No question that your new diagnoses are unsettling. It is of course possible that your are having physical manifestations of anxiety, but Amlodipine can cause similar symptoms.
Were you my patient, I would like to see your blood pressure a bit lower (120/70) and would have chosen an ACE inhibitor for blood pressure control in that it offers protection to the heart and kidneys from diabetes.
