AboutWilliam B. Jeffries, Ph.D. Expertise Questions on the mechanism of action and side effects of antihypertensive drugs, the epidemiology of hypertension and the cardiovascular complications of untreated or undertreated high blood pressure
Experience I have been an investigator in the field of hypertension research for over 20 years.
Organizations Council for High Blood Pressure Research
American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
American Heart Association
Publications Hypertension, Journal of Hypertension, Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Molecular Pharmacology, American Journal of Physiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics of Dentistry
Question I have been on BP med for years and have been taking a vitamin for women over 50 for years I just started taking calcium 600 +D and my BP has been high since started taking it and really feeling bad so I stopped taking it could this have caused it. I seem to be doing better and BP is better since I stopped it
Answer Published studies generally show that high calcium intake actually lowers blood pressure and is highly beneficial to the health of post menopausal women. Thus I would say that the calcium is probably not directly causing your increased blood pressure. It is possible that the vitamin and/or Calcium 600 +D may be changing the absorption or metabolism of your BP meds, which could lower the amount of BP meds in your blood and reduce their blood pressure lowering effects. You may try taking the supplements and your BP meds at different times of the day to ensure they aren't in your stomach at the same time. Alternatively, your blood pressure rise may be unrelated to the calcium intake. If you continue to have these problems you should consult your physician. Good luck!
