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Medical Forum / General / Cardiology / January 2008

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Blood pressure medication and electrolyte imbalance

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Dave - 28 Jan 2008 01:57 GMT
Hello,

I'm seeking some advice and/or opinion regarding my current blood
pressure regimen and sodium and potassium values.

Daily, I am taking:

20mg Altace
100mg Cozaar
5mg Norvasc

Latest lab results:

Potassium: 5.1 mEq/L (Lab reference values 3.5-5.3 mEq/L)
Sodium: 134 mEq/L (Lab reference values 136-145 mEq/L)

Since being on my current regimen, my potassium level is almost always
at 5.1 mEq/L, my sodium is usually 136 mEq/L, the 134 mEq/L is the
lowest I have had, this was on my most recent blood work. Before any
of the medications, there were no issues - my values were always in
the middle. To be completely honest, I do not think adding Cozaar
(after I was on Altace) made much of a difference at all with lowering
my blood pressure.

My blood pressure is controlled well, but should I be concerned about
the imbalance above? And, if not concerned for now, will these levels
cause me problems in the long run?

My best guess is that the combination of the ace inhibitor and arb
blocker are causing the high potassium level and the low sodium is
secondary.

I do plan to speak with my doctor regarding this, but I would really
like other input as well! Since it has been this way for a while, I
assume my doctor doesn't see this as an issue and I have never asked
before. With the sodium now below reference value, I figured I would
come here and post my questions.

I am a type 2 diabetic as well, if that makes any difference in this
instance.

Thank you very much for any advice or opinions.

-D
Andrew B. Chung, MD/PhD - 28 Jan 2008 02:25 GMT
> Hello,
>
[quoted text clipped - 36 lines]
> I am a type 2 diabetic as well, if that makes any difference in this
> instance.

Low sodium (hyponatremia) would be a concern for your doctor, who will
have to review your records and possibly order additional testing to
determine the cause.  If you blood glucose is inordinately high at the
time of the low sodium measurement, it is possible that your sodium
would "correct" up to a more appropriate level.

Nonetheless, would suggest you inform your doctor that your sodium is
now abnormally low.

> Thank you very much for any advice or opinions.

You are welcome, Dave :-)

Would redirect all thanks and praises to GOD in heaven so that we will
both be that much more blessed.

Be hungry... be healthy... be hungrier... be blessed:

http://TheWellnessFoundation.com/BeHealthy

Prayerfully in the infinite power and might of the Holy Spirit,

Andrew <><
--
Andrew B. Chung, MD/PhD
Lawful steward of http://EmoryCardiology.com
Bondservant to the KING of kings and LORD of lords.
 
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