Diving and blood pressure pills

[Ardy]

Just been put on these blood(y) pills (2.5mg Ramipril) and wondering if there is any effects on diving? They seem to make me slightly dizzy from time to time.

I have been self managing for 30 years but seems the time has come.

I also take aspirin daily (Cartia).

There were threads that discussed this issue but not in a broad manner.

regards to all

Ardy

 

[medelen]

i was just put on ramipril also, the doctor that prescribed it is a dan doctor, he said that alot of blood pressure pills are not good for diving but ramipril is not one of them, hope this helps.

 

[Starcruiser]

I've been taking Diovan every day for two years now, no ill effects as far as I can tell, and I did ask the Doc about taking them and diving.

 

[DocVikingo]

G’day Ardy,

Ramipril (e.g., Altace) is an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. This is a widely prescribed class of antihypertensive and works by reducing the synthesis of angiotensin II, a chemical that causes muscles in most arteries, including those of the heart, to contract, thereby narrowing them and increasing BP.

As with all drugs, ramipril can produce side effects, most commonly cough, dizziness, headache and tiredness. The diver taking this drug will want to monitor for topside adverse reactions before diving. Among other advantages, this may help prevent medication-related symptoms like headache, dizziness and fatigue from being confused with DCI or vice-versa.

Dr. Fred Bove, a world renowned diving medicine expert, has the following to say about diving while on an ACE inhibitor: "The ACE inhibitors have little effect on exercise capacity, and are excellent medicines for treating hypertension in individuals who are active and wish to exercise. They have no problems with diving. the most important side effect of these drugs is the development of a cough, and swelling of the airways. When a cough occurs after these drugs are started, we usually change to another type of blood pressure medication. ACE inhibitors are avoided in patients with kidney disease. A related family of medications, called ARB (angiotensin receptor blocker) have similar properties to the ACE inhibitors and are also safe to take when diving."

Regards,

DocVikingo

This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual and should not be construed as such. Consult with your physician before taking a drug and diving.

 

[DocVikingo]

I've been taking Diovan every day for two years now, no ill effects as far as I can tell, and I did ask the Doc about taking them and diving.

Diovan (valsartan) is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), not an ACE inhibitor. Like ACE inhibitors, ARBs work to keep arteries from narrowing and thereby increasing BP. However, ACE inhibitors act by preventing the formation of angiotensin II while ARBs block the binding of that chemical to muscles in blood vessel walls.

Common side effects include diarrhea, dizziness, headache, joint or back pain, mild flu-like symptoms, stomach pain and tiredness.

See quote in post below for Dr. Bove's take on the safety of ARBs while diving.

Regards,

DocVikingo

This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual and should not be construed as such. Consult with your physician before taking a drug and diving.

 

[Ardy]

Thanks very much Doc.

Whilst away I got into some trouble with my dodgy back and also got the 'trots' when I got home I had lost 6kgs. I stopped taking the pills on the trip home to see what impact the weight loss had had on my blood pressure, it dropped to 130/80. Saw my local doctor to see what he had to say and his prognosis was stay off the pills but control your weight and monitor your blood pressure.

I think this is a great outcome.

 

[DocVikingo]

Hey Ardy,

Now that is some excellent news.

Keep up the good work.

Regards,

DocV

 

[u1notea]

I'm in a similar situation with my blood pressure also Ardy. My doc has perscribed me Triamterene/HCTZ 37.5 and I take 25mg per day. Does anyone know the diving health effects of this drug?

 

[farsidefan1]

I have to go off my blood pressure meds in the summer when I take up mountain biking. This winter I hope to stay in shape and off the meds. I have been on them for 15 yrs but when I married Lynne and she got me mountain biking with her - resting pulse dropped to 52 and blood pressure became normal. I figured this out when I nearly fainted several times when I stopped biking to catch my breath. Asked Dr. and he said it was from too low blood pressure. When I began takiing the meds my bp was 185 over 135. Now I'm often below 120 over 80. Exercise and weight loss, it does a body good.

 

[DocVikingo]

My doc has perscribed me Triamterene/HCTZ 37.5 and I take 25mg per day.

Hi u1notea,

I suspect the medication at issue is in fact triamterene 37.5 mg/HCTZ (hydrochlorothiazide) 25 mg, once a day (q.d.), the customary starting dose for this compound.

Triamterene/HCTZ (hydrochlorothiazide) (e.g., brand names Dyazide, Maxzide) is a combination of two diuretics, compounds that increase the amount of salt and water removed from the blood by the kidneys and then excreted in the urine. The combination is used in an attempt to balance the blood's potassium level, which can be thrown off by either drug alone (in different directions).

Obviously hydration is a consideration when diving while taking such a medication. Here is what DAN has to say --> Diuretics DAN Divers Alert Network

Under certain circumstances, it even may be prudent to discontinue the drug during dive outings, with the treating doctor's clearance, of course. Diving medicine expert Dr. Fred Bove says: "Diuretics -- These drugs are used to eliminate water and excess salt (sodium) from the body. They act by allowing more water to pass through the kidneys to form urine. Divers will have little effect from the diuretics. In hot environments, where fluid can be lost from sweating, the diuretics can cause excess water loss. If you are exposed to heat and are sweating, the diuretic may not be needed. Diuretics will also cause loss of potassium, an important mineral in the body. It is best to skip your diuretic on a diving day."

Regards,

DocVikingo

This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual, and should not be construed as such.