Doing my research this morning, I came across an article written for patients about hypertension, or high blood pressure.
It gave an in-depth explanation of the types of medication given to treat it, and suggested that there are only 2 ways to reduce blood pressure: lifestyle changes and medication.
It also listed the side effects the different types of drugs can cause.
It then went on to say that a lot of people can’t (or won’t) make the lifestyle changes necessary, and will have to take blood pressure drugs for the rest of their lives.
Nowhere on this doctor’s website did I come across any mention of magnesium supplementation, which is known to reduce high blood pressure and prevent heart attacks, especially when combined with dietary sources of magnesium.
http://drpaddock.blogspot.com.es/2012/04/magnesium-and-hypertension.html
http://naturalallopathiccardiology.com/cms/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=112&Itemid=149
http://medicalconsumers.org/2012/08/18/drugs-for-mild-hypertension/
Here is some information on possible side effects of Ramipril, taken from the Drugs.com website:
“...Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Ramipril:
Cough; dizziness; headache; tiredness.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Ramipril:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the hands, eyes, mouth, face, lips, throat, or tongue; hoarseness); chest pain; dark urine; decreased urination; difficulty swallowing; infection (eg, fever, chills, persistent sore throat); irregular heartbeat; loss of appetite; pale stools; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; seizures; stomach pain (with or without nausea or vomiting); symptoms of low blood pressure (eg, fainting, severe dizziness, lightheadedness); yellowing of the skin or eyes.”
http://www.drugs.com/sfx/ramipril-side-effects.html
There are a total of 595 drugs that interact with Ramipril, all of which I obviously can’t list here, but you can read about them:
http://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/ramipril.html
Whereas increasing dietary intake of magnesium- by adding foods high in magnesium- should not produce side effects, it is true that one should always check for interactions with any medications you are on, as it might reduce the effectiveness of an antibiotic, for example.
So, the question is: Do I have a Ramipril (aka Lopace, Tritace, Altace) deficiency, or am I possibly not getting enough magnesium in my diet?
And if so, would I rather continue taking my Ramipril for the rest of my life, with its risks of severe side effects, 46 major drug interactions and 480 moderate drug interactions; or find a holistic, naturopathic, or other non-mainstream medical professional who will help me safely taper off it while replacing it with magnesium and or other natural supplements, and help me make healthier diet choices (including reducing caffeine and/or alcohol)?
NEVER SUDDENLY STOP ANY MEDICATION YOU HAVE BEEN PRESCRIBED; ALWAYS CONSULT A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL.
Personally, I know what I’d rather do...Do you?