I am a 68-year-old man and have been taking blood pressure lowering medicines for two years. They work fine, but have the side effect that I quickly get cold hands. Is this normal? And what can I do about it?
Anonymously
Joris Bartstra, journalist with medical diploma
Cold hands and feet are typical side effects of one group blood pressure lowering resources: the beta blockers, with names ending in -lol, such as atenolol, metoprolol, bisoprolol. They make the heart beat slower, but also reduce blood flow to the muscles in the hands and feet, which make them cold.
There are also blood pressure drugs with other side effects: diuretics, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II antagonists, and calcium blockers. In most of these, the vessels widen slightly, giving you warm hands and feet.
You can blood pressure drugs combine so that the side effects cancel each other out. Choosing a good means or a good combination is tailor-made. It is best to bother the doctor a few times to come to something that bothers you as little as possible. .
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