Keto Diet and Ace Inhibitors Blood Pressure Medication

(Michael ) #1

Hello everyone,

I just started Keto for the second time, but I am concerned about my blood pressure. When I originally tried Keto a couple of years ago I wasn’t taking blood pressure medication, but at this time I am taking Lisinopril 10mg, which is an ace inhibitor. Since this medication effects potassium levels, I was curious if anyone had any advice about maintaining your electrolyte balance? I am concerned that rapid weight loss and too much potassium will push my blood pressure too low I guess.

(Cancer Fighting Ketovore :)) #2

If you are worried I would talk to your doctor. You can always ask for lab work (CMP) complete metabolic panel to monitor your electrolytes. You can also get a blood pressure monitor to check your BP, so you know what’s going on.

You should definitely track it and always follow up with your doctor. I’m guessing you’ll have frequent follows in the beginning.

(Eric - The patient needs to be patient!) #3

I take my BP 2 to 3 times a day almost every day. I take 3 meds for BP and an ace inhibitor for other reasons.

I take a potassium supplement in the evening every day. Every since going on the ace (ramipril) I have take potassium. I cardiologist wants my BP low before he starts to wean me. Weight loss and lower insulin state seems to be helping. But 14 months in I have not reduced meds yet.

Consult with your doctor(s). I have 3 that are supportive of keto and fasting. A cardiologist, an internal med dr and a dermatologist.

(Randy) #4

I’ve been on 20mg of lisinopril for close to 10 years. I’m also on a diuretic. I started keto in March 2017. I’ve lost 170 lbs. (from 440 to 270). My sodium and potassium numbers have been normal on all blood tests every 6 months.

(Bob M) #5

I’m also on lisinopril, 10mg 6 years. Only take potassium sometimes, like when fasting multiple days.

(Susan) #6

This is fantastic, Randy! Wow.

(Full Metal KETO AF) #7

I used to take Lisinopril for BP but more importantly Membranous Nephoprothy, loosing protein into the urine. I have been off about 1 1/2 years now since a kidney transplant. I am on a Clonidine patch now. I just saw my doctor today and asked him why I still need BP medication after 11 months of KETO. He is pretty knowledgeable about KETO, he’s Carnivore himself. He said some people are genetically pre disposed to high BP and I may not be able to ever quit it. Kind of a disappointment since I am trying to minimize medications. Lisinopril was very well tolerated by me. I have had problems with calcium channel blockers and lasting bad effects from beta blockers and others. Felodipine (calcium channel inhibitor) made me feel dizzy and like I was going to have a heart attack. Same with Carvedilol, a beta blocker. Metoprolol, also a beta blocker felt okay but I think I have some permanent damage from being on it. Blood pressure meds carry risks in my opinion. I have been using Clonidine for about 13 years now. I always had high potassium levels when I was on dialysis and using Lisinopril, it was never explained to me how it affected potassium but they always told me to cut back on certain vegetables and dairy. Now it makes sense why. :cowboy_hat_face:

(You've tried everything else; why not try bacon?) #8

High insulin from a high-carb diet interferes with the production of nitric oxide, the primary regulator of blood pressure. Lowering your insulin should help restore your supply of NO, thereby helping to lower your blood pressure. Vitamins D and K2 will also help, by getting calcium out of your arteries and back into your bones, restoring arterial flexibility.

As far as electrolytes are concerned, keeping salt in the healthy range, which is 10-15 grams/day, and drinking to thirst will help keep your blood volume up, easing the load on your heart, which should also have a helpful effect on your BP. Please note that the healthy range of salt intake is the same for everyone, but the risk curve rises more steeply for people with salt-sensitive hypertension who exceed 15 g/d than it does for normotensives. The good news, however, is that if you keep your salt balanced, that helps keep potassium, magnesium, and calcium in balance, so that most people don’t need to supplement the other minerals as long as their sodium is right. There are, of course, people who will still need to supplement, so you should probably speak to your physician. Your physician should also be prepared to lower the dose of your BP med as your BP comes down on keto, since fainting from low blood pressure is not fun. Especially while driving.

Good luck, and welcome to the forums!