Caring for a loved one on multiple medications can be a challenge, especially when understanding how these medications might react during exercise. It’s essential to know the signs and symptoms of medication reactions. There comes a time when it’s necessary to step in and discuss long-term medications with the healthcare team. Any warning signs in an elderly patient should be considered a side effect until proven otherwise. Medication evaluation should be a regular part of the caregiver’s responsibility. At least once a year, sometimes sooner, if a medical event occurs after taking multiple medications, reevaluation must occur.
Last week, I used my nursing and teaching skills to help an older gentleman with a syncopal episode while participating in an exercise class. I am grateful for being in the right place at the right time, but it concerned me that while he was following the doctor’s orders as most of our elders do, he shared the multiple medications he took that morning. Let us discuss it!
Causes of Concern
The more medications a person takes, the greater the risk of experiencing a medication-related problem. Numerous medications align with chronic conditions like heart failure, pulmonary disease, renal failure, or diabetes. However, certain precautions should be taken when exercising to prevent a health event. The event that happened with the gentleman was the result of taking three blood pressure(Bp) medications and a diuretic. The first problem was crystal clear when I asked what his blood pressure was that morning. His response “I do not monitor my blood pressure or weight at home.” When taking water pills and multiple blood pressure medications, tracking and monitoring weights are an absolute must. Not monitoring can lead to serious health events, underscoring the importance of this aspect of care.
Blood Pressure And Exercise
While we know that exercise can help improve blood pressure and overall health, it is central to know your numbers. While symptoms may vary from person to person, they typically include dizziness or lightheadedness, nausea, fatigue, palpitations, and headaches. On the day of the event above, the gentleman experienced all of the above symptoms while exercising after taking a water pill and three blood pressure medications. Two things came to mind…dehydration and hypotension (low BP). Home blood pressure monitors are amazingly affordable and a great way to stay on top of your blood pressure. So invest in your health.
As Your Proactive Caregiver Advocate, I am reminding you to know your numbers. Low blood pressure is not dangerous in and of itself; it’s situation-dependent. If someone experiences any symptoms, their healthcare practitioner must be alerted. I suspect taking three blood pressure medications and a water pill created the syncopal episode. My final advice to all…if you have been on multiple medications for years without evaluation, visit your doctor for an assessment. There are new and improved medications, including combination medications for hypertension and heart disease. Be Safe! Be Well!
Dr. Cynthia J. Hickman is a retired registered nurse and case manager, CEO of Your Proactive Caregiver Advocate. She has released her newest book, The Essential Caregiver Training Course for Corporations and Community. From the Lens of Daughter, Nurse, and Caregiver: A Journey of Duty and Honor, and The Black Book of Important Information for Caregivers.