Blood Pressure/Other Medications; Which can Cause Leg and Muscle Cramps, may be Major Cause of Falls, Among Seniors

REALLY, BLOOD PRESSURE SHOULD ALWAYS BE TAKEN ON BOTH ARMS; BECAUSE SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCES; INDICATING ARTERIAL BLOCKAGE, CLOTS, OR OTHER CIRCULATORY PROBLEMS CAN AND DO, OFTEN, OCCUR. 

High Blood Pressure and Diuretics (Water Pills)

While they can not reduce blockage or plaque build up in any way; for high blood pressure, diuretics, commonly known as "water pills," help your body get rid of unneeded water and salt through the urine. Getting rid of excess salt and fluid helps lower blood pressure and can make it easier for your heart to pump. Diuretics may be used to treat a number of heart-related conditions, including high blood pressure, heart failure, kidney and liver problems, and glaucoma.

But, What Are the Side Effects of Diuretics?

Like any drug, diuretics come with potential side effects. They can include:

Frequent Urination. This may last for several hours after a dose.

Arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm)

Electrolyte Abnormalities -- Blood test monitoring of blood chemistry's or electrolytes , such as potassium, sodium, or kidney function, is important before and during drug use.

Extreme Tiredness, or Weakness. These effects should decrease as your body adjusts to the medication. Call your doctor if these symptoms persist.

Muscle Cramps or Weakness. If you take potassium supplements, be sure that you are taking your potassium supplement correctly, if prescribed. Contact your doctor if these symptoms persist.

Dizziness, Light-headed. Try rising more slowly when getting up from a lying or sitting position.

Blurred Vision, Confusion, Headache, Increased Perspiration (sweating), and Restlessness. If these effects are persistent or severe, contact your doctor.

Dehydrationn. Signs include: dizziness, extreme thirst, excessive dryness of the mouth, decreased urine output, dark-coloured urine, and/or constipation. If these symptoms occur, don't assume you need more fluids, call your doctor.

Fever, Sore Throat, Cough, Vertigo (ringing in the ears), Unusual Bleeding or Bruising, Rapid and Excessive Weight Loss. Contact your doctor right away.

Skin-rash. Stop taking the medication and contact your doctor right away.

Loss of Appetite, Nausea, Vomiting, or Muscle Cramps. Be sure that you are taking your potassium supplement correctly, if prescribed.

Leg Cramps--you know the kind. They wake you up and are excruciatingly painful.
Defining this cramp is easy; it is nothing more than a short involuntary contraction of a muscle. One of your muscles decides to flex and stays that way, without your permission.

What causes leg cramps and what to do about it?

It is a little more difficult to say what causes this exactly. Low levels of certain minerals known as electrolytes - magnesium, potassium, calcium and sodium - have long been linked to leg cramps. Certain drugs, such as diuretics (water pills) for the heart and your high blood pressure, have been cited as the culprit. If the kidneys aren't working properly, it can also lead to this problem.

Vitamin E Vitamin E seems to be one of those therapies that help people. Toxins, including renegade molecules known as free radicals which damage healthy molecules by stealing electrons to balance themselves, are left behind to irritate the muscles. Just as Vitamin E soaks up free radicals linked to heart disease, etc., it can also attack those causing leg cramps.
Electrolytes - magnesium, potassium, calcium and sodium - are some of the most important and most well-known nutrients in the fight against cramping.  But, did you know that you are most likely to run out of magnesium before any other electrolyte?  Most people do not eat nearly enough foods containing magnesium (such as green leafy vegetables, nuts, figs, and pumpkin seeds).
Also, certain medications flush magnesium out of your system. Medications used to treat heart disease, and high blood pressure, are examples of this type of medication. 

SUDDEN LEG CRAMPING,

OFTEN,

 THAT THEY ARE NOT EVEN AWARE OF,

 AFTERWARDS,

MAY WELL BE;

 THE MAJOR CAUSE OF FALLING,

 AMONG SENIORS.