Question:
I would appreciate some input because my MD is stymied. I am 74, male, with moderately high blood pressure and mild diabetes. I feel fine but am slightly overweight. Speedwalk 30 min/day. In order to reduce my BP to the 110/120 range, I am using 10 mg Zestril (ace inhibitor). Pressure is OK, now. Since I have been on Zestril (2 years), I have had cramps in my calves at night. My wife also recently noticed that I have developed varicose veins in my calves. Checked the blood circulation in my legs two years ago and it was normal, right down to the toes. I wonder if the combination of Zestril/cramps/varicose veins might be related, or if my symptoms are just attributable to my age.

Answer: -The varicose veins are more likely from being overweight than from the Zestril. -Agree. Fluid retention is not a big ACE inhibitor thing. Also, these drugs are good for the linings of both arteries and veins, and especially in diabetics. If you go off Zestril, be sure you replace it with another drug in its class. Varicose veins have nothing to do with the circulation you can feel, by the way (your pulses). -Varicose veins are the result of oxidative stress which according to Dr. Shute of vitamin E fame .. is treatable with vitamin E / tocopherol.