I survived a complete type A1 aortic dissection in 2015. I had major problems with some of the common blood pressure meds too. Lisinopril gave me a relentless cough that wouldn’t go away until I finally stopped taking it. I tried a few others that caused strange side effects that doctors didn’t initially believe were related to the meds—until I did my own research and connected the dots. Sound familiar?

Eventually I landed on a combo that works: carvedilol and amlodipine, along with atorvastatin. I’ve done just fine on that mix. But it took time, trial and error, and being persistent. What helped most was starting with low doses, trying one med at a time, and giving my body time to adjust before switching again.

If your doctors are being dismissive, it may be time for a second opinion—ideally from a cardiologist who has experience with aortic disease or post-dissection care. You deserve to be heard and taken seriously. Adverse reactions—no matter how rare—still happen, and they can be real and disruptive.

There is a combo out there that can help you feel safe and stable. Don’t give up.

Peace and good luck.