<human>: Hi. I am on benicar , low dose 20 mg.Over the last month for some reason my bp has been about 152 over 110. I have (without cunsulting my physician) increased my benicar to 3 times a day  (20 mg).I feel very bad, shortness of breath, feeling very bloated,  pain in chest ir maybe back, cant tell,so all encompassing. Still bp remains high. Is it safe to excercise in this state?
<bot>: Hello. Thank you for your question and welcome to Chat Doctor. I understand your concern. Physical activity has a prominent positive effect on the circulation and, thus, on arterial hypertension. So, it is highly recommended that you exercise while with hypertension for 60 minutes a day: jogging, swimming, brisk walking, going to the gym or other light to moderate physical activity alternatives. Losartan should not be adjusted to 60 mg a day and I would strongly recommend you to not change the treating regimen without consulting your curing doctor. If these figures of blood pressure are a constant finding, then I would recommend adding a second agent to your hypertension treatment. So, a beta-blocker, calcium channel blocker or a diuretic would be a good choice. The aim is that the blood pressure be maintained under 140/90 mmHg, because it is proven that long-standing higher than these figures cause gradual end-organ damages. I hope I was helpful with my answer. Take care. Kind regards, 