I am a woman and have just turned 70. I have been taking 5 mg Ramipril for  many years for high blood pressure; this has, more or less, kept it at a normal level. Because of side-effects, I asked my doctor to prescribe a lower dose, i.e., 2.5 mg, a week ago.  I find that my BP readings fluctuate.  For instance, half an hour after getting up this morning, it was 132/78; 3 hours later, I began to feel light-headed and BP was 102/73, then 109/73.  Can you tell me why this is.
Hello, madame! Welcome to Chat Doctor. I understand your concern. Blood pressure is a variant component of examination. It varies in great figures throughout a day. I understand that this can come as a concern and a worrisome event to nonmedical community, but there are a myriad of reasons that cause the blood pressure to fluctuate from day to day, even from hour to hour. These blood pressure-fluctuating factors can be physical activity, psychological stress, extreme temperatures (when it is hot outside, arteries dilate, hence low blood pressure), physiological diurnal and nocturnal changes in hormone levels etc. Blood pressure is not a credible component if it is measured separately, after some activity, after caffeine-containing beverages, and in the doctor's office (white coat syn Chat Doctor.  Also, blood pressure can be considered low when under 100/60 mmHg. Ramipril is a safe and effective