Amlodipine is a medication that relaxes and widens the blood vessels. It’s a type of medicine called a calcium channel blocker that’s used to reduce high blood pressure (also called hypertension). Amlodipine also helps treat coronary artery disease, a condition in which the blood vessels are too narrow. Sometimes, it helps reduce angina (chest pain), too.

Amlodipine can be taken with or without food. Most foods are fine to eat with amlodipine. However, large amounts of grapefruit or grapefruit juice might increase the side effects of amlodipine.

Bananas aren’t off-limits for people who take amlodipine. In fact, they can work with your medication to support your heart health. Here’s how.

What Do Bananas and Amlodipine Have in Common?

Both bananas and amlodipine have blood-pressure-lowering effects. Generally, that’s a good thing. Doctors usually recommend healthy lifestyle changes while taking any prescribed treatment for heart disease.

Fruit, including bananas, can be an important part of a heart-healthy diet. Bananas have potassium, which helps counteract the sodium you eat. Potassium helps your body get rid of extra sodium through urine. Since sodium raises blood pressure for some people, potassium-rich foods are beneficial for blood pressure management.

Another Good Reason To Eat Bananas: Fiber

Aside from potassium, bananas are also considered a good source of fiber, with about 3 grams per banana. Fiber helps lower artery-clogging cholesterol. It also promotes a healthy body weight and digestion.

Atherosclerosis causes coronary artery disease. Atherosclerosis is a condition that develops over time when plaques containing cholesterol build up in the arteries, restricting blood flow. Amlodipine helps blood flow more easily through the partially blocked vessels. Heart-healthy fruits, such as bananas, help by lowering cholesterol in your blood and preventing more plaques from forming.

Monitoring Your Blood Pressure To Stay Safe

Adding a daily banana or two to your diet isn’t likely to cause issues when taking amlodipine. But it’s possible that making multiple healthy changes could eventually lower your blood pressure too much with your current dose of medication.

If you’re worried about your blood pressure getting too low, monitor it. Checking your blood pressure at home is always a good idea when taking amlodipine, especially if you’re also making lifestyle changes. Let your doctor know about your diet, exercise habits, weight loss, or anything else that could affect your blood pressure.

In some cases, your doctor may consider adjusting your medication if your blood pressure is consistently too low. Symptoms of low blood pressure can include:

• Behavior changes
• Blurry vision
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Fatigue
• Nausea or vomiting
• Shallow breathing

Low blood pressure doesn’t always cause noticeable symptoms. Ultimately, checking your blood pressure is the only way to know if it’s too low or too high. You shouldn’t change how you take amlodipine or other blood pressure medications without checking in with your healthcare provider first.

Eating Well To Live Better With Heart Disease

Bananas can be part of a heart-healthy diet, but they’re not a magic pill. Bananas don’t have the same impact on your blood pressure as amlodipine. No specific food can make up for the effects of your medication.

Nonetheless, maintaining a healthy diet is essential for heart health. In the same way that your diet can’t substitute for your medication, your medication can’t fully overcome the effects of an unhealthy diet or lifestyle. Ask your doctor to refer you to a registered dietitian if you’d like more guidance on how to eat well with heart disease. Bananas are just the start of a long list of beneficial fruits and vegetables to try.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyHeartDiseaseTeam is the social network for people with heart disease and their loved ones. On MyHeartDiseaseTeam, members come together to discuss life with heart disease and share their experiences.

Do you eat bananas to help lower blood pressure? What other lifestyle tips do you have for blood pressure control? Post your story in the comments section or discuss this topic on your Activities Page.