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Are BP Of 140/90 And Pulse Of 90 Causes For Concern?
Question: I'm a very active 60 yr old F with a normal BP of 110/70. Normal weight, exercise 4-5 times a week, healthy diet. I live at 7400' and have been experiencing higher BP 140/90. Pulse 90. Vision a bit off. Got dizzy exercising a week ago. Waking in am with a headache. Increased my fluids and still am running high?
Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!
I understand your concern and would explain that it is important to investigate for the possible cause of your raised blood pressure values (possible thyroid dysfunction, chronic anemia, electrolyte imbalance, diabetes, kidney or liver dysfunction, inflammation, etc.).
For this reason, I would recommend consulting with your attending physician for a careful physical exam and some tests:
- a resting ECG
- a chest X ray study
- complete blood count
- fasting glucose
- thyroid hormone levels
- kidney and liver function tests
- blood electrolytes
- PCR and ESR
- a urine analysis.
If a possible cause is found based on the above tests, it should be treated properly.
Regarding anti-hypertensive therapy, as your actual blood pressure values are borderline, I would not recommend starting any medication.
I would just recommend some diet modifications (reduce salt and caffeine intake).
You should discuss with your doctor on the above issues.
Hope to have been helpful!
Wishing good health,
Dr. Iliri
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!
I understand your concern and would explain that it is important to investigate for the possible cause of your raised blood pressure values (possible thyroid dysfunction, chronic anemia, electrolyte imbalance, diabetes, kidney or liver dysfunction, inflammation, etc.).
For this reason, I would recommend consulting with your attending physician for a careful physical exam and some tests:
- a resting ECG
- a chest X ray study
- complete blood count
- fasting glucose
- thyroid hormone levels
- kidney and liver function tests
- blood electrolytes
- PCR and ESR
- a urine analysis.
If a possible cause is found based on the above tests, it should be treated properly.
Regarding anti-hypertensive therapy, as your actual blood pressure values are borderline, I would not recommend starting any medication.
I would just recommend some diet modifications (reduce salt and caffeine intake).
You should discuss with your doctor on the above issues.
Hope to have been helpful!
Wishing good health,
Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Can altitude affect your pressure? I go back and forth from sea level to 7400'. When I come home to altitude I get headaches for a period.
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
Thank you for the additional information.
Yes, these changes in altitude and the differences in atmosphere pressure can lead to this raise in blood pressure values.
You should know that these changes impose your body to continuous stress as your body needs a certain time to achieve a new balance in a certain altitude.
The stress caused by these changes activates the sympathetic nervous system, leading to increased levels of adrenaline and noradrenaline, thus leading to higher blood pressure values.
The headaches are quite common in this clinical situation.
I would just recommend performing a complete blood count, because these altitudes can cause increased red blood cells count and also troubles with breathing or oxygen saturation levels.
You should discuss with your doctor on the above issues.
Kind regards!
Dr. Iliri
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
Thank you for the additional information.
Yes, these changes in altitude and the differences in atmosphere pressure can lead to this raise in blood pressure values.
You should know that these changes impose your body to continuous stress as your body needs a certain time to achieve a new balance in a certain altitude.
The stress caused by these changes activates the sympathetic nervous system, leading to increased levels of adrenaline and noradrenaline, thus leading to higher blood pressure values.
The headaches are quite common in this clinical situation.
I would just recommend performing a complete blood count, because these altitudes can cause increased red blood cells count and also troubles with breathing or oxygen saturation levels.
You should discuss with your doctor on the above issues.
Kind regards!
Dr. Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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