Is A Blood Pressure Reading Of 180/90 A Cause For Concern?

Posted on Fri, 13 May 2016

Question: Just took my blood pressure and got a 180/90... Not so good???

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (24 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Following advice.

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you for asking!
I read your query and understood your concerns.

Your BP readings are high and you should start treating Hypertension in order to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events (including heart attack and stroke).

If you were my patients I eould have recommended doing the following examinations for proper evaluation:
- Blood work
- Ecg
- Cardiac echo
- Abdominal ultrasound

Meantime I would like to suggest :
- Drink plenty of water
- Reduce salt intake
- Reduce alcohol to less than one drink per day
- Increase physical activity
- Avoid unnecessary stress
- Start antihypertensive therapy

Hope this will be of help!
Wish you health!
Dr. Shehu

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Benard Shehu (11 minutes later)

I just have changed doctors and have an an appointment in 2 weeks. I have had open heart surgery 8 years ago and now taking Carvedilol 6.25,Crestor 10mg and zetia10mg... Cholesterol is below 100. Is it alright to wait the two weeks?

Thanks

What?

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Following advice.

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

My opinion is that you should wait for your appointment by trying the above mentioned life style changes and by increasing the dose of carvedilol. This will help to stabilise your BP.

If the BP goes above 220/120 mmHg you should go to ER and add other antihypertensive pills on your therapy.

Wish you health!
Dr. Shehu

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar