What Causes Fluctuations In Blood Pressure Readings?

Posted on Thu, 5 Jan 2017

Question: I have had high blood pressure for years mostly treated. In the last few months it has gone up significantly.my reading this morning was 185/103. last night was 177/100 and a few minutes later 166/89. Most daytimes its around 155/89. I have a doctors appt scheduled for the 12/23 next week. Currently taking 20mg of Bystolic in pm and 80mg Mycardia/htz in am. Should I go to walk in clinic to see if they can do anything more quickly? I am 69, fairly active, and had heart surgery 5 yrs ago. I have no chest pains but get a little flushed and have been getting some headaches. Taking excedrin.

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (33 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!

I carefully passed through your question and would explain that your blood pressure values are high, which indicates that your current therapy is not very effective in the management of high blood pressure values.

For this reason, I would recommend making some changes to your actual therapy in order to have a better control of blood pressure.

I would advise raising the dose of Mycardia/HTz to two tablets in order to have a better control of your blood pressure until you consult with your doctor.

I would also recommend some lifestyle changes:

- reduce salt and caffeine intake
- perform a lot of physical activity (aerobics, walking)
- reduce your weight if you are overweight.

I would also recommend performing some tests to exclude possible secondary causes of high blood pressure:

- complete blood count for anemia
- fasting glucose
- kidney and liver function tests
- blood electrolytes
- thyroid hormone levels.

You should discuss with your doctor on the above issues.

Hope to have been helpful!

Kind regards,

Dr. Iliri

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

Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (5 minutes later)

Thank you. Any expected side effects from doubling up on the Myocardia?

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (27 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello again!

You may experience low blood pressure or headaches.

But, increasing the dose gradually (add half a tablet for 5 days and then another half) in order to avoid possible adverse effects and have a better toleration.

A close monitoring of your blood pressure would be necessary during this period.

Hope to have been helpful!

Wishing all the best,

Dr. Iliri

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

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