HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes High Heart Beat And Fluctuating BP?

default
Posted on Wed, 16 Jul 2014
Question: have had recent increase in heartbeat, even after meditating. As high as 92 bpm. Accompanied with a minor headache, that lasts forever. Just had a ekg. One small abnormality. Dr not concerned. Dr ordered a stress test. Also I have had a full cabage in 2007. Now unusually high bp. In seperate episodes as high as 244/117. and as low as 86/60. Advise?
I fear a possible blockage. Am I thinking correctly?
You should also know that I have PTSD along with anxiety attacks and depression. Diagnosed by the VA.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Karen Steinberg (7 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Get prompt evaluation for the blood pressure

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for using Healthcare Magic. The 244/117 BP is extremely high. You should go to the emergency room for this. I am also concerned about the big swing in BP down to 86/60. Have you told your doctor about this? You have a significant cardiovascular history, and even if you don't have a blockage in the bypasses, such abnormal BPs can lead to other serious conditions such as stroke, as well as a heart attack. There are a couple of conditions related to the kidney and adrenal system that you should get checked. A blockage to the kidney blood vessels can cause very high BPs. We know that you are prone to getting blood vessel blockages, since you had the CABG and are on statins. This is a real concern. Special xrays or scans need to be done to look at those kidney vessels, and the BP needs to be controlled.

Another condition that can cause big BP elevations is pheochromocytoma. The adrenal gland overproduces certain chemicals including adrenaline. This can cause a big increase in BP as well as an increased heart rate and headaches. The release of the chemicals can be sporadic, so other times you may be fine.
I would also worry about the adrenaline setting off an anxiety/PTSD attack.

You need to get this evaluated promptly. Let your doctor know what's going on and if your BP is that high, go to emergency. They have medicines that can lower it quickly and they can monitor you for complications.

Hope this answers your query. If you have more questions, I would be happy to answer them. But do not delay on taking care of yourself.
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Karen Steinberg

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1981

Answered : 824 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes High Heart Beat And Fluctuating BP?

Brief Answer: Get prompt evaluation for the blood pressure Detailed Answer: Thank you for using Healthcare Magic. The 244/117 BP is extremely high. You should go to the emergency room for this. I am also concerned about the big swing in BP down to 86/60. Have you told your doctor about this? You have a significant cardiovascular history, and even if you don't have a blockage in the bypasses, such abnormal BPs can lead to other serious conditions such as stroke, as well as a heart attack. There are a couple of conditions related to the kidney and adrenal system that you should get checked. A blockage to the kidney blood vessels can cause very high BPs. We know that you are prone to getting blood vessel blockages, since you had the CABG and are on statins. This is a real concern. Special xrays or scans need to be done to look at those kidney vessels, and the BP needs to be controlled. Another condition that can cause big BP elevations is pheochromocytoma. The adrenal gland overproduces certain chemicals including adrenaline. This can cause a big increase in BP as well as an increased heart rate and headaches. The release of the chemicals can be sporadic, so other times you may be fine. I would also worry about the adrenaline setting off an anxiety/PTSD attack. You need to get this evaluated promptly. Let your doctor know what's going on and if your BP is that high, go to emergency. They have medicines that can lower it quickly and they can monitor you for complications. Hope this answers your query. If you have more questions, I would be happy to answer them. But do not delay on taking care of yourself.