Do I Need To Worry About High Bp?

Hi, thanks for posting your concern in the HCM. A high BP is definitely a matter of concern. High bp and dyslipidemia can cause ischemic heart disease. It may also precipitate a stroke. You have already developed stroke. Stroke itself causes fluctuation in the blood pressure level too. High blood pressure is common in acute stroke and is often associated with a poor outcome. Systemic infections or sepsis in a stroke patient may also be associated with rise in BP. With post-cva status, you must consult your doctor for any revision of the medications or prescriptions. Diet should also be salt restricted (sodium less than 2g/day). A strict control of blood pressure will also be needed after recovery to prevent re-emergence of stroke. Inclusion of antiplatelet medications in the treatment regimen should also be judiciously considered depending upon the type of stroke (ischaemic or haemorrhagic). You should also have investigations (fasting plasma glucose, HBA1c, fasting lipid profile) done to rule out diabetes and dyslipidemia. You may also require imaging of the chambers of the heart (an echocardiogram), an ultrasound of the vessels in the neck (duplex scan) or the head (transcranial Doppler) or sophisticated blood tests to look for a cause of increased tendency to form blood clots. In case of a haemorrhagic stroke coagulation abnormality should also be ruled out. Post-stroke seizure disorder, if suspected, should be taken care of with anticonvulsants (Levetiracetam, Eptoin). In addition, rehabilitation measures may be needed to prevent development of pressure sores, DVT, and to improve impaired functions. However, adequate control of systolic, diastolic and pulse pressure is very important at any point of time. For any further query, please write back to us. Regards. Dr. Kaushik