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

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Suggest Treatment For High BP

I am a 73 year old woman in general good health. I take my own blood pressure at home periodically and am concerned about a big increase in the last few days. It usually ranges from 120/80 -140/90. Yesterday it was 161 over 100, and today 173/83. I ve never seen it this high. I have an appointment with my internist in 2 weeks, but I m worried about the risk of stroke or heart attack. I take Vytorin for cholesterol, baby aspirin daily and levothyroxine for Hashimoto s thyroiditis. Is there something I should be doing now?
Tue, 8 Nov 2016
Report Abuse
Cardiologist 's  Response
Hello!

Welcome on HCM!

Regarding your concern, I would explain that these high blood pressure values could be related to different causes:

1- thyroid hormone imbalance. As you are taking levothyroxine, it would be necessary check your thyroid hormone levels to regulate the dose of levothyroxine.

2- Other secondary causes of high blood pressure should be excluded. That is why I would recommend performing some other blood tests :

- complete blood count for anemia
- liver and kidney function tests for possible dysfunction
- fasting glucose for diabetes
- blood electrolytes for possible imbalance
- inflammation tests (PCR, sedimentation rate).

3- If all the above mentioned tests result normal, primary hypertension should be taken into consideration. In such case, you should discuss with your doctor on the possibility of starting anti-hypertensive therapy.

Meanwhile, I would recommend some tips to help maintain a normal blood pressure:

- reduce salt and caffeine intake
- perform a lot of physical activity (walking, aerobics, recreational sports)
- try to lose some weight if your are overweight.

Hope you will find this answer helpful!

Kind regards,

Dr. Iliri


I find this answer helpful

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
Suggest Treatment For High BP

Hello! Welcome on HCM! Regarding your concern, I would explain that these high blood pressure values could be related to different causes: 1- thyroid hormone imbalance. As you are taking levothyroxine, it would be necessary check your thyroid hormone levels to regulate the dose of levothyroxine. 2- Other secondary causes of high blood pressure should be excluded. That is why I would recommend performing some other blood tests : - complete blood count for anemia - liver and kidney function tests for possible dysfunction - fasting glucose for diabetes - blood electrolytes for possible imbalance - inflammation tests (PCR, sedimentation rate). 3- If all the above mentioned tests result normal, primary hypertension should be taken into consideration. In such case, you should discuss with your doctor on the possibility of starting anti-hypertensive therapy. Meanwhile, I would recommend some tips to help maintain a normal blood pressure: - reduce salt and caffeine intake - perform a lot of physical activity (walking, aerobics, recreational sports) - try to lose some weight if your are overweight. Hope you will find this answer helpful! Kind regards, Dr. Iliri