Blood pressure/diabetes/Long QT link?

[marching on]

Hi, Thank you for your time.
Quick follow up. I had an episode of syncope a few weeks back.  Blood pressure was high, went to Dr., still high, began taking beta blocker. Blood work also revealed high blood sugar @ 120, but not quite high enough to be labeled "diabetic".  I was sent to a fine cardiologist, and had EKG which was fine, except for what cardiologist said "Long QT " something.  I'm going back next month.  I am a female in 40's good health, exercise, don't smoke, married, high stress job. Don't know much about family history, since I was adopted.I feel fine now. Medicine works good.

My question is:  Is their a link between high blood pressure and diabetes or Long QT? Is it really prudent that I return to cardio for any follow up since I feel fine?

Thanks
Ana

[Cleveland Clinic]

marching on,

thanks for the post.

Is their a link between high blood pressure and diabetes or Long QT? Is it really prudent that I return to cardio for any follow up since I feel fine?

The link I would be concerned about is syncope and long QT. The actual QT interval on the ECG should be interpreted by a cardiologist and further investigation for arrythmogenic causes of your syncope should be exmined if your ecg is abnormal.

good luck

[ctb3]

My 72 year old Mother is having problems with High Blood Pressure.Medications work for a limited time ..then BP goes to 200/90..She has had a MRA which did not indicate any problems..

This problem has been going on for several years.
Last week she was given a new medication which worked for a few days and now BP is 190/90...

The Doctors have no clue why this is happening...

Does anyone have any ideas....

[heartygirl]

I am no doctor, but I feel it is absoultely necessary that you follow up with your cardiologist.   You may need to be placed on Beta Blockers or some other medicine.  

I have recently done lots of research on Long QT syndrome myself because I have borderline QT numbers.  

Good Luck!

[heartygirl]

Sorry Marching On, I just realized that you said that you are already on Beta Blockers, which is a good thing.  
However, regardless of the fact that you feel fine, I would still keep that follow up appt.
Good Luck.

[Momto3]

Have you tried posting a question to the forum doctors?  If you can get a quesiton posted, tell them what medicines or combinations of medicines your mom has tried and maybe they will have an alternative suggestion.

My mom's BP skyrocketed like that and she had never had high BP....She is taking a combination and it is working.  I think I read somewhere that it can take several attempts to get the right combination (and it usually takes more than one medicine) for each person.  

connie

[calico1]

I think what the doctors normally do is to rule out secondary causes of sudden onset of HBP, namely like thyroid, kidney, diabetes problems.  In your case, it may be good to check kidney functions as it is one of those organs affected by diabetes and kidney plays a role in regulating our BP.  
The doctor will most likely prescribe beta-blockers or combination of other medicine. If you're on beta-blocker and you have diabetes, you should monitor your blood sugar level because beta-blockers tend to mask low blood sugar.

[marching on]

Thanks to you both for your words.  My cardio did interpret the EKG's (2) of them, and said he would like me to see an EP Dr. in the near future.  I guess that has to do with the electrical system of the heart??.  So I guess that is what I will do.

Thanks to all

Ana

[mmfd]

I would wonder if your mother is really taking her bp meds as ordered.  She is getting a little older at 72, and may be forgetting to take it sometimes and might not even realize it.  Sometimes they also knowingly cut out doses to save money.  Using one of those plastic med boxes might help solve the problem, if indeed it turns out to be the problem!  Otherwise, she might need more tests for secondary hypertension, in my opinion.