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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
High Blood Pressure although 'doing everything right'
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High Blood Pressure although 'doing everything right'
by Doris__0__0, Oct 07, 1998 12:00AM
I am a 57 year old female in good health, with mild hypothyroid condition with antibodies.
I am 148 pounds, 5'11", eat low fat, high bulk, lots of fruits and vegetables, exercise 20 minutes daily on Nordic Track
However, in the past several months my blood pressure continues to climb. At the last Dr. visit it was 176/96. He put me on triametrine/hctz 37.5/25 half a pill a day. I do not have swelling in legs, arms, etc.
I am confused as to the cause of this blood pressure change. I have had this happen before, each time my TSH level was too high, and the blood pressure went down when the synthroid was increased. I am currently taking .1 strength. I am experiencing about half of the dozens of hypothyroid symptoms, but my TSH is just 4.3. One symptom, excessive prolonged periods, made it necessary to start progesteron (2.5mg daily) four months ago.
Any other life style changes I could try? I gave up caffeine, licorace, alcohol, chocolate etc because of PVC's about two years ago. I am a very calm person and do not have a stressful job or home life. I hate this medicine and have been getting nausous, tired, etc. on it.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF CARDIO MD APS, Oct 07, 1998 12:00AM
_
Dear Dorothy,
Firstly, yours is not a simple case(thyroid or htn=hypertension/high blood pressure),
and therefore it would be in your best interest to be cared for by a endocrinologist and
a hypertension/renal specialist. These are each specialties of general internal medicine and
can be found at any major medical center. Under the care of these two specialists(at least seeing them
1-2X before going back to your general doctor), it could be sorted out if there truly is a secondary cause
of your high blood pressure. (for example, if there are abnormalities of your renal arteries, this could be causing
the high blood pressure and there is something that can be done other than medications in most cases.)
Also it would be investigated- why are you having symptoms of hypothyroidism when your TSH lab value is in the normal range?
Actually this can happen and often an endocrinologist will treat the patient and his/her symptoms and not the lab value.
More assurance for you is that, even if you do need a hypertension drug long term, there are many types and kinds to choose from,
and usually this means the doctor will be able to find one that lowers your blood pressure and does not produce side effects.
More than advice on lifestyle changes, Doris, is your need for a re-evaluation-of your symptoms, thyroid and blood pressure.
Good luck and write back with any further questions. If interested, you can make appointments in these specialties at the Cleveland Clinic
Foundation by calling 1-800-CCF-CARE.
Information provided in the heart forum is intended for general medical informational purposes only, actual diagnosis and treatment can
only be made by your physician(s).
