Need answers...

Posted by V. Talley on August 03, 1999 at 13:09:49
I am a 19 year old female and have just recently started having problems with my blood pressure.  I was taked to the emergency room a few days ago- my blood pressure was 175/120 - I was given several medicines and it took several hours for any of them to be effective.  The ER Doctor put me on 60mg procardia once a day.  I put a call in to my regular physician but she was out of town and one of the other doctors that works with her wanted to see me right away.  He was a young doctor and seemed somewhat unsure of himself.  He offered no reasons why I might be having this trouble nor did he tell me any ways that this could be regulated- ie diet.  He simply changed my medicine to atenolol and had me go for a chest x-ray.  The medicine seems to be making me feel drained and like I have no energy and my blood pressure is still high.  I thought that after a visit to the doctor I would feel less concerned about this and maybe have some answers- but I don't.  Do you have any suggestions as to what could be causing this and should I seek further medical attention?  Thank you for any response you may be able to provide.

Posted by CCF CARDIO MD - CRC on August 03, 1999 at 13:55:10
It is somewhat unusual for a 19 year old to have high blood pressure but it is possible.  I would ask your doctor to look for secondary causes of high blood pressure.  It is possible your medication could be making you feel tired.  This will also need to be addressed by your physician.  Here is some general information about high blood pressure.
High blood pressure, or hypertension (HTN) , is defined in an adult as a blood pressure
greater than or equal to 140 mm Hg systolic pressure or greater than or equal to
90 mm Hg diastolic pressure. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of
mercury (mm Hg). High blood pressure directly increases the risk of
coronary heart disease (which leads to heart attack) and stroke (or brain
attack), especially along with other risk factors.
High blood pressure can occur in children or adults, but is particularly prevalent in
blacks, middle-aged and elderly people, obese people, heavy drinkers and women who are taking oral
contraceptives. Individuals with diabetes mellitus gout or kidney disease have a higher frequency of
hypertension.  
High blood pressure may be primary (essential) or secondary.   If the  hypertension is secondary there may be a treatable cause.  Most of these causes are relatively rare (i.e. renal artery stenosis, pheochromocytoma).  If no secondary cause is found then the high blood pressure is said to be primary.  The vast majority of cases of HTN are  primary.  The main cause of primary HTN is genetic.

Q: I am hoping to get pregnant in the future and I am wondering if this will effect things?
A: Blood pressure may be elevate during pregnancy and if you have a predisposition to high blood pressure it should be closely monitored during pregnancy.
Q: I believe the higher blood pressure is directly related to anxiety which may be OK for the "normal"
person, however with me having this disorder I deal with anxiety A LOT and I often endure it without my medication.
A: It is important to take the medication you need for anxiety.  In addition you may need blood pressure medication if your high blood pressure continues.

Q: How do salt and sodium affect high blood pressure?
A: Most Americans consume far more salt (sodium) than their bodies need. Heavy sodium consumption increases blood pressure in some people, leading to high blood pressure. People who are diagnosed with high blood pressure are often placed on restricted-sodium diets.
Reducing sodium (or salt) consumption may help lower blood pressure in some people. Your doctor may
recommend a sodium (salt) restricted diet. This will mean you'll have to avoid salty foods and cut down on the amount of salt you use in cooking and at the table.
Q: How does being overweight affect high blood pressure?
A: Studies have shown that body weight, changes in body weight over time, and skinfold thickness are related to changes in blood pressure levels. These factors have been linked to the subsequent rise and development of high blood pressure. People who are overweight are more likely to have high-normal to mild high blood
pressure.
Physical inactivity is a risk factor for heart disease. In addition, a sedentary or inactive lifestyle tends to
contribute to obesity, a risk factor for both high blood pressure and heart disease. Regular exercise helps
control weight and lower blood pressure. Don't be afraid to be active