Sudden onset hypertension

Posted by Misty on April 19, 1999 at 16:39:45
Hi, I've posted here once before. I'm 44 & have had CAD since age 31. My B/P has always been on the low side (100/60-110/70) & even lower. Recently it has been consistently in the upper 140's to 160 over 90's to 102. I recently had my 4 month checkup with my cardiologist so hesitate to call again. Do you think I should be concerned or should I just continue to keep a check on it & see my doc in Aug. at next visit? I'm also hearing a low-pitched noise in my left ear several times a day, which may not be related. Thank you for your time.
                                  Sincerely,
                                     Misty

Posted by CCF CARDIO MD - CRC on April 20, 1999 at 16:29:31
Dear Misty,
How are you checking your blood pressure?  Has your cuff been calibrated?  
I hope you find this information useful.  Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only.  Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies.  Please feel free to write back with additional questions.
If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter.  The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.

Posted by Misty on April 20, 1999 at 17:37:30
Dear Doctor,
  I have had it taken from numerous sources, such as, a friend's B/P cuff, mine, & two different drugstore machines. Last night & this morning my B/P was from 156/92 to 182/110. I'm not that familar with hypertension as it has never been an issue for me. Is it normal for a person to suddenly develop high B/P? Or, does it usually develop gradually? I understand there is primary, or essential, & secondary hypertension. Thanks for any info.Misty

Posted by CCF CARDIO MD - CRC on April 21, 1999 at 10:37:57

It would be unusual for a sudden onset of hypertension but possible.  Have you had any history at all of high blood pressure or other medical conditions.
Here is some additional info on 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 - exercise should definitely be part of your daily program. Besides helping to reduce your risk of heart attack, it can also help you lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.
Statistics show that many people who have high blood pressure are also overweight. If you are overweight or have gained weight over time, you'll be advised to cut down on calories and lose weight. Your doctor can prescribe a diet that's right for you.
If you're given a diet, follow it closely, including any recommendations about reducing your consumption of alcohol. Alcoholic drinks are high in non-nutritious calories, so if you're trying to lose weight, avoid alcoholic beverages. Often when people lose weight, their blood pressure drops as well.
Q: How does medicine help control high blood pressure?
A: For some people, weight loss, sodium reduction and other lifestyle changes won't lower high blood pressure as much as it needs to be lowered. If that's your situation, you will probably need to take medication. Many medications are available to reduce high blood pressure. Some get rid of excess fluid and sodium (salt). Others relax constricted blood vessels. Others prevent blood vessels from constricting and narrowing. Because there is usually no cure for high blood pressure, treatment generally must be carried out for life. If treatment is stopped, the pressure may rise again.

Q: Will I have to take medications for my hypertension the rest of my life?
A: Generally, someone with high blood pressure will be on lifelong medication.
Q: At what point do I need to see a heart specialist for this condition?
A: Usually hypertension can be managed by an Internal Medicine doctor.
Q: Will there ever be a right combination (of medication) to treat this condition?
A: It may take several trials to find the right combination of drugs.   There are many different medications and new ones are coming out each year.
Q: My parents both had heart attacks and strokes and father had a bypass in Sept. 97 (age 74), mom had her stroke at age 49. They still take meds for hypertension. With this history is there a possibility I might have a heart attack in my later years?
A: Heart disease tends to run in families.  Those who have a family history of heart problems shoud take extra care of themselves (i.e. weight loss, high blood pressure control, exercise, etc.).

http://www.amhrt.org/Heart_and_Stroke_A_Z_Guide/hbp.html
http://www.ihr.com/medreprt/articles/bloodpr.html
http://www.musc.edu/iash/
http://www.am-osteo-assn.org/ccoop/hibldprs.htm
http://www.mco.edu/whl/know.html
http://www.bloodpressure.com/
http://www.mediconsult.com/hypertension/
http://www-med.stanford.edu/school/DGIM/Teaching/Modules/HTN.html
http://www.merck.com/!!uYfKE0uiyuYfKE0uiy/pubs/mmanual/html/khgnjgcd.htm
http://www.aafp.org/afp/091596/special.html
http://pharminfo.com/disease/cardio_db.html
http://www.pslgroup.com/HYPERTENSION.HTM
I hope you find this information useful.  Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only.  Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies.  Please feel free to write back with additional questions.
If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter.  The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.
Posted by Misty on April 21, 1999 at 11:51:11
Dear doctor,
  No, I have never had any sigh of high B/P prior to the past week. I do have CAD & have had CABG surgeries 3 times starting at age 31. Also have PVD & have had aorta-femerol endarterectomy for that. My last cardio checkup a right carotid bruit was heard, however, 2 years ago there was only approx. a 28% stenosis. I did call my drs. office yesterday & spoke to the nurse, who in turn called me back at the end of the day. She told me the dr. said he didn't know why my B/P would go up & he'd call in a mild antihypertensive & for me to take it for5 or 6 days, then let him know how I'm doing. When I went to the drugstore to get the med. no one had called in anything & the drs.' office was closed. I checked again this AM & still not there. I now have another call into dr. I just don't want anything to happen that can be prevented & if this is secondary HTN. But if it's nothing serious to worry about, I won't. I'm the laid-back type & do not get unduly upset, but just want to be reassured. Thank you in advance for your opinion.

Posted by CCF CARDIO MD - CRC on April 23, 1999 at 11:37:17
High blood pressure shouldn't be taken lightly but mildly elevated pressures for a few days should cause no harm.  It is more the long term effects of HTN that are the problem.  There is a link between vascular disease (heart, carotid, artery blockages) and high blood pressure.  Do you smoke?
I hope you find this information useful. Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only. Only your
physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies. Please feel free to write back with additional questions.
If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire
online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter. The Heart Center website contains a directory of the
cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.