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Tachycardia and high blood pressure due to prolonged stress?
My Recent Background:
I am 15 years old, male, and I have an IQ of 147 (yes, this is relevant). My parents split up during the summer of 2008. At this time my blood pressure was at a healthy level and I was not experiencing tachycardia without reason (ie exercise). The last time my blood pressure was recorded as healthy was in December. Not long after, on new years day, my father suffered a stroke* (albeit a minor one). This, in conjunction with the separation, was quite hard on me. At this time my sister began living at my mother's, as I remained with my father. We would frequently have conversations about my mother, me, my sister, and real estate issues, some of which developed into arguments (don't take this the wrong way; I have a positive relationship with my father). This placed a great deal of emotional stress on me. As the end of the school year approached**, I began experiencing episodes of tachycardia at school, as well as persistent diarrhea. I visited my doctor (about 1.5 months before the end of school) because of this diarrhea, and, while waiting for my appointment, experienced a very high heart rate. I naturally brought this up to my doctor and he referred me to a pediatrician (for both this and the diarrhea). My pediatrician ran all the tests he could (I am scheduled to see a cardiologist in january and I am scheduled for a renal ultrasound this fall), being the specific professional that he is, which all came back normal. These tests included an array of blood tests, stool samples, electrocardiograms, general vital signs, and chest x-rays. Over a period of three months, my blood pressure read as high (140-150 systolic and 85-92ish diastolic) at each appointment. When I told him I was suffering from a pulse visible in my eye, he prescribed propranolol (3 10mg doses a day, 8am, 2pm, 8pm) for me. That drug didn't reduce my blood pressure effectively enough so I was placed on Lisinopril (10mg once daily at 8am) just last week. As I attempted to gradually reduce my propranolol dose I experienced tachycardia, so, after consulting an ER doctor, resumed my regular dosage. I am due to see my pediatrician this thursday.
*I was home alone with my father when he suffered the stroke, which took place during a huge blizzard. It was rather traumatic.
**I was stressed for exams, and I have horrible homework habits (I am a chronic procrastinator).
So, in your opinion, is it possible that my tachycardia and high blood pressure could be due to prolonged stress?
I am 15 years old, male, and I have an IQ of 147 (yes, this is relevant). My parents split up during the summer of 2008. At this time my blood pressure was at a healthy level and I was not experiencing tachycardia without reason (ie exercise). The last time my blood pressure was recorded as healthy was in December. Not long after, on new years day, my father suffered a stroke* (albeit a minor one). This, in conjunction with the separation, was quite hard on me. At this time my sister began living at my mother's, as I remained with my father. We would frequently have conversations about my mother, me, my sister, and real estate issues, some of which developed into arguments (don't take this the wrong way; I have a positive relationship with my father). This placed a great deal of emotional stress on me. As the end of the school year approached**, I began experiencing episodes of tachycardia at school, as well as persistent diarrhea. I visited my doctor (about 1.5 months before the end of school) because of this diarrhea, and, while waiting for my appointment, experienced a very high heart rate. I naturally brought this up to my doctor and he referred me to a pediatrician (for both this and the diarrhea). My pediatrician ran all the tests he could (I am scheduled to see a cardiologist in january and I am scheduled for a renal ultrasound this fall), being the specific professional that he is, which all came back normal. These tests included an array of blood tests, stool samples, electrocardiograms, general vital signs, and chest x-rays. Over a period of three months, my blood pressure read as high (140-150 systolic and 85-92ish diastolic) at each appointment. When I told him I was suffering from a pulse visible in my eye, he prescribed propranolol (3 10mg doses a day, 8am, 2pm, 8pm) for me. That drug didn't reduce my blood pressure effectively enough so I was placed on Lisinopril (10mg once daily at 8am) just last week. As I attempted to gradually reduce my propranolol dose I experienced tachycardia, so, after consulting an ER doctor, resumed my regular dosage. I am due to see my pediatrician this thursday.
*I was home alone with my father when he suffered the stroke, which took place during a huge blizzard. It was rather traumatic.
**I was stressed for exams, and I have horrible homework habits (I am a chronic procrastinator).
So, in your opinion, is it possible that my tachycardia and high blood pressure could be due to prolonged stress?
I thought it was rather funny that you are stressed over your exams with such a high IQ!! HHHMMmmm.......
Your HBP and pulse rates are due to your anxiety.....do as others have told you: get a pet if that helps or a job and see how much money you can save in one year. Focus on that.
Your HBP and pulse rates are due to your anxiety.....do as others have told you: get a pet if that helps or a job and see how much money you can save in one year. Focus on that.
I don't see the relevance of IQ either, but count your lucky stars that you only take 10 mg of Lisinopril once per day. The propranolol should help both your blood pressure AND your anxiety... along with toning down any skipping heartbeat or heartbeats in your eyes. It's also a good migraine preventative. Do you get any neuropathy in your hands and feet?
I take 80 mg of Lisinopril per day (which results in a nasty, constant dry cough), 60 mg of propranolol per day, 250 mg of Lyrica per day, 50 units of injected Lantus, and 90 to 120 units of Humalog per day. I also take Xanax and Vicoden as needed. My blood pressure is still NOT well controlled.
You're not doing so bad... yet. But I agree with Marbles... Get a hobby to take your mind off your troubles, or adopt a cat from a shelter and spoil it rotten. :-)
I take 80 mg of Lisinopril per day (which results in a nasty, constant dry cough), 60 mg of propranolol per day, 250 mg of Lyrica per day, 50 units of injected Lantus, and 90 to 120 units of Humalog per day. I also take Xanax and Vicoden as needed. My blood pressure is still NOT well controlled.
You're not doing so bad... yet. But I agree with Marbles... Get a hobby to take your mind off your troubles, or adopt a cat from a shelter and spoil it rotten. :-)
There is a direct correlation between between IQ and stress/anxiety levels... Other than that, I'd say you're on target with your reply :/
I fail to the see the relevance of your IQ. Like many people your age you are extremely self-involved. I am not a doctor, but if you were my child (and I have several) I would recommend that you become involved in outdoor activities, whether it be gardening or sports hardly matters. You might also consider getting yourself a dog or a cat - something to care for and take you out of yourself.
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