Hypertension and EF

I'm a 60 yr old female, hypertensive for 20 yrs not well controlled with medication (Tarka, Benicar, Lasix).  About a month ago I started having intermitent chest pain, pain in upper back and neck, shortness of breath.  This happens mostly at night, not with exercise.  Twice during the day I have had a feeling of things going black for a few seconds followed by a sort of dizzy feeling for several hours.  Cholesterol 254, triglycerides also high.  My doctor ordered an Echo stress test.  It showed a resting EKG possible MI, thickened heart walls, slight valve regurgitation and an EF of 55 to 60%.  My blood pressure typically runs from 160/90 to 180/116.  I had a starting BP of 162/102 on the treadmill portion and was able to walk for 6 1/2 minutes my heart rate was 148 and I was getting winded so they stopped me.  I'm not sure if this is related but two weeks ago I awoke, had one stabbing pain in my abdomen and when I urinated it was bright red blood with tissue and small clots.  I went tothe doctor, had a urinalysis which showed too much blood to count the RBC and no infection.  The doctor said my heart is fine and I should see if I have a recurrent urine problem to see if I need  a referral to a Urologist.  I went to a Women's Heart Screening and they suggested I be evaluated by a Cardiologist in order to get my blood pressure under control, but my doctor does not agree.  I would appreciate your advice.  Thanks.  Diana

[Douglas Bogart, MD]

Clearly your blood pressure needs to be  controlled either by your doctor or if he can't get the job done then someone else.  Your BP goal should be around 130/80.