is there a connection that can be made with symptoms of hypertension

   Hi,

    I recently was diagnosed with slight case of pneumonia. The doctor sent me for x-rays. I received a call that my arteries appeared enlarged. There was a concern because my blood pressure was a little high when I went for my exam, 136/90. usually 120/80. 4 days before my diagnosis including the day I had my x-rays, I was on Brometane DX then switched to Levaquin and a different cough med with codeine. Is there a connection between my condition or the medication that would produce symptoms of pulmonary hypertension.

thanks, Vince

[National Jewish]

Pulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries.  These are the blood vessels that bring blood to the lung from the heart.  It has nothing to do with one's "blood pressure."  Pulmonary artery pressure is normally low.  When it is high the pulmonary arteries enlarge.  One x-ray report is not enough to make the diagnosis.  You need to have a second opinion from a specialist looking at your x-ray.  You may also need a CT scan and/or an echocardiogram.

Brometane DX is a combination cough suppressant and decongestant medicine.  This was switched to a different cough medicine with codeine.  Levaquin

[Ellis7]

Brometane DX contains a decongestant, pseudoephedrine, which can raise your blood pressure.

For info on pulmonary hypertension see:
http://www.aafp.org/afp/20010501/1789.html
Diagnosis and Treatment of Pulmonary Hypertension
Excerpt:
"Pulmonary hypertension is a complex problem characterized by nonspecific signs and symptoms and having multiple potential causes. It may be defined as a pulmonary artery systolic pressure greater than 30 mm Hg or a pulmonary artery mean pressure greater than 20 mm Hg. "