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stress test bp systolic 260 after 3 mins.

I am a 60 yr. old female with a family history of heart disease. I am 25 lbs. overweight and have type 2 diabetes. I take metformin, janumet, caduet and until yesterday diovan. During a stress test yesterday my systolic bp rose to 260 in a very short time (diastolic was elevated but not so greatly). When my BP has been taken several times throughout the year at rest it has been 120/80 (ish). I am not very active but do walk 1-1/2 miles a day at a moderate rate. The cardiologist took me off of diovan and told me to begin  100 mg toprolol (sp?) immediately. He said it is important to continue to get exercise. I am fearful since I walk much faster and longer than I did on the stress test. I have a follow-up app't. in one month.  The ultasound of my carotids and heart was fine. He mentioned abnormalities  in the ekg related to my left ventricle. I assume if it was extremely serious I would have been hospitalized. Any info would be appreciated. I suppose I shoud have asked but at the time I was shocked.


This discussion is related to extreme high blood pressure.
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237039 tn?1264258057
Isn't it sad that at times we have to live like this?? Yes, please do call your doctor and ask questions.  Never hurts, right?  Keep me posted.  I know, I walk as much as I can.  I also work and raise 3 grandchildren. (since their birth)  I can't slow down too much and I can't be limited.  Take care, Ally
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Avatar universal
Thanks for your comments. Unfortunately, I didn't notice or ask what my heart rate was. I was so blind sided I left with many ?'s. I suppose I should give the doc a call rather than wait until my next visit in three weeks.

As for the intensity of the exercise, let me say that I was shocked when he stopped the test because I was planning to impress him with my fitness level. I had barely gotten started. That is why I'm afraid to go back to my routine. I walk my dog briskly and run in place if she stops. We also sprint after squirrels. I don't get winded or lightheaded. I feel great after these walks. I felt great when I was on the treadmill. But I'm feeling shocked now. I haven't gone back to my routine since. I only walk around the block to stay close to home.
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63984 tn?1385437939
Usually a stress test involves a treadmill starting at a leisurely walk, and increases in intensity and elevation quickly.  Google Bruce Protocol for what is done with an exercise stress test.  That, perhaps, is a big difference between you exercise regimen of 1.5 miles unless you walk up hills that increase in altitude quickly.  

It's possible that your left ventricle is enlarged, and that is why the doctor prescribed troprol.  If it is enlarged, it's an indication of impaired heart health, not necessarily a condition that requires hospitalization.  However, it certainly indicates a need for more study.  It sounds like your doctor is staying on top of your health.

I'd take the stress test results seriously, follow your doctor's advice.  
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237039 tn?1264258057
Just for the sake of curiousity, what was your heart rate at that moment?  I exercise daily and my last stress test was miserable.  The doctor asked me if I get that short winded when I exercise, and I don't.  It didn't make sense.  I can exercise (walk briskly for 3 miles) and never be bothered by sob, but take a stress test and do so badly.  Sometimes I have a bout with angina, but as I walk through this that seems to calm down. (I get heart spasms)
If I am not mistaken Toprol & Lopressor help with the heart rate and rhythm.
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