Can high BP cause shortness of breath??

[rockstarsmom]

I've always heard that high blood pressure is the "silent killer", but is this ALWAYS the case?  My BP has always been normal, around 128/75 or so, but recently I've been experiencing numerous PVC's per day, along with constantly being short of breath and tired, to the point of having to lie down at times.  My heart rate has also been very high, idling at about 100, and going up to 120 at times of activity.  I went to a cardiologist and had a stress/echo done yesterday.  The cardialogist said my heart lining was thicker than normal (although only slightly) and that this shows I have high blood pressure, even though it never reads high.  I also have problems sleeping, possible sleep apnea, and he said this could be the cause of the high BP.  He put me on Toporal XL 25mg and within the first day, my breathing is wonderful already.  My heart rate has dropped into the 80's and I feel so much better.  My question is, can high BP actually have casued these symtoms?  The severe shortness of breath, rapid heartrate, PVC's?  I'm sorried that there may an underling cause and this medication is only masking the real problem. Any thoughts from anyone?  THANKS!

[rockstarsmom]

Thank you for your comment, Kenkeith.  What you said makes sense, it's just the whole silent killer business that threw me off.  I thought there were no signs to high BP.  I guess if I feel this much better after one day on the Toporol, I should not question it!  Thanks!

[kenkeith]

When the heart is pumping against high resistance (contricted vessels) the heart may enlarge and the heart rate increases.  An enlarged heart can cause arrhythmia.  SOB and fatigue indicates the stress to the heart may compromise sufficient blood/oxygen to meet system demand.

Medication dilates vessels, etc. and reduces the heart's workload and the relief from the stress puts the blood flow to normal equilibrium as the heart returns to normal size