Frequent Fatigue

[John12886]

I've had stage 1 hypertension since January 2012.  Lately, I seem to be getting tired more easily and can't seem to do much without having to take a break every so often.  Any ideas as to what could be causing this excess fatigue?

[Foggy2]

Sometimes being obese can lead to diabetes.  Perhaps this is how you got it, or does it run in your family?  Either way, this is now a lifestyle change, because if it is not looked after and you do not make changes it may lead to further problems.  But first get your cardiac/BP condition stabilized.  Perhaps over the weekend you can look into resources in your area that have Diabetes classes; some also include spouses as well.  Eat a low carb. diet that are higher in protein and avoid concentrated sugars.  You can also look online at the American Diabetic Assoc. web site for some guidelines if you are concerned.  

[John12886]

I've never been diabetic or even borderline diabetic.  Aside from the hypertension, the only medical conditions that I've been diagnosed with are gynecomastia and class III obesity (again, I've been big all my life).

[Foggy2]

I wish you much luck with all of your testing.  At least your doctor is on the ball and getting the testing done quickly.  Have you had diabetes before?  If not, after things stabilize from the testing, it might be helpful for you to enroll in a diabetes class to learn more about living with it, making meals, foot care, eye care, etc.  Your doctor may have to refer you depending on where you live, but it is worth it and most find it fun and interesting.

[John12886]

Well, I had an appointment with my doctor on the 24th and apparently, I now have stage 2 hypertension, but I'm just barely over the line that divides stage 1 and stage 2.  BP was 161/107.  My pulse was 82.  Doc suspects type 2 diabetes as I'm quite large and have been overweight for the majority of my life, but isn't ruling out heart failure either.  I go back on Monday for diabetes tests and then on Wednesday for a stress test, echo, etc.

[Foggy2]

If your last visit/workup was in 2012, it's time to see the doctor.  You should see him/her at least every 6 months to a year.

Your symptoms have now changed - you say that the Lisinopril is not helping but you are much more fatigued.  You could have a more serious heart disease and without testing you will never know.  In addition, your cholesterol could have changed or you could have had "the silent killer [a heart attack]" and not have known it.  I don't mean to scare you, but I'm being realistic.  Regular follow ups are necessary even when you are feeling well.

You need to make an appt. with your doctor and have a work up done.  Make sure you tell them that your status has changed.  Let us know how you do.

[John12886]

I've been taking lisinopril since my diagnosis in 2012.  The last time I had any tests done was back in 2012 and everything came back normal.  No high cholesterol or anything of the sort.  Now the lisinopril didn't help lower my blood pressure, but it has seemed to keep it from going higher.

[Foggy2]

What medications are you taking for this problem?  Any other medial problems? When was the last time you had a cardiac work-up (e.g. stress test, echo, labs for lipids, etc.)?

Have your mediations been changed lately or have you switched from brand to generic or different generic companies  recently?  If so, discuss this with your doctor since often times this is a side effect, but there are so many other drugs to use in place of it.

If you have not had a cardiac work-up in the past year, make an appt. to see your doctor and dicuss this to make sure your cardiac status is not getting worse.