High Blood Pressure and other problems

[RyanB]

I have a question, I was first diagnosed with HP when I was 15. At the time i was having some chest pains and headaches. I was put on Calan 250mg for the HP and things seemed to go back to normal. Now I am 24 and having the chest pain again with SOB (when I exercise) and a shakiness feeling, my BP is not under control. I am now on Calan 240 and Lotensin 12/24 and my BP runs 140/105. I have had a MRI to look at kidneys and renal stuff, that was normal. My normal doc thinks I am crazy and has had me on everything from Zoloft to Xanax. After pushing him, I got him to send me to a pulmonary doc. the pulmonary doc ordered a stress test and he said the results showed circulatory problems. He didnt rely elaberate and I am going to a cardioligist next week and getting an echo. I had an echo when I was 15 and showed nothing, so I dont rely know why I am having it again. Before this started I was healthy, I used to bike 20 miles a day. Now I am lucky if I can go up a flight of stairs. I am thouroughly disgusted with my normal doc. He keeps trying to tell me I must be stressed out. I do not have a stessfull life and am not worried about things. I guess my question is, is there anything maybe they are missing? I do have a family history of some heart problems. My brother was born with a hole in heart and my sister has mitral valve prolapse. Like I said they did alot of test for my heart when I was 15 and it didnt show anything. And dosent my BP seem a little high for my age being that I am on 3 meds for it already.

[rst]

i too have the same problem. am 24 and mine goes like 160/100 but later on it turns out to be 120/90. am 210 pounds and 5'9 in height. i was diagnosed to have a hole in my heart since birth but my cardio said it was not big for me to worry about plus it has nothing to do with my high blood everytime i see him. now am takin atenolol and cozaar. i used to take hyzaar ds but my system feels weird everytime i take it. oh i also have this slimming pill called reductil for me to slim down but sad to say i discontinued it......i dont feel really good takin it. am into sports and live an active lifestyle...i guess mine is caused by anxiety or somethin cause ive been through a lot of test and everything was normal.

[CCF-M.D.-KE]

Dear RyanB,

I am sorry to hear about your CP and SOB. I think seeing a cardiologist is a good idea.  However, given that you are 24 years old I don't think that blockages in the heart arteries are very likely. Though, it is possible for valve problems or weakening of the heart muscle to cause such symptoms. However, before considering such conditions, are you overweight or deconditioned (out of shape). If so these factors could be playing a part in the symptoms you are describing.
The echocardiogram will be very helpful, in that it will be able to identify any structural abnormalities with your heart that could explain your symptoms. This is an ultrasound which evalutes the valves and pumping function of the heart.
It is also possible that some of the symptoms you are experiencing are related to the medication you are taking. I would discuss this further with your doctor to see if he/she agrees and would consider another medical regimen. Hope you feel better.

Thanks for your question,


CCF-MD-KE