High BP

[Jocyl]

My friend, male 55 yr old, started suffering from a very high BP 3 years ago through stress (lost his business etc.) Early this year it started with swollen legs, beneath the knees, at times he's in so much pain he has to take painkillers just to get out of bed, but the last 2 months it came down quite a lot (he's work is starting to look better now), but now and then the painful swelling comes back. I try to get him on a healthy diet, it's not easy as he has business people to meet and take out to eat. I'm getting worried and would love to help him and it breaks my heart to see him in so much pain, he has helped so many people, i would just love to help him.

[Cleveland Clinic]

there are many possible causes of swelling in his legs.  Heart related conditions include right and left sided heart failure, pulmonary HTN and valvular heart disease.  The liver can also cause swelling in the legs as well.  Finally, many medications and some rheumatologic conditions can cause that as well.  It sounds like he needs to be seen by a general internal medicine doctor to sort this out.  

[Fionajnz]

what springs to mind for me, is that maybe the circulation in his legs is not great?  Has that been looked into?  Has he had a full physical recently?  Does he have a normal weight range?

Does the swelling appear associated with anything - like a salty meal the night before, less or more exercise/walking/sitting/travelling?

Definitely sounds like a further work up is probably a good idea.  Is he on BP meds now?  If he is being told he is fine by a PCP then he should seek a second opinion.  I guess as a friend its hard to make this happen.  Hope he is willing.

Fiona

[Cleveland Clinic]

First, he has to control his BP and then focus on his diet.  High salt intake will make him more symptomatic.  Finally, getting on the right medications, including beta blockers, diuretics and ace inhibitors shoud be the next step.  

[Jocyl]

thanks for your reply, he had a full check up and the doctor told him that through the high BP he has a heart disorder, what can be done?

[Jocyl]

thanks for your reply, yes he is on medication, but I dont know the name, I'll find out. I told him to make a diary of what he eats and how the swelling is, I have a feeling that it is related to what he eats. He's weight is normal more on the lower side and he even lost some weight. I'll let you know more as soon as possible and thanks so much
Jocyl