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Suggest Treatment For High BP Readings In An Elderly Person
Question: My XXXXXXX 72 year old husband has bp 160/110 (using wrist monitor)……been 180/97-103 all week……
He is feeling fine, healthy weight, not had alcohol in almost 2 weeks, no stress (on vacation) eating super healthy -----should I worry?
He is feeling fine, healthy weight, not had alcohol in almost 2 weeks, no stress (on vacation) eating super healthy -----should I worry?
Brief Answer:
He needs investigation
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
first of all you should make sure that your device works OK. Wrist devices are not the best choices for blood pressure measurements as they usually lack accuracy. Double check with a proper arm device.
Since you have the wrist device, I suppose that you've been checking his blood pressure every so often and I also suppose that the blood pressure was normal. If nothing stressful happened (like prostate symptoms) then this abrupt appearance of a high blood pressure warrants investigation for secondary hypertension.
A biochemical panel with electrolytes, kidney function parameters etc should be an appropriate initial test. Radiological tests may need to follow (to detect a potentially atherosclerotic kidney artery and potential target organ damage).
Treatment has to be initiated if all the measurements are as high as those you've mentioned. The treatment may depend on test results. If he has any aneurysms then immediate treatment would be required.
Kind Regards!
He needs investigation
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
first of all you should make sure that your device works OK. Wrist devices are not the best choices for blood pressure measurements as they usually lack accuracy. Double check with a proper arm device.
Since you have the wrist device, I suppose that you've been checking his blood pressure every so often and I also suppose that the blood pressure was normal. If nothing stressful happened (like prostate symptoms) then this abrupt appearance of a high blood pressure warrants investigation for secondary hypertension.
A biochemical panel with electrolytes, kidney function parameters etc should be an appropriate initial test. Radiological tests may need to follow (to detect a potentially atherosclerotic kidney artery and potential target organ damage).
Treatment has to be initiated if all the measurements are as high as those you've mentioned. The treatment may depend on test results. If he has any aneurysms then immediate treatment would be required.
Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
We are on vacation - can we wait for a month or get local basic tests now?
Brief Answer:
You'd better do the tests and start treatment
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
his blood pressure levels (supposedly accurate) and his age make his case a high risk one. This means that he should be treated as soon as possible. You don't have to visit the emergency room if he has no symptoms but you shouldn't ignore it for a month.
Just confirm that the measurements were accurate (no stressful situations, no pain, sitting relaxed for 10 minutes etc).
Kind Regards!
You'd better do the tests and start treatment
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
his blood pressure levels (supposedly accurate) and his age make his case a high risk one. This means that he should be treated as soon as possible. You don't have to visit the emergency room if he has no symptoms but you shouldn't ignore it for a month.
Just confirm that the measurements were accurate (no stressful situations, no pain, sitting relaxed for 10 minutes etc).
Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I think I will take him to a private blood testing clinic in Florida (we are from Canada) - what tests should I order?
Thank you soooooo much for this information and talk!
XXXXX
Thank you soooooo much for this information and talk!
XXXXX
Brief Answer:
Please read my list
Detailed Answer:
You're welcome XXXXX!
A basic screening test should include the following:
(1) Blood tests:
- complete blood count
- electrolytes: sodium, potassium
- lipids: total cholesterol, HDL, triglycerides
- kidney function: urea, creatinine, urinalysis, microalbumin test
- other blood tests: glucose, uric acid.
(2) Electrocardiogram
(3) Radiological tests:
- heart echo (ultrasound)
- carotid artery ultrasound
The aforementioned tests are the most basic ones. Other tests might be needed depending on the results. Treatment should be initiated right after you've got the blood tests. I'm sure you'll find a local doctor to prescribe treatment for him.
Kind Regards!
Please read my list
Detailed Answer:
You're welcome XXXXX!
A basic screening test should include the following:
(1) Blood tests:
- complete blood count
- electrolytes: sodium, potassium
- lipids: total cholesterol, HDL, triglycerides
- kidney function: urea, creatinine, urinalysis, microalbumin test
- other blood tests: glucose, uric acid.
(2) Electrocardiogram
(3) Radiological tests:
- heart echo (ultrasound)
- carotid artery ultrasound
The aforementioned tests are the most basic ones. Other tests might be needed depending on the results. Treatment should be initiated right after you've got the blood tests. I'm sure you'll find a local doctor to prescribe treatment for him.
Kind Regards!
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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