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Suggest Treatment For Slightly Elevated Blood Pressure
Question: i noticed the last 2 months, I have a high blood pressure. 140/70 150/75 heart beat ranging from 55-60
I have been feeling throbbing in my temple and decided to change my diet and other eating habits such as decreasing caffiene. I do not have any more throbbing in my head but my left arm is tingling and feels tight, with my blood pressure only decreasing a little bit.
I have played sports all my life but now only am active 1-2 times a week running 30 minutes to 1 hr. Any tingle and throbbing always goes away with exercise.
I wanted to know if i should make a dr appointment or should consider a more immediate decision going to hospital or something.
I have been feeling throbbing in my temple and decided to change my diet and other eating habits such as decreasing caffiene. I do not have any more throbbing in my head but my left arm is tingling and feels tight, with my blood pressure only decreasing a little bit.
I have played sports all my life but now only am active 1-2 times a week running 30 minutes to 1 hr. Any tingle and throbbing always goes away with exercise.
I wanted to know if i should make a dr appointment or should consider a more immediate decision going to hospital or something.
Brief Answer:
My answer as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!
Regarding your concern, I would explain that your actual blood pressure values are not concerning.
These spikes in blood pressure values could be related to physical activity or anxiety.
From the other hand, some spikes in high blood pressure do not indicate uncontrolled high blood pressure or the need for anti-hypertensive therapy.
Coming to this point, I would recommend you to closely monitor your blood pressure in the next days and write those values down.
If your blood pressure values are persistently high (above 140/90 mm Hg), I would recommend consulting with your attending physician for a careful physical exam and some tests to investigate for secondary causes of high blood pressure:
- a resting ECG
- a chest X ray study
- complete blood count for anemia
- thyroid hormone levels for thyroid dysfunction
- kidney and liver function tests
- blood electrolytes for possible imbalance
- PCR and ESR for inflammation.
Regarding the tingling sensation in your left arm, it could be related to a pinched nerve. For this reason, I would recommend performing a cervical spine X ray study and a nerve conduction study.
But, there is no reason to go to the ER for the moment, considering your complaints.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Wishing all the best,
Dr. Iliri
My answer as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!
Regarding your concern, I would explain that your actual blood pressure values are not concerning.
These spikes in blood pressure values could be related to physical activity or anxiety.
From the other hand, some spikes in high blood pressure do not indicate uncontrolled high blood pressure or the need for anti-hypertensive therapy.
Coming to this point, I would recommend you to closely monitor your blood pressure in the next days and write those values down.
If your blood pressure values are persistently high (above 140/90 mm Hg), I would recommend consulting with your attending physician for a careful physical exam and some tests to investigate for secondary causes of high blood pressure:
- a resting ECG
- a chest X ray study
- complete blood count for anemia
- thyroid hormone levels for thyroid dysfunction
- kidney and liver function tests
- blood electrolytes for possible imbalance
- PCR and ESR for inflammation.
Regarding the tingling sensation in your left arm, it could be related to a pinched nerve. For this reason, I would recommend performing a cervical spine X ray study and a nerve conduction study.
But, there is no reason to go to the ER for the moment, considering your complaints.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Wishing all the best,
Dr. Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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