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Could High BP Be Due To Problem In The Aorta?
I saw my cardiologist today having been referred due to having blood pressure problems and a significant difference in blood pressure consistently in right arm (higher 164/100 and left 140/75) had a heart catherization in 2007 and found no blockages. I am now 64. The cardiologist said that since they found no blockages in 2007 I did not have to worry about ever having a heart attack if I didn t have any then I will never have a heart attack???? He did say could be indication of problem with aorta but if I was younger they would look into it but probably wouldn t he would discuss with his partners and get back with me. I was taken off bp meds and motropolol after bariatric surgery in april 2013 but am now going back on it because he said even though I would not have a heart attack I could have a stroke. This doesn t make alot of since to me, what do you make of it. Sounds to me like because I am 64 not going to worry about finding out about aorta
Wed, 30 Sep 2015
Blood pressure difference in two arms points towards a pathology in the aorta or sometimes due to atherosclerosis of the aortic arch and it's branching artery supplying the brain and the upper arm.
In my opinion and CT scan /MRI of the aorta and sos MRA should be done to know the pathology.
Yes there is a risk of stroke and so you should continue medication.
Lastly in clinical practice whenever there is differential blood pressure, the higher is considered true blood pressure and treated likely.
Also the most dangerous of aortic disease like dissection where such blood pressure reading are present, will benefit from metoprolol.
So I recommend you continue metoprolol and consult your doctor about possible causes of differential reading of your blood pressure.
In my opinion and CT scan /MRI of the aorta and sos MRA should be done to know the pathology.
Yes there is a risk of stroke and so you should continue medication.
Lastly in clinical practice whenever there is differential blood pressure, the higher is considered true blood pressure and treated likely.
Also the most dangerous of aortic disease like dissection where such blood pressure reading are present, will benefit from metoprolol.
So I recommend you continue metoprolol and consult your doctor about possible causes of differential reading of your blood pressure.
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