HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes Sudden Rise In BP In A 90 Year Old?

my 90 year old mother has is on lotrel for high blood pressure.
She has had a problem with her blood pressure spiking to about 187/90 for the past several weeks. When her blood pressure spike, her face turns red and she belches frequently. She took .1 mg clonidine hcl to bring the pressure down but it is still 175/87 45 minutes later. Is her belching a signal of anything more serious. Should she take another clonidine?
Tue, 14 Oct 2014
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician 's  Response
hi,
I had gone though your question and understand your concerns.In older people their actual blood pressure(ie.actual pressure inside the blood vessels) is a little lesser than what we measure with the B.P apparatus..it is called osler's effect,so hypetension in the elderly should not be overtreated.

The sudden rise in B.P(187/90), over a few weeks may not be normal and warrents further investigations and information.

-Is she diabetic?
-Is she taking aspirin or any other pain medication?
-Is she having any arthitis or pain anywhere else in the body?
-Is she able to pass urine normally(any burning sensation or difficulty /decreased urine)
-Do u find any difference in her breath smell?(ammoniacal, etc)
-Does she have this belching problem regularly..?

If I were your doctor, considering your mothers age and the onset of symptoms
regarding hypertension and belching:
-I would recomend a kidney function test: UREA & CREATININE
a problem with the kidney may cause the B.P to elevate and the increase in urea due to a problem with kidney can cause belching.

This is to be on the safer side, if no abnormality is detected then our way of treatment becomes easier.
I find this answer helpful

1 Doctor agrees with this answer


Note: Get a consultation booked to know more about aging related medical issues. Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Clonidine


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Sudden Rise In BP In A 90 Year Old?

hi, I had gone though your question and understand your concerns.In older people their actual blood pressure(ie.actual pressure inside the blood vessels) is a little lesser than what we measure with the B.P apparatus..it is called osler s effect,so hypetension in the elderly should not be overtreated. The sudden rise in B.P(187/90), over a few weeks may not be normal and warrents further investigations and information. -Is she diabetic? -Is she taking aspirin or any other pain medication? -Is she having any arthitis or pain anywhere else in the body? -Is she able to pass urine normally(any burning sensation or difficulty /decreased urine) -Do u find any difference in her breath smell?(ammoniacal, etc) -Does she have this belching problem regularly..? If I were your doctor, considering your mothers age and the onset of symptoms regarding hypertension and belching: -I would recomend a kidney function test: UREA & CREATININE a problem with the kidney may cause the B.P to elevate and the increase in urea due to a problem with kidney can cause belching. This is to be on the safer side, if no abnormality is detected then our way of treatment becomes easier.