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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Sudden Spike In Blood Pressure Levels?

I am a 69 year old white male , non smoker in excellent health. I have moderate hypertension for 20 years controlled by moderate meds. Body weight is 175 lbs, height 5 9 and exercise daily, BMI is 24.5 Blood test ordered due to unknown reason for jump in blood pressure. All test results were normal and have been for 25+ years with exception of normetanephrine plasma which I had for the first time & was slightly high at 161, range is 0 - 145. Metanephines Plasma result also first time conducted was normal. I have a healthy diet, low cholestrol a moderate drinker, 1 bourbon (2 oz) before dinner. What do you think is causing the jump in blood pressure to 160 to 175 over 78 and what could be wrong?
Wed, 1 Apr 2015
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Neurologist, Surgical,  's  Response
I think that the reason your primary care doctor sent the test for normetanephrine was to evaluate you for secondary causes of hypertension. A pheochromocytoma is likely what your doctor was trying to evaluate you for. The next steps would be to obtain some imaging of your adrenal glands (CT scan of the abdomen) and to do additional laboratory testing, including urine studies for metanephrines.
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What Causes Sudden Spike In Blood Pressure Levels?

I think that the reason your primary care doctor sent the test for normetanephrine was to evaluate you for secondary causes of hypertension. A pheochromocytoma is likely what your doctor was trying to evaluate you for. The next steps would be to obtain some imaging of your adrenal glands (CT scan of the abdomen) and to do additional laboratory testing, including urine studies for metanephrines.