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Suggest Remedy For High BP And Pain While Using Blood Pressure Cuff
Question: I had my blood pressure taken today and the blood pressure cuff caused intense pain. I was being sedated for a dental extraction and on an automatic blood pressure cuff that was taking my blood pressure every few minutes. I was administered 20 mg of Propofol, 3 mg of Midazolam, 100 mcg of Fentanyl and 20 mg of Ketamine and my blood pressure continued escalating to 200/122 in less than 5 minutes. The dental surgeon would not begin the procedure and sent me to my GP. An hour later at my PG's office my blood pressure was still elevated 188/111. I've never had a high blood pressure reading before in my life. My upper arm is now covered with painful bruises all along my upper arm were the cuff was. My arm still hurts now 12 hours later. Could the pain of the cuff cause my escalating blood pressure? My GP gave me a low dose (10mg) prescription for Lisinopril. What is your opinion?
Brief Answer:
Repeat measurement after a week / 24 hour ambulatory B.P monitor
Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome
I appreciate your concern
B.P in both the arms should be checked to look for any significant difference. Yes, repeated compression can lead to a transient rise in B.P but is not as significant to lead to a persistently elevated reading in the range of 200/120. If the bruising and pain persists then a Doppler ultrasound can be advised to look for any obstruction to flow in the affected arm as that too can raise the B.P significantly. The B.P should be checked again to see if it comes to baseline within a week. If it persists then Fasting blood sugar , HBA1C, RFTs including urea , creatinine , Lipid profile , CRP should be done and the dose of the lisinopril be increased along with consideration for other medications such as statins, aspirin , beta blockers based on the blood work and repeat measurement. 24 hour ambulatory B.P monitor can also be advised to get a clear idea of your blood pressure changes and variations throughout the day.
Wishing you best of health
Thanks
Please consult your doctor before deciding on any further course of action.
Repeat measurement after a week / 24 hour ambulatory B.P monitor
Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome
I appreciate your concern
B.P in both the arms should be checked to look for any significant difference. Yes, repeated compression can lead to a transient rise in B.P but is not as significant to lead to a persistently elevated reading in the range of 200/120. If the bruising and pain persists then a Doppler ultrasound can be advised to look for any obstruction to flow in the affected arm as that too can raise the B.P significantly. The B.P should be checked again to see if it comes to baseline within a week. If it persists then Fasting blood sugar , HBA1C, RFTs including urea , creatinine , Lipid profile , CRP should be done and the dose of the lisinopril be increased along with consideration for other medications such as statins, aspirin , beta blockers based on the blood work and repeat measurement. 24 hour ambulatory B.P monitor can also be advised to get a clear idea of your blood pressure changes and variations throughout the day.
Wishing you best of health
Thanks
Please consult your doctor before deciding on any further course of action.
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Answered by
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