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What Causes Anxiety, High BP And Heart Palpitations?
Question: I'm taking 10mg of lisinopril and 10 mg of citalopram for three weeks now..I've felt better day by day, but last night my blood pressure hovered around 147/82, pulse in low 60's. Felt like my heart was pounding. I also just came off a short dose of prednisone for fluid in my ear. 20 mg 2x for five days. Chest burns off and on. Just anxiety or should I be concerned about the BP? I feel anxious about the BP being up and feeling the heart pound. Also have a headache.
Brief Answer:
More of an anxiety issue.Still need to investigate
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Welcome to HCM.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
Blood pressure of 147/82mmhg usually is just above the normal limits. Usually it doesn't produce symptoms of palpitations what you have felt.
Usually night time palpitations are seen in patients with stress issues but still we have to rule out other causes also.
My advice to you is -
1. Ask your doctor about 24 hrs ambulatory blood pressure monitoring by which you can confirm about blood pressure fluctuations over total 24 hrs. It also record the pulse also.
Secondly if necessary you can also go for 24 hrs ecg monitoring (holter) because rhythm abnormalities of heart can also cause palpitations. Ask your doctor about this. He will do it if necessary.
From above 2 investigations you will usually get idea regarding any of the heart abnormalities. Then if you have palpitations also you should be reassured that it's not related to heart problems and your anxiety will be decreased.
2.During palpitations don't get anxious, rather deviate your mind towards other things like reading, watching television etc. Because anxiety will precipitate further problems.
3.The medicines you are taking at present is adequate but after your 24 hrs blood pressure monitoring your doctor can change medicines if necessary.
4.Do daily brisk walking for 1 hr, eat more fruits and fresh vegetables. It will help you to control your symptoms and blood pressure.
I hope that I have given you satisfactory answer. Still if you have any questions you are always welcome.
Thank you.
Have a nice day.
More of an anxiety issue.Still need to investigate
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Welcome to HCM.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
Blood pressure of 147/82mmhg usually is just above the normal limits. Usually it doesn't produce symptoms of palpitations what you have felt.
Usually night time palpitations are seen in patients with stress issues but still we have to rule out other causes also.
My advice to you is -
1. Ask your doctor about 24 hrs ambulatory blood pressure monitoring by which you can confirm about blood pressure fluctuations over total 24 hrs. It also record the pulse also.
Secondly if necessary you can also go for 24 hrs ecg monitoring (holter) because rhythm abnormalities of heart can also cause palpitations. Ask your doctor about this. He will do it if necessary.
From above 2 investigations you will usually get idea regarding any of the heart abnormalities. Then if you have palpitations also you should be reassured that it's not related to heart problems and your anxiety will be decreased.
2.During palpitations don't get anxious, rather deviate your mind towards other things like reading, watching television etc. Because anxiety will precipitate further problems.
3.The medicines you are taking at present is adequate but after your 24 hrs blood pressure monitoring your doctor can change medicines if necessary.
4.Do daily brisk walking for 1 hr, eat more fruits and fresh vegetables. It will help you to control your symptoms and blood pressure.
I hope that I have given you satisfactory answer. Still if you have any questions you are always welcome.
Thank you.
Have a nice day.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Answered by
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