Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes High And Fluctuating Blood Pressure Readings?
Question: 64 yr old, white male. History positive for MI 16 years ago. Stent in circumflex. No A/F. Heart muscle healthy/normal function. No limitations. Takes meds for +cholesterol and B.P. 6 weeks ago ER visit. B.P 215/112. Cardio tweaked meds. Yesterday, BP. 209/111. Back to E.R. Admitted. I.V. And oral meds, but diastolic # is bouncing around from 111 to 82 and back up again to 100. Scheduled echo this A.M. (1) What other tests should we expect or ask for? (2) Your thoughts on why all of a sudden the spike? (3) Sistolic highly responsive to meds, why not diastolic ? Your thoughts are appreciated.
Brief Answer:
Blood tests may be needed.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
You have a high and fluctuating blood pressure that needs proper attention. You need to be under observation and require continuous monitoring of Blood pressure along with investigations as Blood test, ECG,stress test.
It takes some time for the medicines to show an effect on hypertension. The effect on readings of blood pressure will be seen after two months of regular treatment. If still there is no relief it mean that the drugs you are getting are insufficient to control your blood pressure and the treatment you are getting needs to be reconsidered.
Walking around is a mild exercise which diverts the blood flow to your extremities thus decreasing the cardiac work load. It is not a treatment of hypertension but helps in maintaining a constant reading. It is best to indulge in such light exercise at least five days a week.
Raised diastolic pressure can be due to diabetes, kidney disease, obesity, smoking, hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), or a history of heart disease or a heart attack. It takes some time to show a constant response.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Blood tests may be needed.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
You have a high and fluctuating blood pressure that needs proper attention. You need to be under observation and require continuous monitoring of Blood pressure along with investigations as Blood test, ECG,stress test.
It takes some time for the medicines to show an effect on hypertension. The effect on readings of blood pressure will be seen after two months of regular treatment. If still there is no relief it mean that the drugs you are getting are insufficient to control your blood pressure and the treatment you are getting needs to be reconsidered.
Walking around is a mild exercise which diverts the blood flow to your extremities thus decreasing the cardiac work load. It is not a treatment of hypertension but helps in maintaining a constant reading. It is best to indulge in such light exercise at least five days a week.
Raised diastolic pressure can be due to diabetes, kidney disease, obesity, smoking, hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), or a history of heart disease or a heart attack. It takes some time to show a constant response.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Note: For further follow-up it is advisable to consult an emergency medicine specialist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
