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What Causes Pulsating Temporal Blood Vessels In An Elderly Person?
Question: Hello. I am 51 yrs old of Asian XXXXXXX origin and male. I can see a slight raise in my temporal blood vessels on both sides and feel pulsation. there is one tender spot on the right side. No headaches, or vision loss or fever. Just recovered from some congestion. i have had these slightly bulging vessels for years.
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Thank you for asking on HCM!
I understand your concern and would explain that it is important to exclude possible inflammation and temporal arteritis.
You should know that this is a serious disorder affecting the temporal arteries, but it is usually coupled with symptoms like progressive headache and blurring vision.
Although you don't refer any of these symptoms, it is important performing some tests to exclude this possibility.
From the other hand, pulsating and dilated temporal blood vessels could be related to straining physical activity, high blood pressure, anxiety, etc.
Could you please explain better about the bulging vessels that you have had for years? In which region of the body were they located?
What is your past medical history?
I recommend consulting with your attending physician for a careful physical examination and some tests :
- a resting ECG and cardiac ultrasound
- a Doppler ultrasound of the intracranial vessels
- blood lab tests (complete blood count, PCR, sedimentation rate, thyroid hormone levels, blood electrolytes).
A brain MRI scan may be needed, coupled with a biopsy if suspicions for temporal arteritis are raised.
Meanwhile, I recommend closely monitoring your blood pressure.
Hope to have been helpful!
Best regards!
Dr. Iliri
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Thank you for asking on HCM!
I understand your concern and would explain that it is important to exclude possible inflammation and temporal arteritis.
You should know that this is a serious disorder affecting the temporal arteries, but it is usually coupled with symptoms like progressive headache and blurring vision.
Although you don't refer any of these symptoms, it is important performing some tests to exclude this possibility.
From the other hand, pulsating and dilated temporal blood vessels could be related to straining physical activity, high blood pressure, anxiety, etc.
Could you please explain better about the bulging vessels that you have had for years? In which region of the body were they located?
What is your past medical history?
I recommend consulting with your attending physician for a careful physical examination and some tests :
- a resting ECG and cardiac ultrasound
- a Doppler ultrasound of the intracranial vessels
- blood lab tests (complete blood count, PCR, sedimentation rate, thyroid hormone levels, blood electrolytes).
A brain MRI scan may be needed, coupled with a biopsy if suspicions for temporal arteritis are raised.
Meanwhile, I recommend closely monitoring your blood pressure.
Hope to have been helpful!
Best regards!
Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hello Dr. Illiri
The vessels are in temple region and only sometimes show. I was concerned because one spot my scalp near the temple was sore. My blood pressure has been high. Ranging from 145/ 95 to 130/ 81 on a daily basis. Im not yet on any medications and I do alot of physical exercise including running.
The vessels are in temple region and only sometimes show. I was concerned because one spot my scalp near the temple was sore. My blood pressure has been high. Ranging from 145/ 95 to 130/ 81 on a daily basis. Im not yet on any medications and I do alot of physical exercise including running.
Brief Answer:
I recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
Thank you for the additional information provided.
As I already explained, a careful physical examination and some blood lab tests are necessary to exclude possible temporaral arteritis, which is inflammation of the temporal arteries, though your clinical situation is not very typical of such disorder.
If this disorder is excluded, there is nothing to worry about.
Regarding your blood pressure values, I would explain that they are slightly elevated.
I recommend modifying your diet ( reduce salt and caffeine intake) and lose weight if you are overweight.
If your blood pressure values stay above 135/85 mm Hg even with the above lifestyle changes, you should discuss with your doctor the possibility of starting antihypertensive therapy.
Meanwhile I recommend you to closely monitor your blood pressure.
Hope to have been helpful!
Greetings!
Dr. Iliri
I recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
Thank you for the additional information provided.
As I already explained, a careful physical examination and some blood lab tests are necessary to exclude possible temporaral arteritis, which is inflammation of the temporal arteries, though your clinical situation is not very typical of such disorder.
If this disorder is excluded, there is nothing to worry about.
Regarding your blood pressure values, I would explain that they are slightly elevated.
I recommend modifying your diet ( reduce salt and caffeine intake) and lose weight if you are overweight.
If your blood pressure values stay above 135/85 mm Hg even with the above lifestyle changes, you should discuss with your doctor the possibility of starting antihypertensive therapy.
Meanwhile I recommend you to closely monitor your blood pressure.
Hope to have been helpful!
Greetings!
Dr. Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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