Persistent Hypertension

Is the doctor a GP or a Cardiologist? Has he experimented with a variety of medications? Is your family member following advice about diet and exercise?

He sees an internist, who has tried different meds. The patient is good about diet and exercise.

Why not ask for a referral to a Cardiologist?

Thanks! Have you heard that cardiologists have special knowledge of hypertension?

Yeah - whuzzup with getting a referral to a cardiologist about hypertension?

From www.answers.com:




"Hypertension" is a $5 word for High Blood Pressure and Cardiologists are experts in the cardio-vascular system--the heart and everything attached to the heart. Pump, hoses and all.

Thanks! I'll pass that on.

Advocate, going to a cardiologist might help, but it might not.

My husband has a heart condition, but his B/P had been low his entire life.

A few months ago, suddenly his B/P went way high within a short amount of time.

His cardiologist did a test and found a blocked renal artery...went in and put in a stent, said that should take care of it. It didn't (although we're still glad he caught the blockage)

He then increased one of the meds he was already on, no change, his internist then changed something, and it seems to be bringing it down. So the person you're referring to may want to discuss with the internist about seeing a cardiologist, and decide from there. It really does take a partnership of both the physicians and the patient.

Just a thought.

Chai, great advice! It never occurred to us that blockage may be causing the problem. The internist never mentioned this. Incidentally, the patient's cholesterol is a bit high, which may support the presence of blockage.

Be sure to let us all know how this turns out!

I will, and thanks again for the great info. The patient is due for a physical in August, and will discuss this with the internist.

August?

Are you sure you want to wait that long? I'd try to push the appt up personally.

Perhaps get on a waiting list for cancelled appointments?

High blood pressure is dangerous, but it is a slow and insideous danger. August is plenty of time.

And 140 over 83 wasn't considered all that high until fairly recently - though of course it's wise to bring down. There is also the matter of doctor's office raised pressure - related to the stress of the visit; I've heard that can be a consideration. (One can get blood pressure monitors at a local pharmacy and follow the blood pressure over time.)

Weight loss, nutritional choices like the amount of salt, and exercise can all make a difference.

Thanks again for the all the good suggestions. The internist said that, should the systolic stay at about 140, one can expect a heart attack within about 5 years. The patient uses a home monitor, which may or may not be accurate.

What are the readings in the doctor's office?

Also, most pharmacies have a professional grade blood pressure gadget available to the public.

I think the readings at home and the doctor's office match up pretty well. He also gets readings at the supermarket, which has a public monitor. He is averaging about 140 over 83, and this is with taking two meds for the problem.

Is he at all overweight?