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unexplained high blood pressure

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Posted 1/12/2008 12:03 AM (GMT 0)
Since my medication allergy last June, I've been seeing my blood pressure go up, up and away.... My family doctor is puzzled, and so is my cardiologist (who I saw this morning).  I've always had normal to slightly low blood pressure. Even when I've been on 3x the amount of prednisone, way more anxiety and much heavier weight - I've always had wonderful, healthy blood pressure.  Usually around 115/65.

 

So now, in the last 6 months, it's been slowly creeping up to what is now hypertension.  I'm getting readings of 140/106 at the doctor's office and at home with my own monitor.  It's really weird.  My family doctor put me on 25mg of Cozaar to see if that would help.  So far, after 10 days on it, my bp has come down, but only a little bit.  I'm reading 130/90.  The cardiologist said that it takes a month for the drug to build up in my system and really show a difference. 

 

I just don't know why I'm dealing with THIS NOW.  It just doesn't seem to end for me!  It's one stupid glitch after another.  I eat well, try to exercise and do things to help my body run well.  Why is it that those of us who try so hard to do what's best for our bodies, end up with all the complications! 

 

Does anyone, or has anyone had unexplained high bp in the past or present?  I'm pretty sure this has to do with that drug allergy.  My cardiologist thinks it's a good theory too.  I have a bunch of blood work and a 24hour urine to do next week.  I also have my yearly echocardiogram on the 31st.  They moved that appointment up for me.  The cardiologist said that if the med doesn't help me, he has to start looking at my kidneys and the renal arteries.  I have NEVER had kidney issues.  My last urine came back perfect.  They always do. 

 

This is such a mystery.  Just needed to vent a bit and I need some encouragement.  I'm tired.  Physically, mentally, emotionally.  This past year has been brutally hard and very patience testing.  Thanks for listening....

 

Ginny

Posted 1/12/2008 12:19 AM (GMT 0)
Ginny, So sorry about everything you're dealing with. It will begin to wear a body down after awhile. Have you been in an increased amount of pain? Pain definitely affects your blood pressure. Just a thought. Judy
Posted 1/12/2008 12:39 AM (GMT 0)
((((((Ginny))))) So sorry sis!! I had low blood pressure (good blood pressure?) until I started taking vioxx. Didn't realize that was the culprit until the news came out. Anyway . . . it went down when I stopped the vioxx and then it went back up with the other anti-inflams I use. It went down again when I was off all my meds earlier this year. Crazy!! Now its going up again. But not real high like yours. That's really high Ginny. I'm glad the docs are taking it seriously and checking things out really well. Keep us posted sis. Blessings!
Posted 1/12/2008 1:32 AM (GMT 0)
One of the standard lupus meds is known to reduce blood pressure -- unfortunately I don't recall which right now -- maybe pred? or plaq? So if you've come off any meds recently that may have a bit to do with it? Just a thought. Hope you feel better soon,
Posted 1/12/2008 2:14 AM (GMT 0)
((( Ginny )))) Bless your heart! You have had so much going on, you will be in my thoughts and prayers. Sending hugs and luvs your way
Posted 1/12/2008 3:05 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks you guys.  I will gladly take the hugs and prayers.

 

MJLD, yes. I am in a lot more pain and discomfort these days. I was just diagnosed with moderate neck arthritis, and if this is just "moderate", then I don't ever want to feel what "severe" is.  I didn't know that pain would cause bp to rise.  It makes sense though doesn't it.  Thank you for your insight!

 

Lynnwood, we did talk about my meds.  Prednisone will make bp rise.  But I'm only on 10mg.  I've been on 40mg and had normal bp.  So the cardiologist doesn't think that's it.  I haven't changed any of my other meds.  Good thinking though.

 

Rosie, good thing you found out what was causing your bp issues!  I'm thankful that my numbers are now borderline high.  That is a relief.  But they're still way higher than I normally am.

 

Stacie, thankyou for your prayers.  You've been such a good friend to me these past few years! (((hugs to you too!))))

 

Here's a question for you ladies who have gone through menopause, or are in perimenopause.... Did "the change", or the start of "the changes" cause any bp issues for you? 

 

Ginny

 

 

Posted 1/12/2008 3:28 AM (GMT 0)
Ginny . . . Actually, I officially reached menopause in October (one year since last period). I have wondered for years if menopause was affecting my health. I still really don't know because, as you know, I had a good few months at the beginning of the year . . . but then things kinda fell apart. Still not as bad as I was about 3 years ago . . . but I'm on meds that have taken a lot of time to adjust. So . . . I'm sorry, I just don't know. I hope you are feeling better before you travel. Blessings!
Posted 1/12/2008 5:10 AM (GMT 0)
Ginny,
Just another thought to throw into the mix. I had the same problem several years ago. After an entire lifetime of low blood pressure, mine slowly started creeping upward. This continued for about a year. Eventually, docs figured out that I had developed an allergy to aspirin, nsaids, and ibuprofin (as well as a ton of other stuff). Once I stopped taking any of that, blood pressure went right back to normal!
Hope you are feeling better!
Fran
Posted 1/12/2008 4:49 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Ginny, it's kind of scary isn't it? I have a problem with mine too. I am on 2 different BP meds and a nitro spray if I have chest pains. When I'm in hospital I noticed my BP really gos up. It gets around 180/90 or so. The nurse said that predisone can cause it. Plus the stress of the hospital. Like the others said pain will make you PB go up. I actually was taken off of iV morphine because it was causing an increase in BP> I thought that was kind of weird since Morphine usually mellow's ya out. Just keep an eye on it and keep serching for answers. If I ever figure it out I'll let ya know and if you do I'm love to hear it.
Hang in there
love and prayers
carol
Posted 1/13/2008 1:03 AM (GMT 0)
Ginny, the few times that I've had high BP is when I had protein in my urine and whenever I am in a lot of pain. I always used to have very good blood pressure and still do most of the time. I'm little surprised sometimes that mine's not higher now with all the weight I've gained. I hope your docs can help figure out what is causing your high BP. (((((Hugs)))))
Posted 1/13/2008 6:06 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks guys.  Fran, you totally made me think about the meds I'm on right now. I've been taking more Naproxen since last September for my arthritis pain.  That is the only med I'm on more of right now.  I usually only take the stuff for my menstrual cramps, so it wasn't something I took frequently. Now I am.  So I'll run this past my doctor and see what she says.  Thanks for the brainstorming everyone! 

 

It is a mystery that I NEED solved.  With my stroke history and heart valve issues, vasculitis, this isn't a good thing....  I'll keep you posted!!

 

Ginny

Posted 1/13/2008 7:21 PM (GMT 0)
HI Ginny
HBP is disconceting, Nsaids can cause fluxuating Blood Pressure. Lupus also has a risks for kidney, heart and lungs. Check out

http://www.homehealth-uk.com/medical/lupus.htm. They have good information on heart and HBP information.

Naproxen is an Nsaid so maybe all they need to do is switch your medication. Hugs and Health. Julia

Posted 1/16/2008 1:03 AM (GMT 0)
The results of your 24hr urine will probably tell you if it's your kidneys. I had great blood pressure, like a teenager as the Rhumy said but it changed and up it went. Turns out kidney disease BUT it could be many things. Keep us posted.....
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