High Blood Pressure and Hypertension Forum

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What exactly is blood pressure in the first place? And how can you know if your blood pressure is either high OR low?...

Q: Blood Pressure

asked by: kgiddens on March 14th, 2009

New User

My mother-in-law is 75 years old, very obese (over 220 lbs) and called lastnight to tell us her blood pressure three weeks ago was 204/147 and she was coughing up blood. SHe has no history of having this happen before. She called her doctor, but the office was closed, she did recieved a call back from the NP who told her to come see the doctor the next day. I am not medically trained, but I know that blood pressure was way too high, what could have happened?

Replies(2)

michianderson

replied on March 14th, 2009

Experienced User

The following are all causes of high blood pressure:

Smoking
Being overweight
Lack of physical activity
Too much salt in the diet
Too much alcohol consumption (no more than 1 to 2 drinks per day)
Stress
Older age
Genetics
Family history of high blood pressure
Chronic kidney disease
Adrenal and thyroid disorders

With a blood pressure that high it also puts her at risk for stroke. She needs to be treated and losing weight would be a good place to start..

LauraMT2009

replied on March 18th, 2009

New User

Get treatment

Your mother has severe blood pressure and needs urgent medication. She should see a doctor as soon as possible.

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