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Hypertension indications

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User Profile
January 2nd, 2010
I am a 30 year old female & my bp has always averaged around 120/66 even during my 3 pregnancies. 9 months ago following the birth of my 3rd child I suffered a Pulmonary Embolism but am essentially recovered now.
During my follow up for the PE, my specialist noted my bp was very high. He did 3 readings over 45 minutes whilst I rested, all were high. Since then, regular Dr checks (on his advice) have shown consistently higher than normal readings, around 148/91 - 155/105 & I have monitored at home over 2 weeks too. I also swell up on my hands and feet & suffer daily headaches. My mother and my sister both have hypertension since their 20's and both are on medication.

I also have a rare artery condition (pelvic AV malformation) which requires surgery this year.

My problem is that my GP refuses to follow this up or offer any medication. He says its not that high, no concern for the swelling and tells me to return in 6 months.

Is this correct? I am slightly worried!

Thanks


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replied January 23rd, 2010
High Blood Pressure and Hypertension Answer A9445


Given the data you provided (measured high blood pressure, previous history of pulmonary embolism, family history of hypertension, swelling on hands and feet and daily headaches), you are highly likely experiencing hypertension.

The threshold for the systolic pressure is 140 mm Hg and for the diastolic pressure it is 90 mm Hg. These thresholds are even lower for patients with other accompanying conditions such as diabetes mellitus, for example. Since you reported measured blood pressure of 148-91 to 155/105, the criteria for hypertension are met.

You might want to ask for another opinion by another doctor. Changes in lifestyle, reduced salt intake and exercises might be recommended. If this does not help, the doctor might recommend antihypertensive drugs.

The pulmonary embolism might be related to the arterial/venous malformation in your pelvis. Actually, any place where the blood flow is changed from laminar to turbulent creates an environment where blood clots might be created. If these blood clots are detached, they are called emboli and might cause an embolism.


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