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Being Investigated For Pheochromocytoma. Using Calcium Channel Blocker, Beta Blocker But Heart Rate Still Raised
Question: I am being investigated for pheochromocytoma and causes of resistant hypertension. I experience from time to time a surge in BP (up to 170/110 when diagnosed with hypertension BP was 270/180) despite calcium channel blocker, beta blocker, ACE inhibitor and Spironolactone, occasionally with flushing, pounding heart - but not necessarily tachycardia but a raised heart rate. Do you think this is suspicious of pheo?
Hi,
Thank you for posting in the query.
Resistant Hypertension is defined as blood pressure that remains elevated above treatment goals despite administration of an optimal three drug regimen that includes a Diuretic.
Causes of Resistant hypertension mostly are non compliance to medication, secondary hypertension due to adrenal causes like Pheochromocytoma, fluid retention due to kidney failure.
Now coming to your query regarding Pheochromocytoma.
A pheochromocytoma is a rare, catecholamine-secreting tumor derived from chromaffin cells.
Symptoms of Pheochromocytoma include Headache, Diaphoresis, Palpitations, Tremor, Nausea, Anxiety, Chest pain, Epigastric or flank pain, Constipation, Weight loss.
Signs of Pheochromocytoma include Hypertension (Paroxysmal in 50 % cases), Postural hypotension, Hypertensive retinopathy, Pallor, Fever, Tremor, Tachyarrhythmias, Cardiomyopathy, Pulmonary edema, etc
Pheochromocytomas are known to occur in certain familial syndromes which have multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN)
In your query, I understand that you have been experiencing high BP, with flushing, palpitations, chest pain with retinopathy. You are on 4 anti-hypertensive medications from 4 different classes and your blood pressure seems to be not in control. These seem to be pointing towards Pheochromocytoma.
As you are already doing even I would suggest that you get yourself evaluated for Pheochromocytoma
You need to get your CBC (Complete blood count), ESR (Erythrocyte sedimentation rate), Sugar levels, 24-hour urine collection for creatinine, total catecholamines, vanillylmandelic acid, and metanephrines, Free plasma metanephrine level, Plasma levels Chromogranin A, MRI Abdomen and MR spectroscopy, PET scan under your doctor's guidance.
Hope I have answered your query. Please accept my answer in case you do not have follow up queries.
Regards,
Thank you for posting in the query.
Resistant Hypertension is defined as blood pressure that remains elevated above treatment goals despite administration of an optimal three drug regimen that includes a Diuretic.
Causes of Resistant hypertension mostly are non compliance to medication, secondary hypertension due to adrenal causes like Pheochromocytoma, fluid retention due to kidney failure.
Now coming to your query regarding Pheochromocytoma.
A pheochromocytoma is a rare, catecholamine-secreting tumor derived from chromaffin cells.
Symptoms of Pheochromocytoma include Headache, Diaphoresis, Palpitations, Tremor, Nausea, Anxiety, Chest pain, Epigastric or flank pain, Constipation, Weight loss.
Signs of Pheochromocytoma include Hypertension (Paroxysmal in 50 % cases), Postural hypotension, Hypertensive retinopathy, Pallor, Fever, Tremor, Tachyarrhythmias, Cardiomyopathy, Pulmonary edema, etc
Pheochromocytomas are known to occur in certain familial syndromes which have multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN)
In your query, I understand that you have been experiencing high BP, with flushing, palpitations, chest pain with retinopathy. You are on 4 anti-hypertensive medications from 4 different classes and your blood pressure seems to be not in control. These seem to be pointing towards Pheochromocytoma.
As you are already doing even I would suggest that you get yourself evaluated for Pheochromocytoma
You need to get your CBC (Complete blood count), ESR (Erythrocyte sedimentation rate), Sugar levels, 24-hour urine collection for creatinine, total catecholamines, vanillylmandelic acid, and metanephrines, Free plasma metanephrine level, Plasma levels Chromogranin A, MRI Abdomen and MR spectroscopy, PET scan under your doctor's guidance.
Hope I have answered your query. Please accept my answer in case you do not have follow up queries.
Regards,
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Jyoti Patil
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