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Getting Pressure And Discomfort In Head. Have High Blood Pressure. Taking Warfarin. Stroke Issue?
Question: Over the past two days I have been having some head pressure and discomfort, in my head and on the left side of my neck in the carotid artery area, I do have high blood pressure and take two medications for this. I also am on Warfarin due to multiple blood clot issues for about 20 years. My blood pressure at work today was 148/90 this was about 2 hours after taking my morning blood pressure meds. Does this sound like a carotid issue a start of a stroke or other issue?
Dear Mr. XXXXXXX
Thanks for writing to XXXXXXX
1. The BP (blood pressure) of 148/90 mmHg is definitely more than the target BP of 140/90 but since you have headache and neck pain, it could have risen as a reactionary response.
2. A stroke producing a pain in neck region over the carotids is not common but since you are on warfarin and your body has tendency to clot formation (multiple DVT event), both of which predispose to stroke, you must be watchful. There are other possibilities for cause of this pain like originating from cervical spine or being referred from disease of adjacent structures like tooth, nose, sinuses, oral cavity etc. that could be sorted out only after an examination. I would like you to see your GP (general physician) on priority basis to sort out the issue. Meanwhile continue taking your anti-hypertensive medication.
Feel free to write for any further query.
Sincerely
sukhvinder XXXXXXX
Thanks for writing to XXXXXXX
1. The BP (blood pressure) of 148/90 mmHg is definitely more than the target BP of 140/90 but since you have headache and neck pain, it could have risen as a reactionary response.
2. A stroke producing a pain in neck region over the carotids is not common but since you are on warfarin and your body has tendency to clot formation (multiple DVT event), both of which predispose to stroke, you must be watchful. There are other possibilities for cause of this pain like originating from cervical spine or being referred from disease of adjacent structures like tooth, nose, sinuses, oral cavity etc. that could be sorted out only after an examination. I would like you to see your GP (general physician) on priority basis to sort out the issue. Meanwhile continue taking your anti-hypertensive medication.
Feel free to write for any further query.
Sincerely
sukhvinder XXXXXXX
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
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