Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Is BP Of 165/99 And Pulse Of 72 Normal?
Question: My blood pressure has been going up over the past 4-5 years. Lately it is 165/99 with a heart rate of 72. Most of my life its been 120/75. I've put on some weight and am 73 years old. Also feel tired most of the time.
Brief Answer:
Blood pressure medication must be reconsidered.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
As one ages the likelihood of blood pressure issues is higher, about 50% of the population are affected by high blood pressure after the age of 50. So it is a common occurrence. While in some rare cases it may be related to kidney or adrenal gland issues in most individuals it is idiopathic, meaning no cause can be identified. In such a case high blood pressure can't be cured, but however it can be controlled through medication. Controlling its values is important as you may well know as it entails a higher risk of vascular conditions like myocardial infarction, stroke etc.
Those values of 164/99 are high and they require treatment to achieve values under 140/90 mmHg. There are many classes of medication for high blood pressure, in some patients one may be enough, in others combinations of two, three or more drugs are needed to achieve control. Looking at your medication you seem to take only one drug for high blood pressure (metoprolol) so there is place for introducing another drug. As I said there are several classes, apart from beta-blockers like metoprolol, the most used ones are ACE inhibitors, ARBs, calcium channel blockers or diuretics. Before choosing I would advise some routine blood tests for kidney function, lipid panel, electrolytes, thyroid function as well as a heart ultrasound. They may provide indications swaying the decision towards one class or the other and also may provide the cause of the tiredness you feel. Generally though the addition of an ACE inhibitor (like Ramipril, Lisinopril etc) would be the most likely step.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Blood pressure medication must be reconsidered.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
As one ages the likelihood of blood pressure issues is higher, about 50% of the population are affected by high blood pressure after the age of 50. So it is a common occurrence. While in some rare cases it may be related to kidney or adrenal gland issues in most individuals it is idiopathic, meaning no cause can be identified. In such a case high blood pressure can't be cured, but however it can be controlled through medication. Controlling its values is important as you may well know as it entails a higher risk of vascular conditions like myocardial infarction, stroke etc.
Those values of 164/99 are high and they require treatment to achieve values under 140/90 mmHg. There are many classes of medication for high blood pressure, in some patients one may be enough, in others combinations of two, three or more drugs are needed to achieve control. Looking at your medication you seem to take only one drug for high blood pressure (metoprolol) so there is place for introducing another drug. As I said there are several classes, apart from beta-blockers like metoprolol, the most used ones are ACE inhibitors, ARBs, calcium channel blockers or diuretics. Before choosing I would advise some routine blood tests for kidney function, lipid panel, electrolytes, thyroid function as well as a heart ultrasound. They may provide indications swaying the decision towards one class or the other and also may provide the cause of the tiredness you feel. Generally though the addition of an ACE inhibitor (like Ramipril, Lisinopril etc) would be the most likely step.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you. I will make an appointment with my doctor and get going on medication.
Brief Answer:
Hope you feel better soon.
Detailed Answer:
You're welcome. Hope you feel fetter soon.
Hope you feel better soon.
Detailed Answer:
You're welcome. Hope you feel fetter soon.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
