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Suggest Remedies For High BP, Frequent PVCs And Anxiety
Question: I have untreated high bp. I have been having frequent pvcs. I feel fine just axious. I am horribly afraid to go to the dr and to take bp meds.
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
Welcome on HCM!
I understand your concern and would like to explain that high blood pressure (hypertension) is one of the most frequent health disorders, that can be easily managed and properly controlled.
So you shouldn't worry too much about!
First of all, I recommend closely monitoring your blood pressure values for a couple of days up to a week (several times daily) and after that to review those BP records.
As you are having frequent ectopic beats and feeling anxious, it is likely that anxiety plays an important role in exacerbation of high BP values and extra-systoles.
Coming to this point I recommend performing some medical tests:
- a resting ECG;
- an ambulatory 24 hours ECG (Holter) monitoring (to assess the severity of extrasystolic arrhythmia);
- cardiac ultrasound (to investigate the cardiac structure and function);
- complete blood count (to rule in/out anemia);
- thyroid function tests (blood hormone levels) for possible dysfunction (directly affecting BP, heart rhythm, anxiety);
- BUN and creatinine;
- blood electrolytes level;
- fasting blood glucose
making possible identification of any responsible cause of your complaints.
If nothing abnormal results from the above, then probably anxiety could be the reason.
In such case, it would not be necessary to take BP meds at all, but just manage your anxiety.
You need to discuss with your attending doctor and don't be affraid of the test results as your actual complaints are not dangerous and are completely manageable.
In case you have any further uncertainties, feel free to ask me again.
WIshing you a good health!
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
Welcome on HCM!
I understand your concern and would like to explain that high blood pressure (hypertension) is one of the most frequent health disorders, that can be easily managed and properly controlled.
So you shouldn't worry too much about!
First of all, I recommend closely monitoring your blood pressure values for a couple of days up to a week (several times daily) and after that to review those BP records.
As you are having frequent ectopic beats and feeling anxious, it is likely that anxiety plays an important role in exacerbation of high BP values and extra-systoles.
Coming to this point I recommend performing some medical tests:
- a resting ECG;
- an ambulatory 24 hours ECG (Holter) monitoring (to assess the severity of extrasystolic arrhythmia);
- cardiac ultrasound (to investigate the cardiac structure and function);
- complete blood count (to rule in/out anemia);
- thyroid function tests (blood hormone levels) for possible dysfunction (directly affecting BP, heart rhythm, anxiety);
- BUN and creatinine;
- blood electrolytes level;
- fasting blood glucose
making possible identification of any responsible cause of your complaints.
If nothing abnormal results from the above, then probably anxiety could be the reason.
In such case, it would not be necessary to take BP meds at all, but just manage your anxiety.
You need to discuss with your attending doctor and don't be affraid of the test results as your actual complaints are not dangerous and are completely manageable.
In case you have any further uncertainties, feel free to ask me again.
WIshing you a good health!
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I had all my blood work done last April. All of it was normal except my fasting glucose was 119. But my A1C was in the normal range. My Dr. Retired and she understood my fear and understood that anxiety causes my BP to sky rocket. Now I go to a health fair every yr to have my female exam and full blood work done. I know it sounds rediculous that I am scared to have all of those tests run but it is such a phobia and a huge dilemma for me. I have been under a tremendous amount of stress lately with a huge job change that is why I think it's all related to stress and anxiety. I also don't want to keel over of a heart attack or stroke out either. Plus the pvcs are annoying.
I appreciate your advice.
I appreciate your advice.
Brief Answer:
My opinion:
Detailed Answer:
Hi again, dear XXXXXXX
Coming to this point, it seems that anxiety is your main health problem.
You need to change your daily life-style; engage yourself in more recreational and physical activities.
Probably some sport activities, like swimming, yoga, aerobics, etc. could be a good strategy to overcome your stress.
If all the above is not sufficient then an anxiolytic drug like Alprazolam 0.25 mg once daily for up to two weeks would be helpful in this regard.
If the problem persists, then a therapist (psychiatrist) for some rounds of CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) would be recommended.
Hoping you will find my suggestions useful.
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
My opinion:
Detailed Answer:
Hi again, dear XXXXXXX
Coming to this point, it seems that anxiety is your main health problem.
You need to change your daily life-style; engage yourself in more recreational and physical activities.
Probably some sport activities, like swimming, yoga, aerobics, etc. could be a good strategy to overcome your stress.
If all the above is not sufficient then an anxiolytic drug like Alprazolam 0.25 mg once daily for up to two weeks would be helpful in this regard.
If the problem persists, then a therapist (psychiatrist) for some rounds of CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) would be recommended.
Hoping you will find my suggestions useful.
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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