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What Causes High BP Post Intercourse?
Question: I am 73 and taking 50 x 3 daily metaprolol for high blood pressure and PVCs which has been under control for 2-3 weeks 120/70 . After sex last night my BP has jumped to 150 nearly all day and last night. I can feel some ectopics also. Could not sleep well. Can I increase my intake of metaprolol. Can Ativan affect this which I take when stressed?
Thanks XXXXXXX
Thanks XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Monitor your blood pressure for some days.
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome to HealthcareMagic.
I read carefully your query and understand your concern.
Your blood pressure is well controlled by this medication (120/70 mmHg is an optimal value).
It is common that the blood pressure can increase after a significant physical effort (like sex in your case).Also anxiety and stress can increase your blood pressure.
Usually Ativan doesn't cause any significant increase in blood pressure.
I don't recommend to increase the dosage of Metoprolol that you are taking.
Usually it is nor recommendable to change the dosage or the medication for controlling blood pressure with only one episode of high blood pressure.Blood pressure has to be constantly high (over 140/80 ) so your doctor may consider changing your medications.
The increase of your blood pressure of 150 mmHg is moderate .You don't need to worry right now.
I suggest to exercise regularly ,eat healthy foods ,drink plenty of water.
Restrict the salt intake in your diet and avoid strong emotions or stressful situations.
Measure blood pressure twice daily every day for a week.
If your blood pressure is over 140/90 most days of the week ,then probably you may need to change the dosage of your treatment or add another drug to control blood pressure.
Right now you don't need to do nothing.Just monitor your blood pressure and if it stays high for more then 1 week ,consult your treating doctor .
Hope it helps.
Let me know if you have any other question or doubts to clarify.
Kind Regards,
Dr.Rovena Murati
Monitor your blood pressure for some days.
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome to HealthcareMagic.
I read carefully your query and understand your concern.
Your blood pressure is well controlled by this medication (120/70 mmHg is an optimal value).
It is common that the blood pressure can increase after a significant physical effort (like sex in your case).Also anxiety and stress can increase your blood pressure.
Usually Ativan doesn't cause any significant increase in blood pressure.
I don't recommend to increase the dosage of Metoprolol that you are taking.
Usually it is nor recommendable to change the dosage or the medication for controlling blood pressure with only one episode of high blood pressure.Blood pressure has to be constantly high (over 140/80 ) so your doctor may consider changing your medications.
The increase of your blood pressure of 150 mmHg is moderate .You don't need to worry right now.
I suggest to exercise regularly ,eat healthy foods ,drink plenty of water.
Restrict the salt intake in your diet and avoid strong emotions or stressful situations.
Measure blood pressure twice daily every day for a week.
If your blood pressure is over 140/90 most days of the week ,then probably you may need to change the dosage of your treatment or add another drug to control blood pressure.
Right now you don't need to do nothing.Just monitor your blood pressure and if it stays high for more then 1 week ,consult your treating doctor .
Hope it helps.
Let me know if you have any other question or doubts to clarify.
Kind Regards,
Dr.Rovena Murati
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you for the quick and excellent response. My higher blood pressure causes more ectopics, sometimes for an hour at a time - sometimes longer - no links, no VT ( PVCs ) I've had all the cardiac tests so the diagnosis was anxiety mainly with no doubles, VT or serious ahrythmia. My family doc switched me from Xanax to Ativan thinking it might help, and I am now having more ectopics and more anxiety since the Ativan is 1/2 the strength of Xanax. Been on Xanax for 3 years would love to get off but I have the PVCs to contend with. How many PVCs / day become a concern - can they lead to more serious ahryhmia and I am 73. If the PVCs are not dangerous, I would like to get off Xanax. Besides a slow taper ( I don;t have enough Xanax to do that) ,how can I get off Xanax without the horrible withdrawal I have read about? Thanks you very much - this is a great service you offer. XXXXXXX XXXXX
Brief Answer:
No reason for concern.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again XXXXXXX !
Thank you for your good words.I really appreciate it.
PVCs (Premature ventricular contractions ) are extra heartbeats that disrupt the regular heart rhythm causing a feeling of a skipped beat on your chest.
PVCs are very common and usually there is no reason for concern.
Since you have done all cardiac tests and you don't have any heart condition (your heart is normal),you don't need to be concerned about PVCs.It isn't dangerous and it won't lead to a more serious arythmia .
If you are having frequent PVCs you may need to continue Xanax to help you feel better.
Since you have been on Xanax for 3 years ,the only safe way to get off it is to do it slowly and under the guidance of your treating doctor.
If you stop taking Xanax or lower it dose too quickly ,most probably you will suffer withdrawals symptoms that might make your anxiety and high blood pressure worse.
There is no other safe way to get off Xanax.
I suggest to consult it with you treating doctor before dong any kind of modification in the dosage of your treatment.
Hope it helps.
If you have other questions ,please feel free to ask.
Wish you all the best.
Dr.Rovena
No reason for concern.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again XXXXXXX !
Thank you for your good words.I really appreciate it.
PVCs (Premature ventricular contractions ) are extra heartbeats that disrupt the regular heart rhythm causing a feeling of a skipped beat on your chest.
PVCs are very common and usually there is no reason for concern.
Since you have done all cardiac tests and you don't have any heart condition (your heart is normal),you don't need to be concerned about PVCs.It isn't dangerous and it won't lead to a more serious arythmia .
If you are having frequent PVCs you may need to continue Xanax to help you feel better.
Since you have been on Xanax for 3 years ,the only safe way to get off it is to do it slowly and under the guidance of your treating doctor.
If you stop taking Xanax or lower it dose too quickly ,most probably you will suffer withdrawals symptoms that might make your anxiety and high blood pressure worse.
There is no other safe way to get off Xanax.
I suggest to consult it with you treating doctor before dong any kind of modification in the dosage of your treatment.
Hope it helps.
If you have other questions ,please feel free to ask.
Wish you all the best.
Dr.Rovena
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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