What Causes Nose Bleeding When Suffering From High LDL?

Posted on Mon, 23 Jun 2014

Question: I am 59 years old.. female, registered nurse. I have not had any history of heart disease except that my LDL has been on the high side for several years. I am allergic to statins so have not been taking any cholesterol lowering medications. Also, my job as a nurse is stressful at times and I also have rescue dogs at home that I care for. About 5 weeks ago I began having nose bleeds from my right nostril only. Started in the morning after my shower. Would feel something warm running down my face and low and behold... it was blood. I didn't have to extend my head backward.... it stopped fairly quickly. I am averaging a nosebleed a week. I checked my pressure and it was high for me.... 148/89. I began to take Propanolol (which my daughter uses for her hyperthyroidism).... I like that medication because it has lowered by blood pressure into the 120's / 60's and heart rate has been in the 60's for the most part. As of a week or so ago I am occasionally getting a quick nagging pain in the chest... I can go for a couple of days and then it comes back again. I would say that I have some anxiety but have led a stressful lifestyle for years. I am planning a quick trip from Florida to NJ where my brother is very ill and am afraid to get on the plane. I am concerned about going to the hospital because having worked as a Critical Care Nurse for years I know that sometimes if you aren't sick when you get there, you will be when you leave. Just wondering what you think. Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Hypertension

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for the query

I understand that you have been dyslipidemic for several years now for which no treatment has been taken. I recommend that you take Fenofibrates if you are allergic to statins. This fact that you have not been on treatment for dyslipidemia puts you at risk of having an ischemic heart which might be causing the occasional chest pain. An entity called as unstable angina. I strongly recommend that you get at least an EKG done to see for any changes in it before you leave for NJ.

Propranolol is a good anti hypertensive, it is brings down the heart rate and also helps to a certain extent to curb anxiety as well. Continue taking it if your blood pressure is under control.

I understand how you feel about going to the hospital, I feel the same way and I hate getting blood tests myself. However please get routine tests done as soon as possible, like we always say, prevention is better than cure any day. Cheaper too.

I hope I was of help, if you have any further queries please get back to me

Regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar