HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Raised BP Levels While At A Higher Altitude?

default
Posted on Wed, 26 Aug 2015
Question: I am on vacation in the mountains, my blood pressure medicine is not working. I take benicart20/12 5 mg. I even started taking them every 12 hours. Pressure has been running about 170/80 also feel pressure in temples and in the right side of my neck
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Some changes to your therapy may need to be done

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Thank you for asking on HCM!

I understand your concern and I would like to explain that this therapy seems to be not very effective and changes may need to be done.

I would like to know when you started taking it every 12 hours. Usually it takes up to a week for the therapy changes to show their effect.

So I recommend a closely monitoring of your blood pressure frequently during the day. If it is passed more than a week from the changes of therapy (twice daily) and your blood pressure is still high, other changes should be done.

Some tests like: a careful physical examination, a routine blood test, kidney and liver function tests, thyroid hormone levels and blood electrolytes are needed to exclude other possible causes of high blood pressure.

I would advise you to consult with your attending physician and consider the possibility of adding a calcium channel blocker (amlodipine, lercanidipine etc.) to your therapy.

Hope to have been helpful!

Feel free to ask any other questions!

Best wishes!
Dr. Iliri

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (45 minutes later)
I have only been taking the benicart twice a day for two days. I had blood work done and a physical last week. I have taken benicart for over 3 years it always seemed to work for me. I don't suppose the mountain elevation can cause this effect, I don't have elevation sickness just high blood pressure. Will monitor my pressure and hopefully I will see some down ward trend in the next couple days. Thank You
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Close BP monitoring is a reasonable strategy.

Detailed Answer:

Hi again XXXX!

I agree with your opinion. Just let me know how things are going on in the next days!

Wish you pleasant vacation!

Best 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
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Ilir Sharka

Cardiologist

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 9534 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Raised BP Levels While At A Higher Altitude?

Brief Answer: Some changes to your therapy may need to be done Detailed Answer: Hello! Thank you for asking on HCM! I understand your concern and I would like to explain that this therapy seems to be not very effective and changes may need to be done. I would like to know when you started taking it every 12 hours. Usually it takes up to a week for the therapy changes to show their effect. So I recommend a closely monitoring of your blood pressure frequently during the day. If it is passed more than a week from the changes of therapy (twice daily) and your blood pressure is still high, other changes should be done. Some tests like: a careful physical examination, a routine blood test, kidney and liver function tests, thyroid hormone levels and blood electrolytes are needed to exclude other possible causes of high blood pressure. I would advise you to consult with your attending physician and consider the possibility of adding a calcium channel blocker (amlodipine, lercanidipine etc.) to your therapy. Hope to have been helpful! Feel free to ask any other questions! Best wishes! Dr. Iliri