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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can BP Lead To Visual Disturbance?

I have hypertension that is normally well controlled with my medication. Today I woke with a headache. Just before lunchtime my vision became disturbed and it was shimmering like a heat haze on the edges. This lasted about 10-15 minutes. When I got home I took my bp and the readings were around 150/104.Could the vision problems be due to my blood pressure or a type of migraine? I have an appointment to see my doctor in eight days time. Is this ok or do I need yo be seen more urgently?
Tue, 29 Nov 2016
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi & Welcome.
Based on the history given you seem to have developed a complication of uncontrolled blood pressure which is called as hypertensive retinopathy.

Prolonged uncontrolled high BP can damage blood vessels in the retina. The higher the BP and the longer it has been high, the more severe the damage is likely to cause in certain organs like eye (retina), brain, kidneys or heart.

It is a medical emergency hence you are advised to visit the nearest hospital immediately for proper clinical evaluation and treatment which may involve use of medications to control your high BP, fundoscopic examination and fluorescein angiography to check the severity of the problem in the retina.

Beside you will also be required to undergo certain other lab tests such as fasting blood glucose, serum lipid profile, kidney function tests, ECG as a routine checkup to find out other co-morbid conditions like diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, kidney disease or heart problems.

You may also be required to quit smoking and stop taking alcohol.

Hope the advice given above would be useful.
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Can BP Lead To Visual Disturbance?

Hi & Welcome. Based on the history given you seem to have developed a complication of uncontrolled blood pressure which is called as hypertensive retinopathy. Prolonged uncontrolled high BP can damage blood vessels in the retina. The higher the BP and the longer it has been high, the more severe the damage is likely to cause in certain organs like eye (retina), brain, kidneys or heart. It is a medical emergency hence you are advised to visit the nearest hospital immediately for proper clinical evaluation and treatment which may involve use of medications to control your high BP, fundoscopic examination and fluorescein angiography to check the severity of the problem in the retina. Beside you will also be required to undergo certain other lab tests such as fasting blood glucose, serum lipid profile, kidney function tests, ECG as a routine checkup to find out other co-morbid conditions like diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, kidney disease or heart problems. You may also be required to quit smoking and stop taking alcohol. Hope the advice given above would be useful.