Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
Suffer From High Blood Pressure. Father Died Of Enlarged Heart. Should I See A Doctor?
My father died with an enlarged heart (he had difficulty breathing and was unable to get a heart/lung transplant). I am 58 and am concerned my blood pressure is becoming a problem. The other night after work it was 145/110. This morning it was 125/101. I have an arm cuff monitor and sometimes I just take it to see what's happening and it can be 125/85 or lower systolic. I am mainly concerned about the diastolic as I have read this is the real indicator. Should I be seeing a doctor?
Thu, 2 May 2013
Dear Sir
Thanks for writing to us.
1. Our Blood pressure (BP) is continuously changing and is effected by increase in physical and mental activity. Hence it will be higher with increased stress (mental/physical) and less in periods of calmness/ sleep/relaxation. if you have more than 3 readings of more than 140/90 mmHg over a period of weeks in relaxed state, then you do have high blood pressure and you must see the doctor.
2. Nope, the thinking in last 10-15 years has changed and systolic BP is more important than diastolic, but isolated diastolic hypertension (with normal systolic BP ) can also not be discarded.
3. It is unfortunate that your father had a fatal heart condition but neither they are hereditary in most cases nor this much of blood pressure can cause it. Relax.
Feel free to discuss more.
Sincerely
Sukhvinder Singh
Thanks for writing to us.
1. Our Blood pressure (BP) is continuously changing and is effected by increase in physical and mental activity. Hence it will be higher with increased stress (mental/physical) and less in periods of calmness/ sleep/relaxation. if you have more than 3 readings of more than 140/90 mmHg over a period of weeks in relaxed state, then you do have high blood pressure and you must see the doctor.
2. Nope, the thinking in last 10-15 years has changed and systolic BP is more important than diastolic, but isolated diastolic hypertension (with normal systolic BP ) can also not be discarded.
3. It is unfortunate that your father had a fatal heart condition but neither they are hereditary in most cases nor this much of blood pressure can cause it. Relax.
Feel free to discuss more.
Sincerely
Sukhvinder Singh
I find this answer helpful
1 user finds this helpful
1 Doctor agrees with this answer
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Diastolic hypertension
Loading Online Doctors....