Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes Chronic Swelling In Arms And Legs With High Bp?

I have a patient in her 70's that has chronic swelling in her left arm after a wrist break that is relieved by hand/wrist excersizes, Pec Minor stretching and compression but she is now reporting a 185/120 BP from her GP visit yesterday. No treatment was recomended by GP but I am concerned when the chronic left leg swelling, more recent left arm swelling and now the jump in BP. Any ideas? I am a DC that sent her into her GP ASAP but still have concerns and I am thinking about another opinion for my patient. Thanks
Fri, 20 Jun 2014
Report Abuse
Geriatrics Specialist,  's  Response
Hi,
The blood pressure of 185/120 should start ringing alarm bells. It is too high and needs to be brought under control. She requires ASAP treatment for that.
For chronic swelling of the leg, it is due to dependent edema to right heart failure and would disappear with control of blood pressure, limb elevation above cardiac level and if necessary diuretic group of drugs.
Diuretic drugs should be avoided at night, as it can reduce patients sleep due to increased micturation frequency.
Left arm swelling was due to inflammatory edema due to wrist injury. It would have down after 3-5 days. It is not related to cardiac condition.
Blood pressure needs to be brought under control.

Any further queries, happy to help again.
I find this answer helpful
Note: Get a consultation booked to know more about aging related medical issues. Click here.
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]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Hypertension


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Chronic Swelling In Arms And Legs With High Bp?

Hi, The blood pressure of 185/120 should start ringing alarm bells. It is too high and needs to be brought under control. She requires ASAP treatment for that. For chronic swelling of the leg, it is due to dependent edema to right heart failure and would disappear with control of blood pressure, limb elevation above cardiac level and if necessary diuretic group of drugs. Diuretic drugs should be avoided at night, as it can reduce patients sleep due to increased micturation frequency. Left arm swelling was due to inflammatory edema due to wrist injury. It would have down after 3-5 days. It is not related to cardiac condition. Blood pressure needs to be brought under control. Any further queries, happy to help again.