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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Elevated Blood Pressure In An Obese Person?

My blood pressure is 172/83 with a pulse of 81. I took my blood pressure with a home b/p monitor with a cuff that fits over my arm. My b/p was high at my dr s office twice recently (causing me to get the home monitor.) I have always had low blood pressure (120/80) until recently (runs in my family.) I have been drinking caffeinated coffee (1-2 cups a day) although I previously drank decaf (several months ago) and am obese (5 3 , 187 lbs) although I did not have high b/p previously at this weight. My grandmother had hardening of the arteries when she died. I turned 68 years old in September. What do you think?
Mon, 14 Mar 2016
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,

Thanks for writing to HCM.

Obesity itself predisposes to high BP. Your BMI is 33.1 given your height of 5'3" & wt of 187lbs. All these together increases the risk for Diabetes and heart diseases. Considering the age BMI and BP a complete physical examination and a detailed laboratory work up is very essential, like sugar, lipid profile, kidney function and liver function, thyroid etc.

Dietary modification like adding a lot of fibre to diet, low salt intake, strick adherence to daily calorie intake, avoiding saturated fat, quitting addictions, if any will surely help. Apart from this you might need medicines as well so you need to get in touch with your local physician and talk to him regarding this.

Hope this helped. Do let us know.

Dr. Pinak
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What Causes Elevated Blood Pressure In An Obese Person?

Hi, Thanks for writing to HCM. Obesity itself predisposes to high BP. Your BMI is 33.1 given your height of 5 3 & wt of 187lbs. All these together increases the risk for Diabetes and heart diseases. Considering the age BMI and BP a complete physical examination and a detailed laboratory work up is very essential, like sugar, lipid profile, kidney function and liver function, thyroid etc. Dietary modification like adding a lot of fibre to diet, low salt intake, strick adherence to daily calorie intake, avoiding saturated fat, quitting addictions, if any will surely help. Apart from this you might need medicines as well so you need to get in touch with your local physician and talk to him regarding this. Hope this helped. Do let us know. Dr. Pinak