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 Sudden Spike In Blood Pressure Levels?

I am a 69 year old white male , non smoker in excellent health. I have moderate hypertension for 20 years controlled by moderate meds. Body weight is 175 lbs, height 5 9 and exercise daily, BMI is 24.5 Blood test ordered due to unknown reason for jump in blood pressure. All test results were normal and have been for 25+ years with exception of normetanephrine plasma which I had for the first time & was slightly high at 161, range is 0 - 145. Metanephines Plasma result also first time conducted was normal. I have a healthy diet, low cholestrol a moderate drinker, 1 bourbon (2 oz) before dinner. What do you think is causing the jump in blood pressure to 160 to 175 over 78 and what could be wrong?
posted on Sat, 7 Mar 2015
Twitter Wed, 1 Apr 2015 Answered on
Twitter Wed, 1 Apr 2015 Last reviewed on
Report Abuse
Neurologist, Surgical,  's  Response
I think that the reason your primary care doctor sent the test for normetanephrine was to evaluate you for secondary causes of hypertension. A pheochromocytoma is likely what your doctor was trying to evaluate you for. The next steps would be to obtain some imaging of your adrenal glands (CT scan of the abdomen) and to do additional laboratory testing, including urine studies for metanephrines.
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician 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


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Sudden Spike In Blood Pressure Levels?

I think that the reason your primary care doctor sent the test for normetanephrine was to evaluate you for secondary causes of hypertension. A pheochromocytoma is likely what your doctor was trying to evaluate you for. The next steps would be to obtain some imaging of your adrenal glands (CT scan of the abdomen) and to do additional laboratory testing, including urine studies for metanephrines.