Lately, I have experienced these relatively brief episodes of very high blood pressure and rapid pulse, accompanied by constricted blood vessels, that last anywhere from 15 minutes to 1 hour. They come about suddenly, even when I’m totally relaxed, and have caused by blood pressure to jump as high as 180/90 with a pulse as high as 115 beats per minute. I saw a cardiologist who gave me a 24 hour EKG and told me everything looked fine, even though I have palpitations and a relatively high pulse (around 90 bpm) most of the time. He said that it’s most likely due to my anxiety disorder, but like I said, these episodes happen even when I’m relaxed…even after taking my Klonopin (an anti-anxiety med)! I’m sure my anxiety fuels these episodes once they take place, but it certainly doesn’t cause them. And popping a "chill pill" never halts these episodes. By the way, I have high cortisol levels, am pre-hypertensive, and have a family history of kidney disease. I am a 21 year old male.
Hello! A BIG part of your problem is the cortisol level, also called the "stress hormone". High levels will raise blood pressure and pulse. Family history does not help. It’ll get you most of the time. Taking the "chill pill" as soon as you feel the palpitations come on will not help because it takes time for the pill to work. By the time it does work, the heart episode is over. Keep you pressure under control. Better to be on the low side rather than high. Persistent, untreated high blood pressure will eventually damage organs, especially heart and kidneys. With your family history of kidney disease, you should be extra careful. Also, if you are African-American, your risk of heart disease, diabetes and kidney problems is significantly higher.
Take care of yourself. I hope this helps.
November 16th, 2009 at 3:40 am
Pheochromocytoma can cause this as well as drug/alcohol withdrawal. Ask your primary care provider to get a 24 hour urine collection done for metanephrines.
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November 16th, 2009 at 4:12 am
It sounds to me like it’s time to see an internal medicine specialist; he/she can help you get a good diagnosis, and point you in the right direction, medically speaking.
Good luck!
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November 16th, 2009 at 4:21 am
HI Ben !
I have attacks even after taking mine too. & while relaxing,even to the point of waking me up. i have learned to watch my caffeine intake,somedays i can have it & some days i cant.
& certain allergy meds, have stuff in them that can increase heart rate & b/p.
i had to call my dr. at home a couple times, i know his wife appreciated that but he did check on me til i got better. (he also added another med.)
i feel for you & i’m thinkin of you.
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been there,
"God Bless our Ben." will be my prayer tonight.
November 16th, 2009 at 4:53 am
here is the complete info about causes, diagnosis, complications and treatment related to high BP, hope it helps, all the best!
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http://get-treated.com/readarticles.php?id=15&title=Diagnosis%20and%20Treatment%20for%20Hypertension:%20High%20BP
November 16th, 2009 at 5:09 am
Hello! A BIG part of your problem is the cortisol level, also called the "stress hormone". High levels will raise blood pressure and pulse. Family history does not help. It’ll get you most of the time. Taking the "chill pill" as soon as you feel the palpitations come on will not help because it takes time for the pill to work. By the time it does work, the heart episode is over. Keep you pressure under control. Better to be on the low side rather than high. Persistent, untreated high blood pressure will eventually damage organs, especially heart and kidneys. With your family history of kidney disease, you should be extra careful. Also, if you are African-American, your risk of heart disease, diabetes and kidney problems is significantly higher.
Take care of yourself. I hope this helps.
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ICU nurse
November 16th, 2009 at 5:32 am
Eat less animal fat such as cheese, eggs and meat.
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