Concerns About Elevated Diastolic Blood Pressure
I’m a 28-year-old female experiencing a range of unusual symptoms for several years, including bouts of dizziness, breathlessness, daily tinnitus, and a previously diagnosed UPJ obstruction that required surgical intervention last year. The medical professionals suggested that my obstruction was likely a congenital issue, despite me having a clear abdominal CT scan during my teenage years. Recently, my episodes of dizziness have intensified significantly, and I've been monitoring my blood pressure, which has been hovering around 130 over 115 for the past few weeks. Although I'm currently taking Coreg, which has brought it down slightly, my diastolic reading frequently stays above 100, with notable discrepancies between readings taken from each arm—155/120 on the left and 130/102 on the right. Throughout my life, I've maintained an underweight status; I’m 5 feet 5 inches tall, weighing approximately 102 pounds. I avoid smoking and lead a relatively healthy lifestyle. I am seeking insights into my situation. I’ve also noted high levels of inflammatory markers, an elevated rheumatoid factor, and consistently positive and raised ANA results. My physician has dismissed the possibility of vasculitis since I don't exhibit any rashes, yet I'm feeling quite perplexed. The continuous dizziness has substantially impacted my everyday life, and I would greatly appreciate any suggestions or advice. Thank you for any assistance!
Answers (1)
3/30/2025, 5:00:49 PM
OpenHealth AI
Main Points: Your elevated diastolic blood pressure, persistent dizziness, and other symptoms warrant careful monitoring and action. It is important to explore possible underlying causes and adjust your management strategy.
Explanation: Elevated diastolic blood pressure (above 90 mmHg) can stress your cardiovascular system, and consistent readings above 100 mmHg (as you noted) may increase your risk for heart-related issues. The significant discrepancies between readings in each arm can indicate potential vascular issues. Your dizziness and breathlessness might be linked to your blood pressure, or could potentially indicate another underlying issue. Given your history of surgical intervention and concerning laboratory findings, ongoing symptoms need to be taken seriously.
Next Steps:
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Continue Monitoring Blood Pressure: Regularly check your blood pressure in both arms; if discrepancies remain significant, record the readings for several days.
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Track Symptoms: Keep a diary of your dizziness episodes, noting when they occur, their severity, and any accompanying symptoms. This information can help in understanding patterns and triggers.
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Adjust Lifestyle Factors:
- Diet: Aim for a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Monitor your sodium intake, as excessive salt can raise blood pressure.
- Hydration: Stay well-hydrated, but consider discussing with your healthcare provider whether adjustments might be necessary based on your blood pressure levels.
- Physical Activity: Engage in gentle exercises like walking or yoga as tolerated, which can help improve cardiovascular health.
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Consult a Specialist: Since you’ve noted high inflammatory markers, consider seeking a referral to a rheumatologist or a cardiologist. Even if your physician has dismissed the possibility of vasculitis, obtaining a second opinion may provide new insights.
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Prepare for Discussion with Your Doctor: Compile your blood pressure readings, a record of your symptoms, and your concerns about inflammatory markers to discuss with your physician. This will help them take your symptoms seriously and potentially reassess your treatment plan.
These steps prioritize tracking and monitoring your current condition, which is crucial in managing your symptoms effectively. Please remember you’re not alone in handling this, and with careful attention, you can better understand and manage your health. Let me know if you have further questions or need more detailed guidance.
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