Concerns About My Mother's Persistent High Blood Pressure
My mother, aged 43, is dealing with alarmingly elevated blood pressure levels, even though she is on medication. The troubling part is that she doesn’t seem to notice how severe it is until I use a digital monitor to check her readings, which typically hover around 160/110. She takes a combination of amlodipine and valsartan in the morning, alongside concor in the evening, yet her condition persists. I am genuinely worried for her well-being, but she shows little concern regarding her health. Additionally, she stands at 4'11" and weighs 66 kg. I seek advice on how to address this situation, as she is often reluctant to visit a healthcare professional.
Answers (1)
7/21/2025, 7:40:38 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to be worried about your mother’s persistently high blood pressure, especially given her current readings and the medications she’s taking. High blood pressure, or hypertension, can lead to serious health issues over time, so addressing this issue is important even if she seems unconcerned.
Explanation
Despite being on medication, her blood pressure remains significantly elevated (160/110), which suggests that her treatment plan may need to be reviewed. Often, high blood pressure can be influenced by diet, lifestyle, and other health conditions. Additionally, symptoms such as shortness of breath and swollen legs can signify fluid retention or other complications related to high blood pressure or heart issues.
Next Steps
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Monitor Blood Pressure: Encourage her to check her blood pressure regularly, possibly using a digital monitor at the same time each day. Keeping a log of these readings can help her see patterns and identify times of higher blood pressure.
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Lifestyle Modifications: Discuss simple lifestyle changes she could implement:
- Diet: Encourage a heart-healthy diet, such as the DASH diet, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy while reducing salt intake.
- Physical Activity: Suggest gentle activities that fit her mobility level, like walking, which can help lower blood pressure over time.
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Weight Management: At her height and weight, she may be overweight. A gradual weight loss plan could help lower her blood pressure and improve overall health. Aim for a balanced approach rather than rapid weight loss.
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Medication Review: Since her current medications aren't managing her blood pressure adequately, it’s essential for her to revisit her healthcare provider to discuss this. If she’s resistant to going, you could emphasize how small adjustments can have big benefits for her health.
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Emotional Support: Sometimes, patting or nudging may be necessary. Express your concern in a caring way that emphasizes how much you care about her health and future.
Encouragement
Being proactive about her health can be a significant step forward. The combination of tracking her blood pressure, making lifestyle changes, and having an open conversation about her medications could help her feel more empowered and engaged in her health journey. Let me know if there's any specific information you would need!
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