Discussion
Hello PH medics (and the afflicted).
I seek some non-binding, blame-free advice (opinion?) concerning some feedback I have had from some medical tests.
In the last few months I have been diagnosed as having hypertension (readings as high as mid 180s /mid 140s at quite a high pulse rate). To combat this I have been prescribed Ramipril and, more recently, Propranolol to try to bring this under some kind of control, and I am beginning to see some improvement.
I have also had a series of scans to look at my renal system and my heart (MRI, echocardiograms) as well as ECGs, blood tests and the 5 litre, 24 hour urine sample 'bottle'.
Results are dribbling in but so far seem to be reasonably ok (QTc a bit long, apparently). One thing that has caught my eye is a note that my aortic root has been measured at 4.6cm, exceeding the usual max of 3.6cm, and that this will need longer term observation. There is also some mild mitral regurgitation. A follow-up appointment has been requested for 18 months time, suggesting that the cardiologist isn't too fussed at the moment.
I'm trying to ascertain what this means for me in terms of day-to-day living. Having poked around the internetz, it would seem that a large body of opinion would have my aorta dissecting if I lift much more than a bag of sugar or do much more than a slothful shuffle into the village. Admittedly a lot of this information seems to come from US based sites so not sure quite how over the top or not this is.
Am I in immediate danger of busting the blood vessel?
I have also decided that it is time to regain some fitness and lose some weight and my tried and tested method is to go for a run (previously impossible due to blood pressure and also being zapped by Clomipramine - now discontinued). I have managed a few short duration runs (see running thread) without any obvious problems. Is this advised or should I reduced my efforts back to a slightly energetic stroll?
Any thoughts or opinion much appreciated. My next appointment with my GP is in a fortnight so won't be able to ask his advice until then.
Thank you.
I seek some non-binding, blame-free advice (opinion?) concerning some feedback I have had from some medical tests.
In the last few months I have been diagnosed as having hypertension (readings as high as mid 180s /mid 140s at quite a high pulse rate). To combat this I have been prescribed Ramipril and, more recently, Propranolol to try to bring this under some kind of control, and I am beginning to see some improvement.
I have also had a series of scans to look at my renal system and my heart (MRI, echocardiograms) as well as ECGs, blood tests and the 5 litre, 24 hour urine sample 'bottle'.
Results are dribbling in but so far seem to be reasonably ok (QTc a bit long, apparently). One thing that has caught my eye is a note that my aortic root has been measured at 4.6cm, exceeding the usual max of 3.6cm, and that this will need longer term observation. There is also some mild mitral regurgitation. A follow-up appointment has been requested for 18 months time, suggesting that the cardiologist isn't too fussed at the moment.
I'm trying to ascertain what this means for me in terms of day-to-day living. Having poked around the internetz, it would seem that a large body of opinion would have my aorta dissecting if I lift much more than a bag of sugar or do much more than a slothful shuffle into the village. Admittedly a lot of this information seems to come from US based sites so not sure quite how over the top or not this is.
Am I in immediate danger of busting the blood vessel?
I have also decided that it is time to regain some fitness and lose some weight and my tried and tested method is to go for a run (previously impossible due to blood pressure and also being zapped by Clomipramine - now discontinued). I have managed a few short duration runs (see running thread) without any obvious problems. Is this advised or should I reduced my efforts back to a slightly energetic stroll?
Any thoughts or opinion much appreciated. My next appointment with my GP is in a fortnight so won't be able to ask his advice until then.
Thank you.
Edited by Insanity Magnet on Thursday 6th September 02:25
If you want to start worrying, read this 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aortic_aneurysm
Otherwise, relax in the fact that if you were heading for a AAA then the Drs would have had you in as an emergency.
A few questions:
Your age, sex, smoker?, drinker?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aortic_aneurysm
Otherwise, relax in the fact that if you were heading for a AAA then the Drs would have had you in as an emergency.
A few questions:
Your age, sex, smoker?, drinker?
The fact you are classed as a non-emergency (waiting for two weeks to your next appointment) is good news.
Having said that, I wouldn't take up running or any other unusual (for you) fitness program (which might raise your BP unusually high) without seeing your Dr first for advice.
(PS: I work for the ambulance service, so see emergency AAA more than the type you have.)
Having said that, I wouldn't take up running or any other unusual (for you) fitness program (which might raise your BP unusually high) without seeing your Dr first for advice.
(PS: I work for the ambulance service, so see emergency AAA more than the type you have.)
JumboBeef said:
The fact you are classed as a non-emergency (waiting for two weeks to your next appointment) is good news.
Having said that, I wouldn't take up running or any other unusual (for you) fitness program (which might raise your BP unusually high) without seeing your Dr first for advice.
(PS: I work for the ambulance service, so see emergency AAA more than the type you have.)
Thank you.Having said that, I wouldn't take up running or any other unusual (for you) fitness program (which might raise your BP unusually high) without seeing your Dr first for advice.
(PS: I work for the ambulance service, so see emergency AAA more than the type you have.)
I made the mistake of looking up emergency AAA:
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/756735-overv...
Insanity Magnet said:
I made the mistake of looking up emergency AAA:
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/756735-overv...
If you look at the 6th page on that link, you are (from what you've said) low risk.http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/756735-overv...
The fact you have never smoked is a big positive!
Try not to worry and stop Googling!
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