Question 1

I've been dealing with some concerns about my blood pressure. I'm a 17-year-old guy, in pretty good shape with a BMI of 24.7, and I've noticed my blood pressure readings are often around 14060 or 13060. When I'm calm, the systolic number goes down to about 125, but the diastolic stays below 70, which I find unsettling. I do experience a bounding pulse in different areas of my body which adds to the stress. I've had health anxiety since the lockdown began, and I've been using homeopathy which has helped, and I'm also trying to keep my diet in check and exercise regularly.

What's bugging me is why my diastolic number doesn't return to a typical range even when I'm managing everything else pretty well? When people talk about high blood pressure, I usually hear both systolic and diastolic numbers rise together, but mine seems to have one high and the other low. Could this be more than just anxiety, or is there something unique about my situation?

Accepted Answer

1. Your diastolic blood pressure not returning to normal despite your efforts could be due to a combination of factors, including anxiety and possibly other underlying health conditions. It's great that you are managing your anxiety with homeopathy, but it's essential to monitor your blood pressure regularly and consult with a healthcare professional for further evaluation and management. In terms of medication, you can consider starting with a low dose of a calcium channel blocker like Amlodipine 2.5mg to help lower your diastolic blood pressure. 2. The fluctuation in your blood pressure readings, with systolic going up and diastolic going down, can be attributed to various factors such as stress, anxiety, and even the time of day when you measure your blood pressure. It's not uncommon for individuals to experience variations in their blood pressure readings, especially in response to different stimuli. However, persistent high diastolic blood pressure warrants attention and monitoring. 3. While anxiety may be a significant contributing factor to your elevated blood pressure readings, it's essential to rule out any other underlying medical conditions that could be impacting your diastolic blood pressure. Considering your age and overall fitness level, it's crucial to continue with your healthy lifestyle habits, including regular exercise and a balanced diet. Additionally, incorporating stress-reducing activities such as mindfulness or yoga may further help in managing your anxiety and potentially improving your blood pressure levels. Regular follow-ups with a healthcare provider will be beneficial in monitoring your blood pressure and adjusting your treatment plan as needed.

Question 2

I'm a bit concerned because my ECG showed something called IRBBB, but my 2D echo results came out normal. Does this mean everything's okay with my heart, or should I be worried about any issues? Is it safe for me to continue going to the gym and doing exercises? Would appreciate your insight on whether there's anything to be concerned about.

Accepted Answer

IRBBB (Incomplete Right Bundle Branch Block) is a condition where the electrical impulses in the heart are delayed or blocked in the right bundle branch. In your case, since your 2D echo is normal, it indicates that the structure and function of your heart are normal despite the IRBBB on ECG. You can continue with your gym and exercise routine. However, it is always recommended to start with moderate intensity and gradually increase it while monitoring your symptoms. If you experience any chest pain, palpitations, dizziness, or shortness of breath during exercise, stop immediately and consult a healthcare professional. No specific medication is required for IRBBB if there are no other underlying heart conditions.

Question 3

I'm feeling pretty concerned about my wife's situation. She's 32 years old and she's had two abortions in the past. She's currently 23 weeks into an IVF pregnancy. Before getting pregnant, her echo was normal with an EF of 67, but now it shows Grade 1 diastolic dysfunction with an EF of 57, though everything else seems alright. She's experiencing mild breathlessness during activities like bathing. Her blood pressure reads 12490 on the right and 12084 on the left. I'm wondering if I should consider starting her on Labetalol. Is this something we should be worried about?

Accepted Answer

Considering your wife's medical history and current condition, it is important to address the diastolic dysfunction and high blood pressure to ensure the well-being of both your wife and the baby. Labetalol is a suitable choice for managing hypertension in pregnancy. I recommend starting your wife on tab. labetalol at a dose of 100 mg twice daily initially, with close monitoring of blood pressure. The dosage can be adjusted as needed based on her response. It is essential to continue monitoring her symptoms, blood pressure, and cardiac function regularly throughout the pregnancy. Additionally, it would be beneficial for your wife to follow up with her obstetrician and cardiologist for further evaluation and management of her cardiac condition during pregnancy.

I'm experiencing these palpitations alongside some gas. Could this be related to my heart or are the palpitations just caused by the gas? I was wondering if it's necessary to get an ECG. Could you give me some guidance on this?

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