Question 1

I'm a bit concerned about my husband's heart rate. His watch is recording a high pulse rate, sometimes hitting numbers as high as 160, 120, or 150, a few times a day. He doesn't have any symptoms, and his blood pressure is normal. We've done TMT, ECG, and echo tests, and they all came back normal. What could be causing these spikes?

Accepted Answer

It's good that all the cardiac tests have come back normal. A high pulse rate without any other symptoms can sometimes be due to factors such as stress, anxiety, dehydration, or even certain medications. However, since your husband is not experiencing any symptoms, it may be worth monitoring his pulse rate over a period of time to see if there are any patterns or triggers. In some cases, a high pulse rate can be a sign of an underlying condition such as an overactive thyroid gland or an arrhythmia. If the high pulse rate continues or if there are any other concerning symptoms, further evaluation by a healthcare provider may be necessary. In the meantime, it may be helpful to ensure that your husband stays hydrated, gets adequate rest, and manages stress levels.

Question 2

I'm trying to understand a recent exercise test result and have some worries. During the Bruce Protocol, I lasted for just over 7 minutes and reached 10.10 METs. My heart rate hit 179 beats per minute, which is apparently 95% of what they'd expect as my maximum. They stopped the test at that point, saying I'd hit my target heart rate. There was no usual chest pain, but I'm still concerned about whether stopping because of the heart rate is normal. Does this result suggest any potential heart issues I should be aware of?

Accepted Answer

The patient's exercise performance on the Bruce Protocol is impressive, reaching a workload of 10.10 METs and achieving a peak heart rate of 179 beatsminute, which is 95% of the predicted maximum. Since the exercise was terminated due to reaching the target heart rate without experiencing classical angina, it indicates good cardiovascular fitness. For the blood pressure response, it would be ideal to monitor the patient's blood pressure during exercise and recovery to assess their cardiovascular health comprehensively. In this case, considering the patient's exercise capacity and heart rate response, it would be beneficial to continue monitoring their blood pressure during physical activity to ensure safety and optimal performance. As for medication, based on the information provided, I would recommend discussing with a healthcare provider for personalized advice on any necessary medications or adjustments to the current regimen.

Question 3

I'm a bit worried about my blood pressure. It was normally around 11080, but every time I visit the doctor, it spikes to 14084. My doctor mentioned that it might be due to anxiety and prescribed torsemide for 20 days. He said I could stop taking it after that. Are there any side effects I should be aware of with this medication? And does this mean I'm developing high blood pressure, even though it doesnt usually go over 140?

Accepted Answer

Torsemide is a diuretic medication that helps reduce fluid retention in the body, which can help lower blood pressure. It is commonly used to treat conditions such as high blood pressure and edema. When taken as prescribed, torsemide is generally well-tolerated. However, like any medication, it can cause side effects in some individuals. Common side effects may include dizziness, headache, muscle cramps, and increased urination. Since your doctor has prescribed torsemide for a specific duration of 20 days and then advised you to withdraw the tablet, it is important to follow their instructions carefully. Abruptly stopping diuretic medications can sometimes lead to rebound fluid retention and worsening of symptoms. It is important to monitor your blood pressure regularly and report any significant changes or concerns to your doctor. If your blood pressure does not exceed 14090 and you do not have any symptoms of high blood pressure, it is unlikely that you will develop hypertension. However, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management, to help keep your blood pressure under control. If you have any further questions or concerns, please consult with your doctor for personalized advice.

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