Longstanding hypertension

[Ipsofacto01]

Hello everyone

I have been on meds for hypertension since my late twenties. I'm now 54 and BP is irratic. I saw a Cardiologist yesterday who after reviewing my CT angiogram and echocardiogram said my arteries and heart are perfection, like brand new copper pipes. I have to say, I'm thrilled, I assumed after years of spikes of BP my inners would be somewhat damaged. My kidneys seem to be the only thing affected. I'm having more tests at last, to make sure it's not secondary hypertension and the Cardiologist was very surprised that this wasn't done initially in my 20's. Anyone else have hypertension from a young age. I'd be really interested to hear your stories? Thank you ❤️

[Richard9999]

Hi Ipsofacto01

My high blood pressure was diagnosed in my late 20s following an employment medical and I am now 51.

My meds have increased over the past year twice (my BP was very erratic going as high as 250/130) which landed me in A&E). My GP was unable to explain why I had such erratic BP as there was often no catalyst as to why it suddenly spiked so they just increased my meds!

I a currently on 10mg Amlpodipine and 100mg Losartan daily which is making feel nauseous so I am under review although no solution has been put forward at present. My BP is stable though at approx 115/75 and the top end spikes are now lower.

My mum had long term bp and it was her kidneys which were ultimately affected although this happened later in life and was missed by the GP so I am mindful to get an annual blood test to test kidney function. Hope all goes well with your BP.

[Ipsofacto01 in reply to Richard9999]

Hi Richard9999Thank you for your reply 😌 Have you ever been investigated to see if you have secondary hypertension? I'm sorry about the nausea, I think they will probably start trialling different meds for me too.

I'm glad that your readings are controlled now.

[Richard9999 in reply to Ipsofacto01]

Not a single GP over the past 20 years has suggested secondary hypertension as a possible cause so I will ask when I see my GP next about this, even just out of curiosity. I just assumed that it was hereditary as my mums family have all had high blood pressure going way back.

[Ipsofacto01 in reply to Richard9999]

Richard 9999 The cardiologist seemed genuinely shocked that no-one had looked at secondary hypertension as a cause. I'm having various tests over the coming week so I'll keep you posted.

[Pjh1002]

Hi Folks,

Can't answer your question, but as a 33 year old, relatively healthy man, I was upset, worried and anxious to find out last year that I had hypertension and needed to start medications.

Embarrassed, lost and feeling hopeless, it took some time to realise it's a good thing to know about it and it's a positive I'm taking medication now to address it before things get worse.

Your comments give me comfort to know you've been on BP meds for many years and are living fulfilling lives.

[Ipsofacto01 in reply to Pjh1002]

Thanks for your reply Pjh1002. I remember being totally shocked when I was first told I would have to go on medication because I've always been a runner and never drank or smoked, so I know what you mean.

I think if you make the effort to be healthy, you're at no more of a disadvantage than someone who doesn't have hypertension...

[Tiffan-future123 in reply to Ipsofacto01]

I will be 46 and was diagnosed at 44 On losartan 100mg but my BP reading is 130 140 over 90.

I didcovered my bp was high when I was feeling unwell and went to the hospital. They check my BP it was 230/ 180

I was shocked to say the least.

Never smoked never drank alcohol and I'm pretty healthy weight for a female

Everything came back in the heart department too.

It is a good thing to know at least it can be controlled.

[Ipsofacto01 in reply to Tiffan-future123]

Hi Tiffan-future123, the only other thing I have been told is really watch my salt intake. I'm undergoing tests this week, which I'm expecting to be normal too, mine hasn't been properly controlled for years, even with a maintained weight and running 5-10km daily. The goal now is to tinker with my medsbI believe, as I'm so tired all the time and have just upped my hours at work now that my twins have gone to university. Thank you for the reply, it's good to know we're not alone 🙏❤️

[Vich81]

Hello. I’ve been on BP medication since my late teens. I’ve never been hugely overweight and over the years have had various tests so it’s been inconclusive as to what the issue is. I’m 42 now so obviously the future does worry me but the BP is not my biggest health concern. I just wondered if you are female, do you have PCOS? As I’m pretty sure that’s ultimately my cause of high BP.

[Ipsofacto01 in reply to Vich81]

Hi Vich81 thanks for your reply. I am female but had an early menopause mid 30's just after my surprise twins 😀 Definitely didn't have PCOS but did have adenomyosis so the menopause was a relief for me. I am diabetic and have high cholesterol too and also pernicious anaemia. Always had a BMI of around 18-20, so it's a mystery. I'm sorry to hear you have PCOS, I know that is very hard to deal with.