Blood pressure

[carlyjo]

Hi there

Wondering if anyone has issues with high blood pressure with ET? I'm trying to figure out what might be happening with the bloods on hydroxycarbamide. I had been told my red blood cells were a bit enlarged. A few folk on here said that's normal on the meds. But I'm wondering then what might be happening with the bloods and wondering if blood pressure could be affected as well. I've found mine has been both fairly high systolic - 146 and low distolic - 46. But generally it's been a bit high - 153/83 for example. I'm on BP meds and they have tried upping them and reducing them. So probably still need a bit of stabilising. Thanks for any assistance xx ca

[Lifam]

All I know is my red blood cells are a tiny bit enlarged (extremely minimal margin) but specialist said it's definitely due to Hydrea, because compared all blood tests results I've had, my red/white blood cells were normal before starting on Hydrea, and red blood cells started to be slightly bigger since taking Hydrea. Regarding high blood pressure, I always have that due to inherited from family, but it's under control with medication over the years.

[carlyjo in reply to Lifam]

Thanks . Good to know you're getting the BP under control 👍

[wormwood]

I've hit et jak2+.... my blood pressure was very high at 183/160 found out because I moved house and had to register at a new doctor's surgery.... the nurse ran out to get the doctor!!! I'm on interferon though, do dont know what's causing it!!! I take amolopidine it brought it down over 3 weeks...

Hope you get sorted.... xx

[carlyjo in reply to wormwood]

Glad you got that sorted !Thank you 😊 Xx

[wormwood in reply to carlyjo]

Yh... me too lol

[Wyebird]

Yep my red blood cells are completely the wrong shape and size. I think it’s normal if you are on hydroxi. My blood pressure used to be excellent but it has started to change a little. I’m not convinced it’s Et ( Calr) related.

[carlyjo in reply to Wyebird]

Thanks 😊 👍

[hunter5582]

It could be unrelated to the ET. The disparity between systolic and diastolic reads is a bit unusual. Related to the ET, there are a couple of things that may contribute. If your blood becomes too viscous (thick), then your BP will definitely go up. If you are JAK2+, then the potential increase in inflammatory cytokines might also affect BP. There could be an interrelationship between a "separate" medical condition and the MPN issues as well.

I have JAK2+PV and used to have Stage 1 hypertension. Once we got the blood cell numbers under control, I went from an average 135/95 to 115/75. I am HU-intolerant, so can't take it. Phlebotomy was the key for my treatment.

Hope you get it figured out ASAP.

[carlyjo in reply to hunter5582]

Thanks. That's helpful to know. Glad you got stabilised. I didn't particularly have BP issues till this all kicked off so can't help feeing there is some correlation. But who knows. Hopefully will settle when meds stabilise thi gs. Cheers 👍😊