High Blood Pressure and Adrenaline System

[casca312]

Diagnosed in August 2018 with GCA and PMR in March 2017 . Now down to 5 mgs Pred from 45. However in the last few days my BP has gone so high - more than 200 /104 last night. Currently it is 188 /95. . Trying to understand why? Is it likely that BP is affected by adrenaline system kicking in?

I have been taking 1.25 mg Bisoprolol since being diagnosed with GCA and was advised by my nurse practitioner this morning to start to take also 1mg Dioxazosin. She decided on this particular BP tablet as I have had side effects from others. She has known my problems for over 20years !

Would be so grateful for your expert opinions and advice.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

At this stage of pred reduction it would be more likely you would have low BP. I think your nurse needs to look a bit more closely for reasons. Some people have high BP with GCA and it falls with pred - because the inflammation in the arteries is obstructing the blood flow and raising the BP, pred reduces the inflammation and widens the arteries. I know another lady who developed raised BP at lower doses of pred - they struggled to find a reason. But I think it needs investigating. Just in case.

[SnazzyD in reply to PMRpro]

And as I understand it, one’s adrenaline is not suppressed like cortisol with steroids even though it comes from the same organ. Is that right?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to SnazzyD]

I think so, yes.

[casca312 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you for replying. I was a little concerned that further investigation was not suggested. I will see what happens in the next few days and then ask more questions.

[MamaBeagle]

Have you had your thyroid checked?

[casca312 in reply to MamaBeagle]

I haven’t but am planning to ask more questions at my next appointment. Thank you for your suggestion.