Echo Test - High & Low Blood Pressure Message Board

Looly · 04-13-2005, 07:48 PM

Is it usual that an internist wants an echo test before changing my b/p medication. An EKG was already performed.

He said that after the ECHO he'll see how aggressive he has to be with the medication. Is this true?

pal7778 · 04-13-2005, 08:47 PM

The test will reveal any enlargement or other damage to the heart. If there is any,
then you bp target should be lower than the usual 140/90.

Lenin · 04-14-2005, 06:21 AM

As pal says,
it's important to find out whether the heart is enlarged or any of the heart walls thickened from pumping for a long time against high pressure.
Consider it a routine part of good care; they used to just use a chest x-ray which usually just showed dootle!