Hi it's Kate again (of the dad with abnormally high blood pressure)
Well he's been to see the doctor again who hasn't get given him any medication although he had a bp of 190. This seems a bit weird. Also its only a certain part of his heart thats enlarged & apparently not due to running. Also the doc suspects a problem with his kidneys being the cause. Theyre sending him to another specialist in six weeks!!!! Surely if his bp is that high they should be moving faster!? Or am I over reacting & he's probably not that much in danger. Please can some1 explain to me the connection between kidneys and high bp? Thanks! I'm so stressed I could do with some reassurance especially as I'm about to do my Alevels and need to chill out a bit anyway!
Kate :-(
If he has a kidney problem, the doctor he has seen suspects what is called Secondary Hypertension. It occurs in about 10% of cases of hypertension at the very most.
Secondary Hypertension has a specific cause whereas Primary, also called Essential, Hypertension has no known cause other than it runs in families.
With Secondary Hypertension, the important thing is to treat the cause. His doctor has referred him to a specialist who can handle your father's case.
Many times the cause of Secondary Hypertension is related to the kidneys or renal area.
Kate..I know you are very concerned, but if his dr. think it might be due to another problem, maybe that is why he isn't treating it? Try to stay calm and see what happens when he goes for his other tests. Sometimes when a person has another ailment, or is in pain it will shoot the BP up. If after the tests are done and nothing is found, I would definitely seek another opinion. Also, does he have a home monitor and are the readings as high at home? Good luck to your dad, and you...God bless. JJ
Primary hypertension has no physical cause that the doctors can find. Secondary hypertension has a physical cause, such as kidney problems, heart problems etc. I was recently diagnosed with secondary hypertension caused by renal artery stenosis. I know how frustrating it can be waiting for an appointment with a specialist. My diagnosis was made on May 9th, and I am still waiting for my appointment on June 13th. I am currently being treated with medication, but that is because I ended up in the hospital with what is called a "hypertensive urgency" with a bp of 210/140. Please don't worry, it will only cause you more stress for yourself. The doctor has your fathers best interests in mind and is doing the right thing.
the kidney puts out a pressor substance called renin- which is a potent pressor substance. renin is useful in the regulation of sodium by the kidneys. Thus high sodium intake also aggravates this form of hypertension. One needs to arrive at the exact cause of a problem before reatment is suggested. Wasnt any dietary advice given to your father?
