Does anyone know how high BP has to get to cause a stroke?

[KATIE25]

Hello all!
I am wondering if anyone knows what is considered to be a stroking level for blood pressure? I ask because I have a history of high bp, but with weight loss and lifestyle modification, I have managed to get my dr to take me off my BP meds (Lotensin HCT 20/25), however, I am also on 50mg of Toprol twice daily for IST. The Toprol I know also helps keep my BP down, but I was recently put on Vioxx for my back, and was warned by my pharmacist that BP increases were likely. On the Toprol only, my BP is generally 140ish/low80ish. I have noticed that it seems higher now and was wondering when I should get worried and seek med help. I now range in the 160ish/low 90's regularly, but my dr didn't mention this issue to me when he prescribed the Vioxx. How high should I let it get before worring about a stroke. Your advice is most helpful!
katie

[zuzu8]

Katie- There is no one specific number considered what you call "stroking level".
But BP that is sustained above 120/80 over time puts you at risk of not just stroke but heart disease and serious kidney damage.
You're present average of 160's over 90s is pretty high.
And even your 140's over 80's just on the Toprol alone without the Vioxx is something that should come down, especially the systolic # (the upper one).

zuzu xxx

[Halestorm]

Hi, I am not sure how high it has to get. Mine was 201/108 and my Dr. was visibly shaken, but he did not put me in the hospital. I think it is dangerous when you have really high blood pressure for a long time. Fortunately, my HBP medicine brought it down, but it still is around 137/95-99.....My doc is happy with that. So who knows.

[Stumper]

Originally Posted by KATIE25

Hello all!
I am wondering if anyone knows what is considered to be a stroking level for blood pressure? I ask because I have a history of high bp, but with weight loss and lifestyle modification, I have managed to get my dr to take me off my BP meds (Lotensin HCT 20/25), however, I am also on 50mg of Toprol twice daily for IST. The Toprol I know also helps keep my BP down, but I was recently put on Vioxx for my back, and was warned by my pharmacist that BP increases were likely. On the Toprol only, my BP is generally 140ish/low80ish. I have noticed that it seems higher now and was wondering when I should get worried and seek med help. I now range in the 160ish/low 90's regularly, but my dr didn't mention this issue to me when he prescribed the Vioxx. How high should I let it get before worring about a stroke. Your advice is most helpful!
katie

Katie,


I will tell you what my doc told me...


He said that strokes usualy occur over MANY years of sustained HBP. What basically can happen is that over time a piece of plaque breaks off from years of uncontrolled HBP and travels causing the stroke.
You do not look to have sustained BP although you would like to see it below the 140's if possible.
I would see if the Vioxx is causing the problem.

[Stumper]

Originally Posted by Melvi

Stumper,

What your doc forgot to tell you that an aneurism can also result from high BP but not always. The high BP can stretch and weaken the blood vessel and can cause it to burst (bleeding in the brain). My mother in law had her strokes from pieces of plaque breaking off from her clogged up carotid arteries in her neck. First it was small strokes, and then came the big one. She had very high cholesterol and refused to take anything for it.

Melvi,

Good point. Of course I guess the only thing that the doctor addressed at the moment was the plaque/stroke issue.