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Can high BP and headache indicate heart-related issues?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

My query pertains to my mother, who is 73 years old. She is not overweight. A few days ago, she suddenly experienced a heavy headache, followed by throat pain after a few minutes. We immediately checked her blood pressure, and it was high at 180. She took her blood pressure medicine, and after half an hour, she felt normal. Now I have conducted a test profile and attached it for your reference. Please advise us if there is any heart-related issue.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Muhammad Majid Hanif

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I want to assure you do not worry as everything is going to be fine if proper care and treatment is opted in for. I have thoroughly gone through your case and reports (attachment removed to protect patient identity) and can well understand your genuine health concerns. Her serum amylase levels are a bit high than the normal limit (according to the specific lab range for normal from where she got tested). In such a case some tests are extended to see what may be the reason behind this. Is she a known hypertensive or diabetic or thyroid disease and taking any medicine for that? Her apolipoprotein B (Apo-B) levels are a bit high. Does she have any heart disease and taking any medicines for that?

It is necessary to see if she has a serious risk factor associated due to heart disease or diabetes that may lead to some risk for her. Hs-CRP levels (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein) are increased in patients having coronary artery disease. It may be high in other issues too but we have to rule out the cardiac disease first. Homocysteine is not a significant marker as to show coronary artery disease of the heart but definitely her cardiac evaluation is needed. It also increases with age.

I hope this helps.

Please revert so I can assist you further.

Thank you.

The Probable causes

The probable cause is coronary artery atherosclerosis, but clinical correlation is needed through physical examination and the following testing.

Investigations to be done

Investigations to be done include fasting blood sugar levels, HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin), LFTs (liver function tests), RFTs (renal function tests), fasting lipid profile, ECG (electrocardiogram), exercise tolerance test, angiography, and echocardiography.

Treatment plan

The cardiologist may advise on the treatment plan after careful monitoring and diagnostic tests. Make an appointment with her cardiologist as soon as possible.

Preventive measures

Preventive measures include asking her to consume nutritious foods like green leafy vegetables and fruits such as kiwi, avocado, banana, and orange. Almonds and nuts are also beneficial. Provide her with Citrucel (Methylcellulose) dietary fiber supplement for good digestion and to control cholesterol. Encourage her to take two to three liters of water daily.

Regarding follow up

Revert with the investigation reports to a cardiologist.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

She is not suffering from any conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or thyroid issues. Her fasting blood glucose is normal. The reports of HbA1c, fasting lipid, LFT, and RFT are already attached. Please check and advise on some medication for her to take before the physical examination. Is it fine to go and meet her cardiologist in four to five days?

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Muhammad Majid Hanif

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Thanks for providing the details. I have once again worked through your mother's case.

Please revert so I can assist you further.

Thank you.

The Probable causes

Her laboratory report suggests a high risk of heart disease. Every marker and test used for heart health evaluation is somewhat indicative of a higher cardiac risk. However, this issue may have developed earlier; it has developed over the years. Her cardiac evaluation is necessary, but it is not an emergency. You may go for that after four to five days.

Investigations to be done

I have already seen the test reports. She might need additional tests for further evaluation.

Treatment plan

Her cardiologist may advise after careful monitoring and diagnostic tests. I suggest you make an appointment as soon as possible with her cardiologist.

Regarding follow up

For further information, I suggest you consult a cardiologist online.

Answered byDr. Muhammad Majid Hanif

Medically reviewed byDr. K. Shobana

Published At November 14, 2015
Reviewed AtSeptember 24, 2024

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Muhammad Majid Hanif
Dr. Muhammad Majid Hanif

Cardiology

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