Please suggest methods to control my hypertension.

Question

Hello doctor,

I have been under medications for hypertension for the past five years. I am currently taking Zilance 40 and Ciplar 10. The random blood pressure reading is 140/100 and goes to around 160/100 at times. The current symptoms include excessive sweating, palpitations, anxiety, headaches, flushing, and fatigue. My ECG and kidney renal doppler tests are normal. Today, I have been prescribed Metanephrine and VMA 24-hours urine tests by the cardiologist. I am also on anti-psychotic medications for depression for the past 10 years. I need your advice and guidance on the tests prescribed above as I read on the internet that the tests are meant to detect a type of tumor.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Urinary VMA (vanillylmandelic acid) and Metanephrine tests are done to detect Pheochromocytoma, a kind of tumor, that causes hypertension in young persons, as well as facial flushing, headaches, and palpitations. Though it is rare, it is better to rule out pheochromocytoma in young hypertensives.

But honestly speaking, I do not feel that your hypertension is because of pheochromocytoma. The more likely cause is excessive anxiety and depression. So, go for tests and continue your antihypertensive medication.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Thanks for your kind appreciation.

Rather than taking Zilance and Ciplar 10, I suggest you start Tablet Metpure XL (Metoprolol) 50 mg once a day.

Apart from taking the medication, I suggest the following:

You should do exercises like brisk walking or rope jumps every day.
Most importantly, curtail your salt intake. You can take a maximum of only 5 g per day. Avoid high-salt foods like pickles and potato chips.
Yoga and meditation will definitely help you.

Thank you.