Re: referral and some questions

[Guest guest]

HTN at 12 suggests unusual causes see my guide to difficult HTN in our

folds

Includes familial PA see my revue innour files

Your father's HX makes it imperative that GRA be tested for and I can

help guide your Dr on how to do this taking him my article wouldbe a

Good start

You want to see someone who is an

Expert In PA

As you can see from our postings this is almost never a CARDS OR ENDOS

I WOULD call UCSF and ask to see Dr who is the local expert

Can you give us.more details on your K us

Get all the Fam Hx you can

If u have GRA 50% of your first degree relatives will have the same

problem

Tiped sad Sent from mi

iPhone ;-)

May your pressure be low!

CE Grim MD

Specializing in Difficult

Hypertension

On Jan 22, 2009, at 12:23 AM, idh2000 <icnhackett@...> wrote:

> Hello --

>

> I've just joined this group in the hopes of gaining some

> understanding about this condition. I would be interested to hear

> from people in this group as to whether or not my history sounds

> familiar. I was also hoping for a referral in my area --I am leaning

> into UCSF at the moment. (I live in the SF Bay Area) Here is an

> overview of my many years of heath issues --sorry for the length!...I

> am a 41 year old female who had always been athletic, never

> overweight.

>

> Diagnosed with HBP at the age of 12 during routine exam. Protein was

> found in a 24 hour urine collection. IVP done, all normal findings.

> It was during this same period I began having terrible panic

> attacks. All was explained

>

> by doctors as stress --and loss of

> protein because I was very atheletic. I also had dizziness and

> sweating.

>

> NOTE: My father was hypertensive, beginning in his teens, and died

> of a stroke around the age of 50. He suffered his entire life with

> hypertension, panic attacks, tacycardia, and dizziness/vertigo.

>

> At about age 15, I began having chest pain. I was diagnosed with

> Mitral valve prolapse. I was told to take antibiotics for dental

> appointments, nothing else to worry about. I also suffered from

> episodes of fainting --sometimes just from standing too long,

> sometimes from pain --and if I became overheated...This has continued

> over the years, sometimes much better and sometimes not...

>

> By bout age 21, after 10 years of strict diets and lots of exercise,

> BP had slowly risen a bit to about 150/100. At that point, I began

> taking BP meds --I think vasotec (sp?), then later atenolol. I was

> also prescribed antidepressants for anxiety, insomnia, and extreme

> tiredness.

>

> At age 30, I had an episode of severe chest pain. I stayed in the

> hospital for 4 days while they did tests. My ECG was irregular, but

> they could not find an underlying issue. They finally told me it

> was " just me " and also that I " no longer had the mitral valve

> prolapse " , just an abnormal ECG....

>

> A few years later, after having trouble getting pregnant, I was

> diagnosed with PCOS. I took fertility meds and became pregnant with

> twins. I had a very difficult pregnancy. At first, I had a terrible

> time with episodes of tacycardia, dizziness, and fainting. I wore a

> monitor which registered the episodes. My blood pressure was

> dropping very low, heart rate speeding, then i was passing out

> (vasovagel?)...The condition began to improve, but months later, I

> had severe pre-eclampsia. This turned into HELLP syndrome and I

> delivered the babies early.

>

> My health has generally gotten worse since the birth of my children.

> I thought it was just the typical tiredness associated with having

> (2) children....When they were about five, I had a number of

> issues " suddenly " arise. I was told that I was terribly anemic (they

> told me the reason for dizziness, muscle cramps, foggy head, etc), I

> was showing suddenly high glucose (A1c), lipid profile was

> concerning, and BP getting worse. I was put on iron, glucophage,

> hydrochlorothyzide and lisinopril...My BP came down, but I was

> passing out frequently. I had terrible cramps, weakness --even

> walking up a flight of stairs would cause me to shake, sweat, heart

> pounding, etc...I made several trips to urgent care where they told

> me I was dehydrated and gave me fluids and told me my potassium

> levels were low. Finally, my doctor decided to switch the diuretic to

> triamterene and the symptoms mostly stopped. My potassium levels are

> now almost always right about 3.5. During this time, i was referred

> to yet another cardiologist who told me i now have an abdominal

> bruit...I had a sonogram and was told it was fine...So now no

> irregular ECK or Mitral Valve Prolapse, just the bruit....

>

> About a month ago, I began having terrible headaches and more of the

> same weakness, insomnia, foggy head, etc....My doctor found that my

> BP had increased again --back to about 150/100. In addition, I have

> been having terrible chest pain when active. I decided to do some

> research, really out of desperation! I began searching my symptoms

> and found the word ALDOSTERONE coming up again and again...

>

> Two weeks ago, I went back to my doctor and told her that although it

> probably sounded crazy --and heaven forbid i seem like one of those

> whacky patients that always shows up with junk from the internet, I

> really wanted her to test my adosterone level. I then explained

> why. Her eyes widened and she said, " wouldn't it be weird if it

> turned out to be related to your many underlying issues? " I took a

> plasma aldosterone level a few days later and it was 39. The

> cortisol and other hormones were fine. Unfortunately, she did not do

> the renin --she told me it was not an acurate test?! So when the

> ALDOSTERONE result came back, she told me I had been RIGHT -and she

> hopes this turns out to be the unifying underlying issue. I am now

> to go back to the endocrinologist for imaging and further testing.

>

> Sorry for the LONG life story here...I was hoping someone might have

> some feedback. Rather than going back to the same doctors (Endo and

> Cardiologist) who could not help me previously, I think I should seek

> out a specialist with experience in these sorts of things...I know

> from reading what tests they will likely need for further assessment.

> Anyone know of someone in my area??

>

> I have been struggling for almost 30 years now with seemingly

> mysterious (and as I've heard numerous times, just unlucky) issues.

> And for the sake of my children, I must get better...

>

> Thanks so much for reading and best wishes for good health to all!

>

> #628c2a; font-size: 100%; line-height: 122%; } #ygrp-

> sponsor .ad a{ text-decoration: none; } #ygrp-sponsor .ad

> a:hover{ text-decoration: underline; } #ygrp-sponsor .ad p{ margin:

> 0; } o{font-size: 0; } .MsoNormal{ margin: 0 0 0 0; } #ygrp-text

> tt{ font-size: 120%; } blockquote{margin: 0 0 0 4px;} .replbq{margin:

> 4} --> >

[Guest guest]

Hi Dr. Grim-

Thanks for your quick response...Does it sound like I may be on the

right track with this based on the info provided? If cardios and

endos usually don't know about this, who does??? Am I looking for

someone expert in adrenal issues (generally)?

I cannot access the hypertension difficult cases file --there is

something wrong with the file...Would it be possible for you to send

it to me?

Looks like in the past few years, the highest my potassium has been

is 3.7. ( I had two readings of 3.5). But when on the first

diuretic, it fell well below 3.5, although I do not the exact

number....And unfort, i do not have numbers from the earlier years.

I am concerned specifically about GRA as there is some evidence that

my father began suffering from small strokes in his 40's. His

hypertension was often extreme. What other sorts of info about family

history would be important --just hypertension and low sodium?

Thanks so much!!

>

> > Hello --

> >

> > I've just joined this group in the hopes of gaining some

> > understanding about this condition. I would be interested to hear

> > from people in this group as to whether or not my history sounds

> > familiar. I was also hoping for a referral in my area --I am

leaning

> > into UCSF at the moment. (I live in the SF Bay Area) Here is an

> > overview of my many years of heath issues --sorry for the

length!...I

> > am a 41 year old female who had always been athletic, never

> > overweight.

> >

> > Diagnosed with HBP at the age of 12 during routine exam. Protein

was

> > found in a 24 hour urine collection. IVP done, all normal

findings.

> > It was during this same period I began having terrible panic

> > attacks. All was explained

> >

>

> > by doctors as stress --and loss of

> > protein because I was very atheletic. I also had dizziness and

> > sweating.

> >

> > NOTE: My father was hypertensive, beginning in his teens, and died

> > of a stroke around the age of 50. He suffered his entire life with

> > hypertension, panic attacks, tacycardia, and dizziness/vertigo.

> >

> > At about age 15, I began having chest pain. I was diagnosed with

> > Mitral valve prolapse. I was told to take antibiotics for dental

> > appointments, nothing else to worry about. I also suffered from

> > episodes of fainting --sometimes just from standing too long,

> > sometimes from pain --and if I became overheated...This has

continued

> > over the years, sometimes much better and sometimes not...

> >

> > By bout age 21, after 10 years of strict diets and lots of

exercise,

> > BP had slowly risen a bit to about 150/100. At that point, I began

> > taking BP meds --I think vasotec (sp?), then later atenolol. I was

> > also prescribed antidepressants for anxiety, insomnia, and extreme

> > tiredness.

> >

> > At age 30, I had an episode of severe chest pain. I stayed in the

> > hospital for 4 days while they did tests. My ECG was irregular,

but

> > they could not find an underlying issue. They finally told me it

> > was " just me " and also that I " no longer had the mitral valve

> > prolapse " , just an abnormal ECG....

> >

> > A few years later, after having trouble getting pregnant, I was

> > diagnosed with PCOS. I took fertility meds and became pregnant

with

> > twins. I had a very difficult pregnancy. At first, I had a

terrible

> > time with episodes of tacycardia, dizziness, and fainting. I wore

a

> > monitor which registered the episodes. My blood pressure was

> > dropping very low, heart rate speeding, then i was passing out

> > (vasovagel?)...The condition began to improve, but months later, I

> > had severe pre-eclampsia. This turned into HELLP syndrome and I

> > delivered the babies early.

> >

> > My health has generally gotten worse since the birth of my

children.

> > I thought it was just the typical tiredness associated with having

> > (2) children....When they were about five, I had a number of

> > issues " suddenly " arise. I was told that I was terribly anemic

(they

> > told me the reason for dizziness, muscle cramps, foggy head,

etc), I

> > was showing suddenly high glucose (A1c), lipid profile was

> > concerning, and BP getting worse. I was put on iron, glucophage,

> > hydrochlorothyzide and lisinopril...My BP came down, but I was

> > passing out frequently. I had terrible cramps, weakness --even

> > walking up a flight of stairs would cause me to shake, sweat,

heart

> > pounding, etc...I made several trips to urgent care where they

told

> > me I was dehydrated and gave me fluids and told me my potassium

> > levels were low. Finally, my doctor decided to switch the

diuretic to

> > triamterene and the symptoms mostly stopped. My potassium levels

are

> > now almost always right about 3.5. During this time, i was

referred

> > to yet another cardiologist who told me i now have an abdominal

> > bruit...I had a sonogram and was told it was fine...So now no

> > irregular ECK or Mitral Valve Prolapse, just the bruit....

> >

> > About a month ago, I began having terrible headaches and more of

the

> > same weakness, insomnia, foggy head, etc....My doctor found that

my

> > BP had increased again --back to about 150/100. In addition, I

have

> > been having terrible chest pain when active. I decided to do some

> > research, really out of desperation! I began searching my symptoms

> > and found the word ALDOSTERONE coming up again and again...

> >

> > Two weeks ago, I went back to my doctor and told her that

although it

> > probably sounded crazy --and heaven forbid i seem like one of

those

> > whacky patients that always shows up with junk from the internet,

I

> > really wanted her to test my adosterone level. I then explained

> > why. Her eyes widened and she said, " wouldn't it be weird if it

> > turned out to be related to your many underlying issues? " I took a

> > plasma aldosterone level a few days later and it was 39. The

> > cortisol and other hormones were fine. Unfortunately, she did not

do

> > the renin --she told me it was not an acurate test?! So when the

> > ALDOSTERONE result came back, she told me I had been RIGHT -and

she

> > hopes this turns out to be the unifying underlying issue. I am now

> > to go back to the endocrinologist for imaging and further testing.

> >

> > Sorry for the LONG life story here...I was hoping someone might

have

> > some feedback. Rather than going back to the same doctors (Endo

and

> > Cardiologist) who could not help me previously, I think I should

seek

> > out a specialist with experience in these sorts of things...I know

> > from reading what tests they will likely need for further

assessment.

> > Anyone know of someone in my area??

> >

> > I have been struggling for almost 30 years now with seemingly

> > mysterious (and as I've heard numerous times, just unlucky)

issues.

> > And for the sake of my children, I must get better...

> >

> > Thanks so much for reading and best wishes for good health to all!

> >

> > #628c2a; font-size: 100%; line-height: 122%; } #ygrp-

> > sponsor .ad a{ text-decoration: none; } #ygrp-sponsor .ad

> > a:hover{ text-decoration: underline; } #ygrp-sponsor .ad p{

margin:

> > 0; } o{font-size: 0; } .MsoNormal{ margin: 0 0 0 0; } #ygrp-text

> > tt{ font-size: 120%; } blockquote{margin: 0 0 0 4px;} .replbq

{margin:

> > 4} --> >

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Get age and cause of death as far back as you can.

You want an expert in Primary Aldo. I am looking at the Am Soc of

HTN list to see who I can recommend in your area.

I am getting ready to retire in Tahoe and will be setting up a HTN

clinic there I think.

Not too far and good place to visit.

May your pressure be low!



CE Grim BS, MS, MD

High Blood Pressure Consulting

Senior Consultant to Shared Care Research and Education Consulting

Inc.(sharedcareinc.com)

Clinical Professor of Internal Medicine Medical and Cardiology

Medical College of Wisconsin

Board certified in Internal Med, Geriatrics and Hypertension.

Interests:

1. Difficult to control high blood pressure.

2. The effect of recent evolutionary forces on high blood pressure

in human populations.

3. Improving blood pressure measurement in the office and out.

On Jan 22, 2009, at 7:38 AM, idh2000 wrote:

> Hi Dr. Grim-

>

> Thanks for your quick response...Does it sound like I may be on the

> right track with this based on the info provided? If cardios and

> endos usually don't know about this, who does??? Am I looking for

> someone expert in adrenal issues (generally)?

>

> I cannot access the hypertension difficult cases file --there is

> something wrong with the file...Would it be possible for you to send

> it to me?

>

> Looks like in the past few years, the highest my potassium has been

> is 3.7. ( I had two readings of 3.5). But when on the first

> diuretic, it fell well below 3.5, although I do not the exact

> number....And unfort, i do not have numbers from the earlier years.

>

> I am concerned specifically about GRA as there is some evidence that

> my father began suffering from small strokes in his 40's. His

> hypertension was often extreme. What other sorts of info about family

> history would be important --just hypertension and low sodium?

>

> Thanks so much!!

>

>

> >

> > > Hello --

> > >

> > > I've just joined this group in the hopes of gaining some

> > > understanding about this condition. I would be interested to hear

> > > from people in this group as to whether or not my history sounds

> > > familiar. I was also hoping for a referral in my area --I am

> leaning

> > > into UCSF at the moment. (I live in the SF Bay Area) Here is an

> > > overview of my many years of heath issues --sorry for the

> length!...I

> > > am a 41 year old female who had always been athletic, never

> > > overweight.

> > >

> > > Diagnosed with HBP at the age of 12 during routine exam. Protein

> was

> > > found in a 24 hour urine collection. IVP done, all normal

> findings.

> > > It was during this same period I began having terrible panic

> > > attacks. All was explained

> > >

> >

> > > by doctors as stress --and loss of

> > > protein because I was very atheletic. I also had dizziness and

> > > sweating.

> > >

> > > NOTE: My father was hypertensive, beginning in his teens, and died

> > > of a stroke around the age of 50. He suffered his entire life with

> > > hypertension, panic attacks, tacycardia, and dizziness/vertigo.

> > >

> > > At about age 15, I began having chest pain. I was diagnosed with

> > > Mitral valve prolapse. I was told to take antibiotics for dental

> > > appointments, nothing else to worry about. I also suffered from

> > > episodes of fainting --sometimes just from standing too long,

> > > sometimes from pain --and if I became overheated...This has

> continued

> > > over the years, sometimes much better and sometimes not...

> > >

> > > By bout age 21, after 10 years of strict diets and lots of

> exercise,

> > > BP had slowly risen a bit to about 150/100. At that point, I began

> > > taking BP meds --I think vasotec (sp?), then later atenolol. I was

> > > also prescribed antidepressants for anxiety, insomnia, and extreme

> > > tiredness.

> > >

> > > At age 30, I had an episode of severe chest pain. I stayed in the

> > > hospital for 4 days while they did tests. My ECG was irregular,

> but

> > > they could not find an underlying issue. They finally told me it

> > > was " just me " and also that I " no longer had the mitral valve

> > > prolapse " , just an abnormal ECG....

> > >

> > > A few years later, after having trouble getting pregnant, I was

> > > diagnosed with PCOS. I took fertility meds and became pregnant

> with

> > > twins. I had a very difficult pregnancy. At first, I had a

> terrible

> > > time with episodes of tacycardia, dizziness, and fainting. I wore

> a

> > > monitor which registered the episodes. My blood pressure was

> > > dropping very low, heart rate speeding, then i was passing out

> > > (vasovagel?)...The condition began to improve, but months later, I

> > > had severe pre-eclampsia. This turned into HELLP syndrome and I

> > > delivered the babies early.

> > >

> > > My health has generally gotten worse since the birth of my

> children.

> > > I thought it was just the typical tiredness associated with having

> > > (2) children....When they were about five, I had a number of

> > > issues " suddenly " arise. I was told that I was terribly anemic

> (they

> > > told me the reason for dizziness, muscle cramps, foggy head,

> etc), I

> > > was showing suddenly high glucose (A1c), lipid profile was

> > > concerning, and BP getting worse. I was put on iron, glucophage,

> > > hydrochlorothyzide and lisinopril...My BP came down, but I was

> > > passing out frequently. I had terrible cramps, weakness --even

> > > walking up a flight of stairs would cause me to shake, sweat,

> heart

> > > pounding, etc...I made several trips to urgent care where they

> told

> > > me I was dehydrated and gave me fluids and told me my potassium

> > > levels were low. Finally, my doctor decided to switch the

> diuretic to

> > > triamterene and the symptoms mostly stopped. My potassium levels

> are

> > > now almost always right about 3.5. During this time, i was

> referred

> > > to yet another cardiologist who told me i now have an abdominal

> > > bruit...I had a sonogram and was told it was fine...So now no

> > > irregular ECK or Mitral Valve Prolapse, just the bruit....

> > >

> > > About a month ago, I began having terrible headaches and more of

> the

> > > same weakness, insomnia, foggy head, etc....My doctor found that

> my

> > > BP had increased again --back to about 150/100. In addition, I

> have

> > > been having terrible chest pain when active. I decided to do some

> > > research, really out of desperation! I began searching my symptoms

> > > and found the word ALDOSTERONE coming up again and again...

> > >

> > > Two weeks ago, I went back to my doctor and told her that

> although it

> > > probably sounded crazy --and heaven forbid i seem like one of

> those

> > > whacky patients that always shows up with junk from the internet,

> I

> > > really wanted her to test my adosterone level. I then explained

> > > why. Her eyes widened and she said, " wouldn't it be weird if it

> > > turned out to be related to your many underlying issues? " I took a

> > > plasma aldosterone level a few days later and it was 39. The

> > > cortisol and other hormones were fine. Unfortunately, she did not

> do

> > > the renin --she told me it was not an acurate test?! So when the

> > > ALDOSTERONE result came back, she told me I had been RIGHT -and

> she

> > > hopes this turns out to be the unifying underlying issue. I am now

> > > to go back to the endocrinologist for imaging and further testing.

> > >

> > > Sorry for the LONG life story here...I was hoping someone might

> have

> > > some feedback. Rather than going back to the same doctors (Endo

> and

> > > Cardiologist) who could not help me previously, I think I should

> seek

> > > out a specialist with experience in these sorts of things...I know

> > > from reading what tests they will likely need for further

> assessment.

> > > Anyone know of someone in my area??

> > >

> > > I have been struggling for almost 30 years now with seemingly

> > > mysterious (and as I've heard numerous times, just unlucky)

> issues.

> > > And for the sake of my children, I must get better...

> > >

> > > Thanks so much for reading and best wishes for good health to all!

> > >

> > > #628c2a; font-size: 100%; line-height: 122%; } #ygrp-

> > > sponsor .ad a{ text-decoration: none; } #ygrp-sponsor .ad

> > > a:hover{ text-decoration: underline; } #ygrp-sponsor .ad p{

> margin:

> > > 0; } o{font-size: 0; } .MsoNormal{ margin: 0 0 0 0; } #ygrp-text

> > > tt{ font-size: 120%; } blockquote{margin: 0 0 0 4px;} .replbq

> {margin:

> > > 4} --> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Any way to get that file on difficult hypertension?

Tahoe is beautiful --i share a second home there...

> > >

> > > > Hello --

> > > >

> > > > I've just joined this group in the hopes of gaining some

> > > > understanding about this condition. I would be interested to

hear

> > > > from people in this group as to whether or not my history

sounds

> > > > familiar. I was also hoping for a referral in my area --I am

> > leaning

> > > > into UCSF at the moment. (I live in the SF Bay Area) Here is

an

> > > > overview of my many years of heath issues --sorry for the

> > length!...I

> > > > am a 41 year old female who had always been athletic, never

> > > > overweight.

> > > >

> > > > Diagnosed with HBP at the age of 12 during routine exam.

Protein

> > was

> > > > found in a 24 hour urine collection. IVP done, all normal

> > findings.

> > > > It was during this same period I began having terrible panic

> > > > attacks. All was explained

> > > >

> > >

> > > > by doctors as stress --and loss of

> > > > protein because I was very atheletic. I also had dizziness and

> > > > sweating.

> > > >

> > > > NOTE: My father was hypertensive, beginning in his teens, and

died

> > > > of a stroke around the age of 50. He suffered his entire life

with

> > > > hypertension, panic attacks, tacycardia, and

dizziness/vertigo.

> > > >

> > > > At about age 15, I began having chest pain. I was diagnosed

with

> > > > Mitral valve prolapse. I was told to take antibiotics for

dental

> > > > appointments, nothing else to worry about. I also suffered

from

> > > > episodes of fainting --sometimes just from standing too long,

> > > > sometimes from pain --and if I became overheated...This has

> > continued

> > > > over the years, sometimes much better and sometimes not...

> > > >

> > > > By bout age 21, after 10 years of strict diets and lots of

> > exercise,

> > > > BP had slowly risen a bit to about 150/100. At that point, I

began

> > > > taking BP meds --I think vasotec (sp?), then later atenolol.

I was

> > > > also prescribed antidepressants for anxiety, insomnia, and

extreme

> > > > tiredness.

> > > >

> > > > At age 30, I had an episode of severe chest pain. I stayed in

the

> > > > hospital for 4 days while they did tests. My ECG was

irregular,

> > but

> > > > they could not find an underlying issue. They finally told me

it

> > > > was " just me " and also that I " no longer had the mitral valve

> > > > prolapse " , just an abnormal ECG....

> > > >

> > > > A few years later, after having trouble getting pregnant, I

was

> > > > diagnosed with PCOS. I took fertility meds and became pregnant

> > with

> > > > twins. I had a very difficult pregnancy. At first, I had a

> > terrible

> > > > time with episodes of tacycardia, dizziness, and fainting. I

wore

> > a

> > > > monitor which registered the episodes. My blood pressure was

> > > > dropping very low, heart rate speeding, then i was passing out

> > > > (vasovagel?)...The condition began to improve, but months

later, I

> > > > had severe pre-eclampsia. This turned into HELLP syndrome and

I

> > > > delivered the babies early.

> > > >

> > > > My health has generally gotten worse since the birth of my

> > children.

> > > > I thought it was just the typical tiredness associated with

having

> > > > (2) children....When they were about five, I had a number of

> > > > issues " suddenly " arise. I was told that I was terribly anemic

> > (they

> > > > told me the reason for dizziness, muscle cramps, foggy head,

> > etc), I

> > > > was showing suddenly high glucose (A1c), lipid profile was

> > > > concerning, and BP getting worse. I was put on iron,

glucophage,

> > > > hydrochlorothyzide and lisinopril...My BP came down, but I was

> > > > passing out frequently. I had terrible cramps, weakness --even

> > > > walking up a flight of stairs would cause me to shake, sweat,

> > heart

> > > > pounding, etc...I made several trips to urgent care where they

> > told

> > > > me I was dehydrated and gave me fluids and told me my

potassium

> > > > levels were low. Finally, my doctor decided to switch the

> > diuretic to

> > > > triamterene and the symptoms mostly stopped. My potassium

levels

> > are

> > > > now almost always right about 3.5. During this time, i was

> > referred

> > > > to yet another cardiologist who told me i now have an

abdominal

> > > > bruit...I had a sonogram and was told it was fine...So now no

> > > > irregular ECK or Mitral Valve Prolapse, just the bruit....

> > > >

> > > > About a month ago, I began having terrible headaches and more

of

> > the

> > > > same weakness, insomnia, foggy head, etc....My doctor found

that

> > my

> > > > BP had increased again --back to about 150/100. In addition, I

> > have

> > > > been having terrible chest pain when active. I decided to do

some

> > > > research, really out of desperation! I began searching my

symptoms

> > > > and found the word ALDOSTERONE coming up again and again...

> > > >

> > > > Two weeks ago, I went back to my doctor and told her that

> > although it

> > > > probably sounded crazy --and heaven forbid i seem like one of

> > those

> > > > whacky patients that always shows up with junk from the

internet,

> > I

> > > > really wanted her to test my adosterone level. I then

explained

> > > > why. Her eyes widened and she said, " wouldn't it be weird if

it

> > > > turned out to be related to your many underlying issues? " I

took a

> > > > plasma aldosterone level a few days later and it was 39. The

> > > > cortisol and other hormones were fine. Unfortunately, she did

not

> > do

> > > > the renin --she told me it was not an acurate test?! So when

the

> > > > ALDOSTERONE result came back, she told me I had been RIGHT -

and

> > she

> > > > hopes this turns out to be the unifying underlying issue. I

am now

> > > > to go back to the endocrinologist for imaging and further

testing.

> > > >

> > > > Sorry for the LONG life story here...I was hoping someone

might

> > have

> > > > some feedback. Rather than going back to the same doctors

(Endo

> > and

> > > > Cardiologist) who could not help me previously, I think I

should

> > seek

> > > > out a specialist with experience in these sorts of things...I

know

> > > > from reading what tests they will likely need for further

> > assessment.

> > > > Anyone know of someone in my area??

> > > >

> > > > I have been struggling for almost 30 years now with seemingly

> > > > mysterious (and as I've heard numerous times, just unlucky)

> > issues.

> > > > And for the sake of my children, I must get better...

> > > >

> > > > Thanks so much for reading and best wishes for good health to

all!

> > > >

> > > > #628c2a; font-size: 100%; line-height: 122%; } #ygrp-

> > > > sponsor .ad a{ text-decoration: none; } #ygrp-sponsor .ad

> > > > a:hover{ text-decoration: underline; } #ygrp-sponsor .ad p{

> > margin:

> > > > 0; } o{font-size: 0; } .MsoNormal{ margin: 0 0 0 0; } #ygrp-

text

> > > > tt{ font-size: 120%; } blockquote{margin: 0 0 0 4px;} .replbq

> > {margin:

> > > > 4} --> >

> > >

> > >

> > >

[Guest guest]

Here it is attached and updated. Will check our files to see why you

can't find it.

I am happy to work with you and your health care team one-on-one

online or by telephone. My charge is $500 (check is fine) for the

first year this covers unlimited access to my expertise to advise you

and your health care team. However you must always clear all advice

with your health care team before acting on it.

Otherwise let's work thru the group as others will benefit from

our interaction.

I could also see you when you come to Tahoe if we are there at the

same time. We are South Lake area. Stateline.

May your pressure be low!





CE Grim BS, MS, MD

High Blood Pressure Consulting

Senior Consultant to Shared Care Research and Education Consulting

Inc.(sharedcareinc.com)

Clinical Professor of Internal Medicine Medical and Cardiology

Medical College of Wisconsin

Board certified in Internal Med, Geriatrics and Hypertension.

Interests:

1. Difficult to control high blood pressure.

2. The effect of recent evolutionary forces on high blood pressure

in human populations.

3. Improving blood pressure measurement in the office and out.

On Jan 22, 2009, at 3:34 PM, idh2000 wrote:

> Any way to get that file on difficult hypertension?

>

> Tahoe is beautiful --i share a second home there...

>

>

> > > >

> > > > > Hello --

> > > > >

> > > > > I've just joined this group in the hopes of gaining some

> > > > > understanding about this condition. I would be interested to

> hear

> > > > > from people in this group as to whether or not my history

> sounds

> > > > > familiar. I was also hoping for a referral in my area --I am

> > > leaning

> > > > > into UCSF at the moment. (I live in the SF Bay Area) Here is

> an

> > > > > overview of my many years of heath issues --sorry for the

> > > length!...I

> > > > > am a 41 year old female who had always been athletic, never

> > > > > overweight.

> > > > >

> > > > > Diagnosed with HBP at the age of 12 during routine exam.

> Protein

> > > was

> > > > > found in a 24 hour urine collection. IVP done, all normal

> > > findings.

> > > > > It was during this same period I began having terrible panic

> > > > > attacks. All was explained

> > > > >

> > > >

> > > > > by doctors as stress --and loss of

> > > > > protein because I was very atheletic. I also had dizziness and

> > > > > sweating.

> > > > >

> > > > > NOTE: My father was hypertensive, beginning in his teens, and

> died

> > > > > of a stroke around the age of 50. He suffered his entire life

> with

> > > > > hypertension, panic attacks, tacycardia, and

> dizziness/vertigo.

> > > > >

> > > > > At about age 15, I began having chest pain. I was diagnosed

> with

> > > > > Mitral valve prolapse. I was told to take antibiotics for

> dental

> > > > > appointments, nothing else to worry about. I also suffered

> from

> > > > > episodes of fainting --sometimes just from standing too long,

> > > > > sometimes from pain --and if I became overheated...This has

> > > continued

> > > > > over the years, sometimes much better and sometimes not...

> > > > >

> > > > > By bout age 21, after 10 years of strict diets and lots of

> > > exercise,

> > > > > BP had slowly risen a bit to about 150/100. At that point, I

> began

> > > > > taking BP meds --I think vasotec (sp?), then later atenolol.

> I was

> > > > > also prescribed antidepressants for anxiety, insomnia, and

> extreme

> > > > > tiredness.

> > > > >

> > > > > At age 30, I had an episode of severe chest pain. I stayed in

> the

> > > > > hospital for 4 days while they did tests. My ECG was

> irregular,

> > > but

> > > > > they could not find an underlying issue. They finally told me

> it

> > > > > was " just me " and also that I " no longer had the mitral valve

> > > > > prolapse " , just an abnormal ECG....

> > > > >

> > > > > A few years later, after having trouble getting pregnant, I

> was

> > > > > diagnosed with PCOS. I took fertility meds and became pregnant

> > > with

> > > > > twins. I had a very difficult pregnancy. At first, I had a

> > > terrible

> > > > > time with episodes of tacycardia, dizziness, and fainting. I

> wore

> > > a

> > > > > monitor which registered the episodes. My blood pressure was

> > > > > dropping very low, heart rate speeding, then i was passing out

> > > > > (vasovagel?)...The condition began to improve, but months

> later, I

> > > > > had severe pre-eclampsia. This turned into HELLP syndrome and

> I

> > > > > delivered the babies early.

> > > > >

> > > > > My health has generally gotten worse since the birth of my

> > > children.

> > > > > I thought it was just the typical tiredness associated with

> having

> > > > > (2) children....When they were about five, I had a number of

> > > > > issues " suddenly " arise. I was told that I was terribly anemic

> > > (they

> > > > > told me the reason for dizziness, muscle cramps, foggy head,

> > > etc), I

> > > > > was showing suddenly high glucose (A1c), lipid profile was

> > > > > concerning, and BP getting worse. I was put on iron,

> glucophage,

> > > > > hydrochlorothyzide and lisinopril...My BP came down, but I was

> > > > > passing out frequently. I had terrible cramps, weakness --even

> > > > > walking up a flight of stairs would cause me to shake, sweat,

> > > heart

> > > > > pounding, etc...I made several trips to urgent care where they

> > > told

> > > > > me I was dehydrated and gave me fluids and told me my

> potassium

> > > > > levels were low. Finally, my doctor decided to switch the

> > > diuretic to

> > > > > triamterene and the symptoms mostly stopped. My potassium

> levels

> > > are

> > > > > now almost always right about 3.5. During this time, i was

> > > referred

> > > > > to yet another cardiologist who told me i now have an

> abdominal

> > > > > bruit...I had a sonogram and was told it was fine...So now no

> > > > > irregular ECK or Mitral Valve Prolapse, just the bruit....

> > > > >

> > > > > About a month ago, I began having terrible headaches and more

> of

> > > the

> > > > > same weakness, insomnia, foggy head, etc....My doctor found

> that

> > > my

> > > > > BP had increased again --back to about 150/100. In addition, I

> > > have

> > > > > been having terrible chest pain when active. I decided to do

> some

> > > > > research, really out of desperation! I began searching my

> symptoms

> > > > > and found the word ALDOSTERONE coming up again and again...

> > > > >

> > > > > Two weeks ago, I went back to my doctor and told her that

> > > although it

> > > > > probably sounded crazy --and heaven forbid i seem like one of

> > > those

> > > > > whacky patients that always shows up with junk from the

> internet,

> > > I

> > > > > really wanted her to test my adosterone level. I then

> explained

> > > > > why. Her eyes widened and she said, " wouldn't it be weird if

> it

> > > > > turned out to be related to your many underlying issues? " I

> took a

> > > > > plasma aldosterone level a few days later and it was 39. The

> > > > > cortisol and other hormones were fine. Unfortunately, she did

> not

> > > do

> > > > > the renin --she told me it was not an acurate test?! So when

> the

> > > > > ALDOSTERONE result came back, she told me I had been RIGHT -

> and

> > > she

> > > > > hopes this turns out to be the unifying underlying issue. I

> am now

> > > > > to go back to the endocrinologist for imaging and further

> testing.

> > > > >

> > > > > Sorry for the LONG life story here...I was hoping someone

> might

> > > have

> > > > > some feedback. Rather than going back to the same doctors

> (Endo

> > > and

> > > > > Cardiologist) who could not help me previously, I think I

> should

> > > seek

> > > > > out a specialist with experience in these sorts of things...I

> know

> > > > > from reading what tests they will likely need for further

> > > assessment.

> > > > > Anyone know of someone in my area??

> > > > >

> > > > > I have been struggling for almost 30 years now with seemingly

> > > > > mysterious (and as I've heard numerous times, just unlucky)

> > > issues.

> > > > > And for the sake of my children, I must get better...

> > > > >

> > > > > Thanks so much for reading and best wishes for good health to

> all!

> > > > >

> > > > > #628c2a; font-size: 100%; line-height: 122%; } #ygrp-

> > > > > sponsor .ad a{ text-decoration: none; } #ygrp-sponsor .ad

> > > > > a:hover{ text-decoration: underline; } #ygrp-sponsor .ad p{

> > > margin:

> > > > > 0; } o{font-size: 0; } .MsoNormal{ margin: 0 0 0 0; } #ygrp-

> text

> > > > > tt{ font-size: 120%; } blockquote{margin: 0 0 0 4px;} .replbq

> > > {margin:

> > > > > 4} --> >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

[Guest guest]

One place:

bloodpressureline/files/

first file.

regards

Re: referral and some questions

Any way to get that file on difficult hypertension?

Tahoe is beautiful --i share a second home there...

> > >

> > > > Hello --

> > > >

> > > > I've just joined this group in the hopes of gaining some

> > > > understanding about this condition. I would be interested to

hear

> > > > from people in this group as to whether or not my history

sounds

> > > > familiar. I was also hoping for a referral in my area --I am

> > leaning

> > > > into UCSF at the moment. (I live in the SF Bay Area) Here is

an

> > > > overview of my many years of heath issues --sorry for the

> > length!...I

> > > > am a 41 year old female who had always been athletic, never

> > > > overweight.

> > > >

> > > > Diagnosed with HBP at the age of 12 during routine exam.

Protein

> > was

> > > > found in a 24 hour urine collection. IVP done, all normal

> > findings.

> > > > It was during this same period I began having terrible panic

> > > > attacks. All was explained

> > > >

> > >

> > > > by doctors as stress --and loss of

> > > > protein because I was very atheletic. I also had dizziness and

> > > > sweating.

> > > >

> > > > NOTE: My father was hypertensive, beginning in his teens, and

died

> > > > of a stroke around the age of 50. He suffered his entire life

with

> > > > hypertension, panic attacks, tacycardia, and

dizziness/vertigo.

> > > >

> > > > At about age 15, I began having chest pain. I was diagnosed

with

> > > > Mitral valve prolapse. I was told to take antibiotics for

dental

> > > > appointments, nothing else to worry about. I also suffered

from

> > > > episodes of fainting --sometimes just from standing too long,

> > > > sometimes from pain --and if I became overheated...This has

> > continued

> > > > over the years, sometimes much better and sometimes not...

> > > >

> > > > By bout age 21, after 10 years of strict diets and lots of

> > exercise,

> > > > BP had slowly risen a bit to about 150/100. At that point, I

began

> > > > taking BP meds --I think vasotec (sp?), then later atenolol.

I was

> > > > also prescribed antidepressants for anxiety, insomnia, and

extreme

> > > > tiredness.

> > > >

> > > > At age 30, I had an episode of severe chest pain. I stayed in

the

> > > > hospital for 4 days while they did tests. My ECG was

irregular,

> > but

> > > > they could not find an underlying issue. They finally told me

it

> > > > was " just me " and also that I " no longer had the mitral valve

> > > > prolapse " , just an abnormal ECG....

> > > >

> > > > A few years later, after having trouble getting pregnant, I

was

> > > > diagnosed with PCOS. I took fertility meds and became pregnant

> > with

> > > > twins. I had a very difficult pregnancy. At first, I had a

> > terrible

> > > > time with episodes of tacycardia, dizziness, and fainting. I

wore

> > a

> > > > monitor which registered the episodes. My blood pressure was

> > > > dropping very low, heart rate speeding, then i was passing out

> > > > (vasovagel?)...The condition began to improve, but months

later, I

> > > > had severe pre-eclampsia. This turned into HELLP syndrome and

I

> > > > delivered the babies early.

> > > >

> > > > My health has generally gotten worse since the birth of my

> > children.

> > > > I thought it was just the typical tiredness associated with

having

> > > > (2) children....When they were about five, I had a number of

> > > > issues " suddenly " arise. I was told that I was terribly anemic

> > (they

> > > > told me the reason for dizziness, muscle cramps, foggy head,

> > etc), I

> > > > was showing suddenly high glucose (A1c), lipid profile was

> > > > concerning, and BP getting worse. I was put on iron,

glucophage,

> > > > hydrochlorothyzide and lisinopril...My BP came down, but I was

> > > > passing out frequently. I had terrible cramps, weakness --even

> > > > walking up a flight of stairs would cause me to shake, sweat,

> > heart

> > > > pounding, etc...I made several trips to urgent care where they

> > told

> > > > me I was dehydrated and gave me fluids and told me my

potassium

> > > > levels were low. Finally, my doctor decided to switch the

> > diuretic to

> > > > triamterene and the symptoms mostly stopped. My potassium

levels

> > are

> > > > now almost always right about 3.5. During this time, i was

> > referred

> > > > to yet another cardiologist who told me i now have an

abdominal

> > > > bruit...I had a sonogram and was told it was fine...So now no

> > > > irregular ECK or Mitral Valve Prolapse, just the bruit....

> > > >

> > > > About a month ago, I began having terrible headaches and more

of

> > the

> > > > same weakness, insomnia, foggy head, etc....My doctor found

that

> > my

> > > > BP had increased again --back to about 150/100. In addition, I

> > have

> > > > been having terrible chest pain when active. I decided to do

some

> > > > research, really out of desperation! I began searching my

symptoms

> > > > and found the word ALDOSTERONE coming up again and again...

> > > >

> > > > Two weeks ago, I went back to my doctor and told her that

> > although it

> > > > probably sounded crazy --and heaven forbid i seem like one of

> > those

> > > > whacky patients that always shows up with junk from the

internet,

> > I

> > > > really wanted her to test my adosterone level. I then

explained

> > > > why. Her eyes widened and she said, " wouldn't it be weird if

it

> > > > turned out to be related to your many underlying issues? " I

took a

> > > > plasma aldosterone level a few days later and it was 39. The

> > > > cortisol and other hormones were fine. Unfortunately, she did

not

> > do

> > > > the renin --she told me it was not an acurate test?! So when

the

> > > > ALDOSTERONE result came back, she told me I had been RIGHT -

and

> > she

> > > > hopes this turns out to be the unifying underlying issue. I

am now

> > > > to go back to the endocrinologist for imaging and further

testing.

> > > >

> > > > Sorry for the LONG life story here...I was hoping someone

might

> > have

> > > > some feedback. Rather than going back to the same doctors

(Endo

> > and

> > > > Cardiologist) who could not help me previously, I think I

should

> > seek

> > > > out a specialist with experience in these sorts of things...I

know

> > > > from reading what tests they will likely need for further

> > assessment.

> > > > Anyone know of someone in my area??

> > > >

> > > > I have been struggling for almost 30 years now with seemingly

> > > > mysterious (and as I've heard numerous times, just unlucky)

> > issues.

> > > > And for the sake of my children, I must get better...

> > > >

> > > > Thanks so much for reading and best wishes for good health to

all!

> > > >

> > > > #628c2a; font-size: 100%; line-height: 122%; } #ygrp-

> > > > sponsor .ad a{ text-decoration: none; } #ygrp-sponsor .ad

> > > > a:hover{ text-decoration: underline; } #ygrp-sponsor .ad p{

> > margin:

> > > > 0; } o{font-size: 0; } .MsoNormal{ margin: 0 0 0 0; } #ygrp-

text

> > > > tt{ font-size: 120%; } blockquote{margin: 0 0 0 4px;} .replbq

> > {margin:

> > > > 4} --> >

> > >

> > >

> > >

[Guest guest]

Dr. Grim-

I sent you a private email yesterday morning but have not heard back.

Shall I resend?

Thanks

> > > > >

> > > > > > Hello --

> > > > > >

> > > > > > I've just joined this group in the hopes of gaining some

> > > > > > understanding about this condition. I would be interested

to

> > hear

> > > > > > from people in this group as to whether or not my history

> > sounds

> > > > > > familiar. I was also hoping for a referral in my area --I

am

> > > > leaning

> > > > > > into UCSF at the moment. (I live in the SF Bay Area) Here

is

> > an

> > > > > > overview of my many years of heath issues --sorry for the

> > > > length!...I

> > > > > > am a 41 year old female who had always been athletic,

never

> > > > > > overweight.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Diagnosed with HBP at the age of 12 during routine exam.

> > Protein

> > > > was

> > > > > > found in a 24 hour urine collection. IVP done, all normal

> > > > findings.

> > > > > > It was during this same period I began having terrible

panic

> > > > > > attacks. All was explained

> > > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > > > by doctors as stress --and loss of

> > > > > > protein because I was very atheletic. I also had

dizziness and

> > > > > > sweating.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > NOTE: My father was hypertensive, beginning in his teens,

and

> > died

> > > > > > of a stroke around the age of 50. He suffered his entire

life

> > with

> > > > > > hypertension, panic attacks, tacycardia, and

> > dizziness/vertigo.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > At about age 15, I began having chest pain. I was

diagnosed

> > with

> > > > > > Mitral valve prolapse. I was told to take antibiotics for

> > dental

> > > > > > appointments, nothing else to worry about. I also suffered

> > from

> > > > > > episodes of fainting --sometimes just from standing too

long,

> > > > > > sometimes from pain --and if I became overheated...This

has

> > > > continued

> > > > > > over the years, sometimes much better and sometimes not...

> > > > > >

> > > > > > By bout age 21, after 10 years of strict diets and lots of

> > > > exercise,

> > > > > > BP had slowly risen a bit to about 150/100. At that

point, I

> > began

> > > > > > taking BP meds --I think vasotec (sp?), then later

atenolol.

> > I was

> > > > > > also prescribed antidepressants for anxiety, insomnia, and

> > extreme

> > > > > > tiredness.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > At age 30, I had an episode of severe chest pain. I

stayed in

> > the

> > > > > > hospital for 4 days while they did tests. My ECG was

> > irregular,

> > > > but

> > > > > > they could not find an underlying issue. They finally

told me

> > it

> > > > > > was " just me " and also that I " no longer had the mitral

valve

> > > > > > prolapse " , just an abnormal ECG....

> > > > > >

> > > > > > A few years later, after having trouble getting pregnant,

I

> > was

> > > > > > diagnosed with PCOS. I took fertility meds and became

pregnant

> > > > with

> > > > > > twins. I had a very difficult pregnancy. At first, I had a

> > > > terrible

> > > > > > time with episodes of tacycardia, dizziness, and

fainting. I

> > wore

> > > > a

> > > > > > monitor which registered the episodes. My blood pressure

was

> > > > > > dropping very low, heart rate speeding, then i was

passing out

> > > > > > (vasovagel?)...The condition began to improve, but months

> > later, I

> > > > > > had severe pre-eclampsia. This turned into HELLP syndrome

and

> > I

> > > > > > delivered the babies early.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > My health has generally gotten worse since the birth of my

> > > > children.

> > > > > > I thought it was just the typical tiredness associated

with

> > having

> > > > > > (2) children....When they were about five, I had a number

of

> > > > > > issues " suddenly " arise. I was told that I was terribly

anemic

> > > > (they

> > > > > > told me the reason for dizziness, muscle cramps, foggy

head,

> > > > etc), I

> > > > > > was showing suddenly high glucose (A1c), lipid profile was

> > > > > > concerning, and BP getting worse. I was put on iron,

> > glucophage,

> > > > > > hydrochlorothyzide and lisinopril...My BP came down, but

I was

> > > > > > passing out frequently. I had terrible cramps, weakness --

even

> > > > > > walking up a flight of stairs would cause me to shake,

sweat,

> > > > heart

> > > > > > pounding, etc...I made several trips to urgent care where

they

> > > > told

> > > > > > me I was dehydrated and gave me fluids and told me my

> > potassium

> > > > > > levels were low. Finally, my doctor decided to switch the

> > > > diuretic to

> > > > > > triamterene and the symptoms mostly stopped. My potassium

> > levels

> > > > are

> > > > > > now almost always right about 3.5. During this time, i was

> > > > referred

> > > > > > to yet another cardiologist who told me i now have an

> > abdominal

> > > > > > bruit...I had a sonogram and was told it was fine...So

now no

> > > > > > irregular ECK or Mitral Valve Prolapse, just the bruit....

> > > > > >

> > > > > > About a month ago, I began having terrible headaches and

more

> > of

> > > > the

> > > > > > same weakness, insomnia, foggy head, etc....My doctor

found

> > that

> > > > my

> > > > > > BP had increased again --back to about 150/100. In

addition, I

> > > > have

> > > > > > been having terrible chest pain when active. I decided to

do

> > some

> > > > > > research, really out of desperation! I began searching my

> > symptoms

> > > > > > and found the word ALDOSTERONE coming up again and

again...

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Two weeks ago, I went back to my doctor and told her that

> > > > although it

> > > > > > probably sounded crazy --and heaven forbid i seem like

one of

> > > > those

> > > > > > whacky patients that always shows up with junk from the

> > internet,

> > > > I

> > > > > > really wanted her to test my adosterone level. I then

> > explained

> > > > > > why. Her eyes widened and she said, " wouldn't it be weird

if

> > it

> > > > > > turned out to be related to your many underlying issues? "

I

> > took a

> > > > > > plasma aldosterone level a few days later and it was 39.

The

> > > > > > cortisol and other hormones were fine. Unfortunately, she

did

> > not

> > > > do

> > > > > > the renin --she told me it was not an acurate test?! So

when

> > the

> > > > > > ALDOSTERONE result came back, she told me I had been

RIGHT -

> > and

> > > > she

> > > > > > hopes this turns out to be the unifying underlying issue.

I

> > am now

> > > > > > to go back to the endocrinologist for imaging and further

> > testing.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Sorry for the LONG life story here...I was hoping someone

> > might

> > > > have

> > > > > > some feedback. Rather than going back to the same doctors

> > (Endo

> > > > and

> > > > > > Cardiologist) who could not help me previously, I think I

> > should

> > > > seek

> > > > > > out a specialist with experience in these sorts of

things...I

> > know

> > > > > > from reading what tests they will likely need for further

> > > > assessment.

> > > > > > Anyone know of someone in my area??

> > > > > >

> > > > > > I have been struggling for almost 30 years now with

seemingly

> > > > > > mysterious (and as I've heard numerous times, just

unlucky)

> > > > issues.

> > > > > > And for the sake of my children, I must get better...

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Thanks so much for reading and best wishes for good

health to

> > all!

> > > > > >

> > > > > > #628c2a; font-size: 100%; line-height: 122%; } #ygrp-

> > > > > > sponsor .ad a{ text-decoration: none; } #ygrp-sponsor .ad

> > > > > > a:hover{ text-decoration: underline; } #ygrp-sponsor .ad p

{

> > > > margin:

> > > > > > 0; } o{font-size: 0; } .MsoNormal{ margin: 0 0 0 0; }

#ygrp-

> > text

> > > > > > tt{ font-size: 120%; } blockquote{margin: 0 0 0

4px;} .replbq

> > > > {margin:

> > > > > > 4} --> >

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > >

[Guest guest]

Got it just been busy sent response

Tiped sad Sent from mi

iPhone ;-)

May your pressure be low!

CE Grim MD

Specializing in Difficult

Hypertension

On Jan 23, 2009, at 4:46 PM, idh2000 <icnhackett@...> wrote:

> Dr. Grim-

>

> I sent you a private email yesterday morning but have not heard back.

> Shall I resend?

>

> Thanks

>

>

> > > > > >

> > > > > > > Hello --

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > I've just joined this group in the hopes of gaining some

> > > > > > > understanding about this condition. I would be interested

> to

> > > hear

> > > > > > > from people in this group as to whether or not my history

> > > sounds

> > > > > > > familiar. I was also hoping for a referral in my area --I

> am

> > > > > leaning

> > > > > > > into UCSF at the moment. (I live in the SF Bay Area) Here

> is

> > > an

> > > > > > > overview of my many years of heath issues --sorry for the

> > > > > length!...I

> > > > > > > am a 41 year old female who had always been athletic,

> never

> > > > > > > overweight.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > Diagnosed with HBP at the age of 12 during routine exam.

> > > Protein

> > > > > was

> > > > > > > found in a 24 hour urine collection. IVP done, all normal

> > > > > findings.

> > > > > > > It was during this same period I began having terrible

> panic

> > > > > > > attacks. All was explained

> > > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > > > > by doctors as stress --and loss of

> > > > > > > protein because I was very atheletic. I also had

> dizziness and

> > > > > > > sweating.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > NOTE: My father was hypertensive, beginning in his teens,

> and

> > > died

> > > > > > > of a stroke around the age of 50. He suffered his entire

> life

> > > with

> > > > > > > hypertension, panic attacks, tacycardia, and

> > > dizziness/vertigo.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > At about age 15, I began having chest pain. I was

> diagnosed

> > > with

> > > > > > > Mitral valve prolapse. I was told to take antibiotics for

> > > dental

> > > > > > > appointments, nothing else to worry about. I also suffered

> > > from

> > > > > > > episodes of fainting --sometimes just from standing too

> long,

> > > > > > > sometimes from pain --and if I became overheated...This

> has

> > > > > continued

> > > > > > > over the years, sometimes much better and sometimes not...

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > By bout age 21, after 10 years of strict diets and lots of

> > > > > exercise,

> > > > > > > BP had slowly risen a bit to about 150/100. At that

> point, I

> > > began

> > > > > > > taking BP meds --I think vasotec (sp?), then later

> atenolol.

> > > I was

> > > > > > > also prescribed antidepressants for anxiety, insomnia, and

> > > extreme

> > > > > > > tiredness.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > At age 30, I had an episode of severe chest pain. I

> stayed in

> > > the

> > > > > > > hospital for 4 days while they did tests. My ECG was

> > > irregular,

> > > > > but

> > > > > > > they could not find an underlying issue. They finally

> told me

> > > it

> > > > > > > was " just me " and also that I " no longer had the mitral

> valve

> > > > > > > prolapse " , just an abnormal ECG....

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > A few years later, after having trouble getting pregnant,

> I

> > > was

> > > > > > > diagnosed with PCOS. I took fertility meds and became

> pregnant

> > > > > with

> > > > > > > twins. I had a very difficult pregnancy. At first, I had a

> > > > > terrible

> > > > > > > time with episodes of tacycardia, dizziness, and

> fainting. I

> > > wore

> > > > > a

> > > > > > > monitor which registered the episodes. My blood pressure

> was

> > > > > > > dropping very low, heart rate speeding, then i was

> passing out

> > > > > > > (vasovagel?)...The condition began to improve, but months

> > > later, I

> > > > > > > had severe pre-eclampsia. This turned into HELLP syndrome

> and

> > > I

> > > > > > > delivered the babies early.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > My health has generally gotten worse since the birth of my

> > > > > children.

> > > > > > > I thought it was just the typical tiredness associated

> with

> > > having

> > > > > > > (2) children....When they were about five, I had a number

> of

> > > > > > > issues " suddenly " arise. I was told that I was terribly

> anemic

> > > > > (they

> > > > > > > told me the reason for dizziness, muscle cramps, foggy

> head,

> > > > > etc), I

> > > > > > > was showing suddenly high glucose (A1c), lipid profile was

> > > > > > > concerning, and BP getting worse. I was put on iron,

> > > glucophage,

> > > > > > > hydrochlorothyzide and lisinopril...My BP came down, but

> I was

> > > > > > > passing out frequently. I had terrible cramps, weakness --

> even

> > > > > > > walking up a flight of stairs would cause me to shake,

> sweat,

> > > > > heart

> > > > > > > pounding, etc...I made several trips to urgent care where

> they

> > > > > told

> > > > > > > me I was dehydrated and gave me fluids and told me my

> > > potassium

> > > > > > > levels were low. Finally, my doctor decided to switch the

> > > > > diuretic to

> > > > > > > triamterene and the symptoms mostly stopped. My potassium

> > > levels

> > > > > are

> > > > > > > now almost always right about 3.5. During this time, i was

> > > > > referred

> > > > > > > to yet another cardiologist who told me i now have an

> > > abdominal

> > > > > > > bruit...I had a sonogram and was told it was fine...So

> now no

> > > > > > > irregular ECK or Mitral Valve Prolapse, just the bruit....

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > About a month ago, I began having terrible headaches and

> more

> > > of

> > > > > the

> > > > > > > same weakness, insomnia, foggy head, etc....My doctor

> found

> > > that

> > > > > my

> > > > > > > BP had increased again --back to about 150/100. In

> addition, I

> > > > > have

> > > > > > > been having terrible chest pain when active. I decided to

> do

> > > some

> > > > > > > research, really out of desperation! I began searching my

> > > symptoms

> > > > > > > and found the word ALDOSTERONE coming up again and

> again...

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > Two weeks ago, I went back to my doctor and told her that

> > > > > although it

> > > > > > > probably sounded crazy --and heaven forbid i seem like

> one of

> > > > > those

> > > > > > > whacky patients that always shows up with junk from the

> > > internet,

> > > > > I

> > > > > > > really wanted her to test my adosterone level. I then

> > > explained

> > > > > > > why. Her eyes widened and she said, " wouldn't it be weird

> if

> > > it

> > > > > > > turned out to be related to your many underlying issues? "

> I

> > > took a

> > > > > > > plasma aldosterone level a few days later and it was 39.

> The

> > > > > > > cortisol and other hormones were fine. Unfortunately, she

> did

> > > not

> > > > > do

> > > > > > > the renin --she told me it was not an acurate test?! So

> when

> > > the

> > > > > > > ALDOSTERONE result came back, she told me I had been

> RIGHT -

> > > and

> > > > > she

> > > > > > > hopes this turns out to be the unifying underlying issue.

> I

> > > am now

> > > > > > > to go back to the endocrinologist for imaging and further

> > > testing.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > Sorry for the LONG life story here...I was hoping someone

> > > might

> > > > > have

> > > > > > > some feedback. Rather than going back to the same doctors

> > > (Endo

> > > > > and

> > > > > > > Cardiologist) who could not help me previously, I think I

> > > should

> > > > > seek

> > > > > > > out a specialist with experience in these sorts of

> things...I

> > > know

> > > > > > > from reading what tests they will likely need for further

> > > > > assessment.

> > > > > > > Anyone know of someone in my area??

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > I have been struggling for almost 30 years now with

> seemingly

> > > > > > > mysterious (and as I've heard numerous times, just

> unlucky)

> > > > > issues.

> > > > > > > And for the sake of my children, I must get better...

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > Thanks so much for reading and best wishes for good

> health to

> > > all!

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > #628c2a; font-size: 100%; line-height: 122%; } #ygrp-

> > > > > > > sponsor .ad a{ text-decoration: none; } #ygrp-sponsor .ad

> > > > > > > a:hover{ text-decoration: underline; } #ygrp-sponsor .ad p

> {

> > > > > margin:

> > > > > > > 0; } o{font-size: 0; } .MsoNormal{ margin: 0 0 0 0; }

> #ygrp-

> > > text

> > > > > > > tt{ font-size: 120%; } blockquote{margin: 0 0 0

> 4px;} .replbq

> > > > > {margin:

> > > > > > > 4} --> >

> > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > > >

[Guest guest]

Got it just been busy sent response

Tiped sad Sent from mi

iPhone ;-)

May your pressure be low!

CE Grim MD

Specializing in Difficult

Hypertension

On Jan 23, 2009, at 4:46 PM, idh2000 <icnhackett@...> wrote:

> Dr. Grim-

>

> I sent you a private email yesterday morning but have not heard back.

> Shall I resend?

>

> Thanks

>

>

> > > > > >

> > > > > > > Hello --

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > I've just joined this group in the hopes of gaining some

> > > > > > > understanding about this condition. I would be interested

> to

> > > hear

> > > > > > > from people in this group as to whether or not my history

> > > sounds

> > > > > > > familiar. I was also hoping for a referral in my area --I

> am

> > > > > leaning

> > > > > > > into UCSF at the moment. (I live in the SF Bay Area) Here

> is

> > > an

> > > > > > > overview of my many years of heath issues --sorry for the

> > > > > length!...I

> > > > > > > am a 41 year old female who had always been athletic,

> never

> > > > > > > overweight.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > Diagnosed with HBP at the age of 12 during routine exam.

> > > Protein

> > > > > was

> > > > > > > found in a 24 hour urine collection. IVP done, all normal

> > > > > findings.

> > > > > > > It was during this same period I began having terrible

> panic

> > > > > > > attacks. All was explained

> > > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > > > > by doctors as stress --and loss of

> > > > > > > protein because I was very atheletic. I also had

> dizziness and

> > > > > > > sweating.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > NOTE: My father was hypertensive, beginning in his teens,

> and

> > > died

> > > > > > > of a stroke around the age of 50. He suffered his entire

> life

> > > with

> > > > > > > hypertension, panic attacks, tacycardia, and

> > > dizziness/vertigo.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > At about age 15, I began having chest pain. I was

> diagnosed

> > > with

> > > > > > > Mitral valve prolapse. I was told to take antibiotics for

> > > dental

> > > > > > > appointments, nothing else to worry about. I also suffered

> > > from

> > > > > > > episodes of fainting --sometimes just from standing too

> long,

> > > > > > > sometimes from pain --and if I became overheated...This

> has

> > > > > continued

> > > > > > > over the years, sometimes much better and sometimes not...

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > By bout age 21, after 10 years of strict diets and lots of

> > > > > exercise,

> > > > > > > BP had slowly risen a bit to about 150/100. At that

> point, I

> > > began

> > > > > > > taking BP meds --I think vasotec (sp?), then later

> atenolol.

> > > I was

> > > > > > > also prescribed antidepressants for anxiety, insomnia, and

> > > extreme

> > > > > > > tiredness.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > At age 30, I had an episode of severe chest pain. I

> stayed in

> > > the

> > > > > > > hospital for 4 days while they did tests. My ECG was

> > > irregular,

> > > > > but

> > > > > > > they could not find an underlying issue. They finally

> told me

> > > it

> > > > > > > was " just me " and also that I " no longer had the mitral

> valve

> > > > > > > prolapse " , just an abnormal ECG....

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > A few years later, after having trouble getting pregnant,

> I

> > > was

> > > > > > > diagnosed with PCOS. I took fertility meds and became

> pregnant

> > > > > with

> > > > > > > twins. I had a very difficult pregnancy. At first, I had a

> > > > > terrible

> > > > > > > time with episodes of tacycardia, dizziness, and

> fainting. I

> > > wore

> > > > > a

> > > > > > > monitor which registered the episodes. My blood pressure

> was

> > > > > > > dropping very low, heart rate speeding, then i was

> passing out

> > > > > > > (vasovagel?)...The condition began to improve, but months

> > > later, I

> > > > > > > had severe pre-eclampsia. This turned into HELLP syndrome

> and

> > > I

> > > > > > > delivered the babies early.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > My health has generally gotten worse since the birth of my

> > > > > children.

> > > > > > > I thought it was just the typical tiredness associated

> with

> > > having

> > > > > > > (2) children....When they were about five, I had a number

> of

> > > > > > > issues " suddenly " arise. I was told that I was terribly

> anemic

> > > > > (they

> > > > > > > told me the reason for dizziness, muscle cramps, foggy

> head,

> > > > > etc), I

> > > > > > > was showing suddenly high glucose (A1c), lipid profile was

> > > > > > > concerning, and BP getting worse. I was put on iron,

> > > glucophage,

> > > > > > > hydrochlorothyzide and lisinopril...My BP came down, but

> I was

> > > > > > > passing out frequently. I had terrible cramps, weakness --

> even

> > > > > > > walking up a flight of stairs would cause me to shake,

> sweat,

> > > > > heart

> > > > > > > pounding, etc...I made several trips to urgent care where

> they

> > > > > told

> > > > > > > me I was dehydrated and gave me fluids and told me my

> > > potassium

> > > > > > > levels were low. Finally, my doctor decided to switch the

> > > > > diuretic to

> > > > > > > triamterene and the symptoms mostly stopped. My potassium

> > > levels

> > > > > are

> > > > > > > now almost always right about 3.5. During this time, i was

> > > > > referred

> > > > > > > to yet another cardiologist who told me i now have an

> > > abdominal

> > > > > > > bruit...I had a sonogram and was told it was fine...So

> now no

> > > > > > > irregular ECK or Mitral Valve Prolapse, just the bruit....

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > About a month ago, I began having terrible headaches and

> more

> > > of

> > > > > the

> > > > > > > same weakness, insomnia, foggy head, etc....My doctor

> found

> > > that

> > > > > my

> > > > > > > BP had increased again --back to about 150/100. In

> addition, I

> > > > > have

> > > > > > > been having terrible chest pain when active. I decided to

> do

> > > some

> > > > > > > research, really out of desperation! I began searching my

> > > symptoms

> > > > > > > and found the word ALDOSTERONE coming up again and

> again...

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > Two weeks ago, I went back to my doctor and told her that

> > > > > although it

> > > > > > > probably sounded crazy --and heaven forbid i seem like

> one of

> > > > > those

> > > > > > > whacky patients that always shows up with junk from the

> > > internet,

> > > > > I

> > > > > > > really wanted her to test my adosterone level. I then

> > > explained

> > > > > > > why. Her eyes widened and she said, " wouldn't it be weird

> if

> > > it

> > > > > > > turned out to be related to your many underlying issues? "

> I

> > > took a

> > > > > > > plasma aldosterone level a few days later and it was 39.

> The

> > > > > > > cortisol and other hormones were fine. Unfortunately, she

> did

> > > not

> > > > > do

> > > > > > > the renin --she told me it was not an acurate test?! So

> when

> > > the

> > > > > > > ALDOSTERONE result came back, she told me I had been

> RIGHT -

> > > and

> > > > > she

> > > > > > > hopes this turns out to be the unifying underlying issue.

> I

> > > am now

> > > > > > > to go back to the endocrinologist for imaging and further

> > > testing.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > Sorry for the LONG life story here...I was hoping someone

> > > might

> > > > > have

> > > > > > > some feedback. Rather than going back to the same doctors

> > > (Endo

> > > > > and

> > > > > > > Cardiologist) who could not help me previously, I think I

> > > should

> > > > > seek

> > > > > > > out a specialist with experience in these sorts of

> things...I

> > > know

> > > > > > > from reading what tests they will likely need for further

> > > > > assessment.

> > > > > > > Anyone know of someone in my area??

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > I have been struggling for almost 30 years now with

> seemingly

> > > > > > > mysterious (and as I've heard numerous times, just

> unlucky)

> > > > > issues.

> > > > > > > And for the sake of my children, I must get better...

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > Thanks so much for reading and best wishes for good

> health to

> > > all!

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > #628c2a; font-size: 100%; line-height: 122%; } #ygrp-

> > > > > > > sponsor .ad a{ text-decoration: none; } #ygrp-sponsor .ad

> > > > > > > a:hover{ text-decoration: underline; } #ygrp-sponsor .ad p

> {

> > > > > margin:

> > > > > > > 0; } o{font-size: 0; } .MsoNormal{ margin: 0 0 0 0; }

> #ygrp-

> > > text

> > > > > > > tt{ font-size: 120%; } blockquote{margin: 0 0 0

> 4px;} .replbq

> > > > > {margin:

> > > > > > > 4} --> >

> > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > > >