Guest guest Posted April 24, 2012 Report Share Posted April 24, 2012 Need values and normal range. The AAR will depend on the units. Experts in PA are in Brisbane. See if anyone in your area trained there. Or have your dr real recent pubs by that group. Stowasser T is the leader and I know him well. Had hoped to get to Sydney for inter soc htn meeting this sept but no $. May your pressure be low!CE Grim MS, MDSpecializing in DifficultHypertensionOn Apr 24, 2012, at 10:22, julz51 <bookaddict51@...> wrote: Hi everyone I have been following the discussions for a couple of weeks now of which I have found to be very interesting. I didn't feel inclined to post until I received the results of my tests today. I am a 46 yo female living in Perth, Australia. Back in December 2011, during a routine visit to my doctor, he noted my BP was 165/95. Consequently he wrote up a referral to have a barrage of blood tests done including a ARR. Although he felt we couldn't ignore this reading, he wasn't in any hurry for me to have the tests (just need to have them done in the next couple of months). I waited to February to get Christmas etc out of the way. All tests came in within normal range apart from vitamin D at 34 and my ARR was 73. My BP was again 165/95. Course of action was to wait 6 weeks and repeat the ARR. The results had not arrived on my return visit and my BP was 150/90. Fast forward to today whereby I returned to find my ARR has dropped to 40, BP back up to 165/85. Due to the lab's reference range cutoff of 70, my dr has discounted PA being the cause of my high BP. I am not sure if the unit of measurement is different in Australia, my concern is most articles I have read refer to the cutoff being much lower than 70. I understand there is much more to a confirmed diagnosis of PA than a ARR level alone. A bit of background, I have always had very good health, I am aoprox 10kgs overweight and lead an active lifestyle. We run a small horse property. We have MEN1 in the family on my mother's side although my mum has not shown any signs of the syndrome. My dad who is within a healthy weight range has high BP andI his mother died early from a stroke. In my younger days, I averaged around 100/110 over 60/70. Over the past 3 or 4 years, BP has sat on 140/90. Dr has commented on this and noted to check next time I came in. I was taking a NSAID for OA which I ceased 2 weeks prior to the tests at my Dr's request. Other medication is 4mg of Polaramine per day for allergies. There was no mention of low K so I am assuming that was OK. I do however experience intermittent episodes of fatigue, thirst, frequent urination and night time foot cramps. Over the past 4 months, I have experienced breakthrough bleeding which is very unusual as I have never had a problem with this before. My hormone levels were tested and all within normal limits. Dr is very reluctant to commence medication due to my young age haha! I am now going to be fitted with a 24 hour BP monitor to rule out "white coat hypertension". I would be surprised if this is the cause as I am not generally an anxious person and have had my BP taken on many occasions. I don't have the exact figures Ie renin or aldosterone, only the ratio. Apologies this has turned into a novel. One thing I have learned from all my research is we need to take a proactive approach to our own health. I would be interested to hear your thoughts in particular the difference with the reference ranges if known. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 24, 2012 Report Share Posted April 24, 2012 First, I recommend you review " Stowasser et al PA Review " in our files. (They are from your neck of the woods!) You will note there are two different reference ranges for ARR depending on which method is being used. (They would have to show me the lab results, I am over trusting anyone!) 24 hr BP monitor is good. I find office BP is almost never done correctly even at NIH! If they didn't take it with you sitting, back supported, quietly for 5mins, arm supported, no coffee etc for 30 min, no need to go to the bathroom (what did I miss Dr. G.?)THEY ARE DOING IT WRONG! Then take atleast 2 (preferably 3 and ignore the first). Average last 2 and track it! I do mine every morning and will only allow doctors to change treatment based on my numbers! I did not take my cuff to NIH but you can bet I will next time! (There is a saying, " What doesn't kill you makes you smarter (or stronger)! " As far as I know BP has no bias based on age! (It can ruin hearts, kidneys, lungs, etc at any age!) It might be better to find a real doctor, IMHO! Keep them honest and make sure they include you as part of the team! I told them at NIH I " was going to put the " I " in " TEAM " ! They asked me to explain: " If I didn't immediately become part of the team, I was going to take my butt back to Vermont. " Communication and facts flowed a lot better after that 45 minute discussion! Keep us plsted. > > Hi everyone > > I have been following the discussions for a couple of weeks now of which I have found to be very interesting. I didn't feel inclined to post until I received the results of my tests today. > > I am a 46 yo female living in Perth, Australia. > > Back in December 2011, during a routine visit to my doctor, he noted my BP was 165/95. Consequently he wrote up a referral to have a barrage of blood tests done including a ARR. Although he felt we couldn't ignore this reading, he wasn't in any hurry for me to have the tests (just need to have them done in the next couple of months). I waited to February to get Christmas etc out of the way. All tests came in within normal range apart from vitamin D at 34 and my ARR was 73. My BP was again 165/95. Course of action was to wait 6 weeks and repeat the ARR. The results had not arrived on my return visit and my BP was 150/90. Fast forward to today whereby I returned to find my ARR has dropped to 40, BP back up to 165/85. > > Due to the lab's reference range cutoff of 70, my dr has discounted PA being the cause of my high BP. I am not sure if the unit of measurement is different in Australia, my concern is most articles I have read refer to the cutoff being much lower than 70. I understand there is much more to a confirmed diagnosis of PA than a ARR level alone. > > A bit of background, I have always had very good health, I am aoprox 10kgs overweight and lead an active lifestyle. We run a small horse property. We have MEN1 in the family on my mother's side although my mum has not shown any signs of the syndrome. My dad who is within a healthy weight range has high BP andI his mother died early from a stroke. In my younger days, I averaged around 100/110 over 60/70. Over the past 3 or 4 years, BP has sat on 140/90. Dr has commented on this and noted to check next time I came in. I was taking a NSAID for OA which I ceased 2 weeks prior to the tests at my Dr's request. Other medication is 4mg of Polaramine per day for allergies. > > There was no mention of low K so I am assuming that was OK. I do however experience intermittent episodes of fatigue, thirst, frequent urination and night time foot cramps. Over the past 4 months, I have experienced breakthrough bleeding which is very unusual as I have never had a problem with this before. My hormone levels were tested and all within normal limits. > > Dr is very reluctant to commence medication due to my young age haha! I am now going to be fitted with a 24 hour BP monitor to rule out " white coat hypertension " . I would be surprised if this is the cause as I am not generally an anxious person and have had my BP taken on many occasions. I don't have the exact figures Ie renin or aldosterone, only the ratio. > > Apologies this has turned into a novel. One thing I have learned from all my research is we need to take a proactive approach to our own health. > > I would be interested to hear your thoughts in particular the difference with the reference ranges if known. > > Thanks > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 24, 2012 Report Share Posted April 24, 2012 First, I recommend you review " Stowasser et al PA Review " in our files. (They are from your neck of the woods!) You will note there are two different reference ranges for ARR depending on which method is being used. (They would have to show me the lab results, I am over trusting anyone!) 24 hr BP monitor is good. I find office BP is almost never done correctly even at NIH! If they didn't take it with you sitting, back supported, quietly for 5mins, arm supported, no coffee etc for 30 min, no need to go to the bathroom (what did I miss Dr. G.?)THEY ARE DOING IT WRONG! Then take atleast 2 (preferably 3 and ignore the first). Average last 2 and track it! I do mine every morning and will only allow doctors to change treatment based on my numbers! I did not take my cuff to NIH but you can bet I will next time! (There is a saying, " What doesn't kill you makes you smarter (or stronger)! " As far as I know BP has no bias based on age! (It can ruin hearts, kidneys, lungs, etc at any age!) It might be better to find a real doctor, IMHO! Keep them honest and make sure they include you as part of the team! I told them at NIH I " was going to put the " I " in " TEAM " ! They asked me to explain: " If I didn't immediately become part of the team, I was going to take my butt back to Vermont. " Communication and facts flowed a lot better after that 45 minute discussion! Keep us plsted. > > Hi everyone > > I have been following the discussions for a couple of weeks now of which I have found to be very interesting. I didn't feel inclined to post until I received the results of my tests today. > > I am a 46 yo female living in Perth, Australia. > > Back in December 2011, during a routine visit to my doctor, he noted my BP was 165/95. Consequently he wrote up a referral to have a barrage of blood tests done including a ARR. Although he felt we couldn't ignore this reading, he wasn't in any hurry for me to have the tests (just need to have them done in the next couple of months). I waited to February to get Christmas etc out of the way. All tests came in within normal range apart from vitamin D at 34 and my ARR was 73. My BP was again 165/95. Course of action was to wait 6 weeks and repeat the ARR. The results had not arrived on my return visit and my BP was 150/90. Fast forward to today whereby I returned to find my ARR has dropped to 40, BP back up to 165/85. > > Due to the lab's reference range cutoff of 70, my dr has discounted PA being the cause of my high BP. I am not sure if the unit of measurement is different in Australia, my concern is most articles I have read refer to the cutoff being much lower than 70. I understand there is much more to a confirmed diagnosis of PA than a ARR level alone. > > A bit of background, I have always had very good health, I am aoprox 10kgs overweight and lead an active lifestyle. We run a small horse property. We have MEN1 in the family on my mother's side although my mum has not shown any signs of the syndrome. My dad who is within a healthy weight range has high BP andI his mother died early from a stroke. In my younger days, I averaged around 100/110 over 60/70. Over the past 3 or 4 years, BP has sat on 140/90. Dr has commented on this and noted to check next time I came in. I was taking a NSAID for OA which I ceased 2 weeks prior to the tests at my Dr's request. Other medication is 4mg of Polaramine per day for allergies. > > There was no mention of low K so I am assuming that was OK. I do however experience intermittent episodes of fatigue, thirst, frequent urination and night time foot cramps. Over the past 4 months, I have experienced breakthrough bleeding which is very unusual as I have never had a problem with this before. My hormone levels were tested and all within normal limits. > > Dr is very reluctant to commence medication due to my young age haha! I am now going to be fitted with a 24 hour BP monitor to rule out " white coat hypertension " . I would be surprised if this is the cause as I am not generally an anxious person and have had my BP taken on many occasions. I don't have the exact figures Ie renin or aldosterone, only the ratio. > > Apologies this has turned into a novel. One thing I have learned from all my research is we need to take a proactive approach to our own health. > > I would be interested to hear your thoughts in particular the difference with the reference ranges if known. > > Thanks > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 24, 2012 Report Share Posted April 24, 2012 Right on . 24 hr BP may be useful in PA as most with PA do not get a decline in BP at night-most likely this is due to volume controlling systems keeping pressure up at night to get rid of the salt by pressure natriuresis.This lack of a decline in BP, called no dipping, returns to normal with low sodium diet or surgery or MCB.I also talked about the Evolution of PA in Brisbane when Stowasser was just starting. 1982 I recall.CE Grim MDOn Apr 24, 2012, at 1:06 PM, wrote: First, I recommend you review "Stowasser et al PA Review" in our files. (They are from your neck of the woods!) You will note there are two different reference ranges for ARR depending on which method is being used. (They would have to show me the lab results, I am over trusting anyone!) 24 hr BP monitor is good. I find office BP is almost never done correctly even at NIH! If they didn't take it with you sitting, back supported, quietly for 5mins, arm supported, no coffee etc for 30 min, no need to go to the bathroom (what did I miss Dr. G.?)THEY ARE DOING IT WRONG! Then take atleast 2 (preferably 3 and ignore the first). Average last 2 and track it! I do mine every morning and will only allow doctors to change treatment based on my numbers! I did not take my cuff to NIH but you can bet I will next time! (There is a saying, "What doesn't kill you makes you smarter (or stronger)!" As far as I know BP has no bias based on age! (It can ruin hearts, kidneys, lungs, etc at any age!) It might be better to find a real doctor, IMHO! Keep them honest and make sure they include you as part of the team! I told them at NIH I "was going to put the "I" in "TEAM"! They asked me to explain: "If I didn't immediately become part of the team, I was going to take my butt back to Vermont." Communication and facts flowed a lot better after that 45 minute discussion! Keep us plsted. > > Hi everyone > > I have been following the discussions for a couple of weeks now of which I have found to be very interesting. I didn't feel inclined to post until I received the results of my tests today. > > I am a 46 yo female living in Perth, Australia. > > Back in December 2011, during a routine visit to my doctor, he noted my BP was 165/95. Consequently he wrote up a referral to have a barrage of blood tests done including a ARR. Although he felt we couldn't ignore this reading, he wasn't in any hurry for me to have the tests (just need to have them done in the next couple of months). I waited to February to get Christmas etc out of the way. All tests came in within normal range apart from vitamin D at 34 and my ARR was 73. My BP was again 165/95. Course of action was to wait 6 weeks and repeat the ARR. The results had not arrived on my return visit and my BP was 150/90. Fast forward to today whereby I returned to find my ARR has dropped to 40, BP back up to 165/85. > > Due to the lab's reference range cutoff of 70, my dr has discounted PA being the cause of my high BP. I am not sure if the unit of measurement is different in Australia, my concern is most articles I have read refer to the cutoff being much lower than 70. I understand there is much more to a confirmed diagnosis of PA than a ARR level alone. > > A bit of background, I have always had very good health, I am aoprox 10kgs overweight and lead an active lifestyle. We run a small horse property. We have MEN1 in the family on my mother's side although my mum has not shown any signs of the syndrome. My dad who is within a healthy weight range has high BP andI his mother died early from a stroke. In my younger days, I averaged around 100/110 over 60/70. Over the past 3 or 4 years, BP has sat on 140/90. Dr has commented on this and noted to check next time I came in. I was taking a NSAID for OA which I ceased 2 weeks prior to the tests at my Dr's request. Other medication is 4mg of Polaramine per day for allergies. > > There was no mention of low K so I am assuming that was OK. I do however experience intermittent episodes of fatigue, thirst, frequent urination and night time foot cramps. Over the past 4 months, I have experienced breakthrough bleeding which is very unusual as I have never had a problem with this before. My hormone levels were tested and all within normal limits. > > Dr is very reluctant to commence medication due to my young age haha! I am now going to be fitted with a 24 hour BP monitor to rule out "white coat hypertension". I would be surprised if this is the cause as I am not generally an anxious person and have had my BP taken on many occasions. I don't have the exact figures Ie renin or aldosterone, only the ratio. > > Apologies this has turned into a novel. One thing I have learned from all my research is we need to take a proactive approach to our own health. > > I would be interested to hear your thoughts in particular the difference with the reference ranges if known. > > Thanks > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 24, 2012 Report Share Posted April 24, 2012 : I assume they measured your arm when you came in to select the correct cuff for your arm and measured it in both arms at first and used the highest arm?Did the listen or use an automatic device? If they listened how many of their readings ended in zero.As part of a research study we just measured BP in 53 subjects (with wide range of age, weight, arm size,BP etc) 15 times each. Never got one that ended in 120/80. Yet when I ask pts what their last BP was in the Dr. office if is very often 120/80.If it was an auto one is it at the BHS site that lists devices that meet international standards?If they listened did you ask when was the last time their hearing was checked to validate adequate hearing to hear BP?Could you tell by looking at the device when it had last been calibrated? Should be a stamp or note on it.CE Grim MDOn Apr 24, 2012, at 1:06 PM, wrote: First, I recommend you review "Stowasser et al PA Review" in our files. (They are from your neck of the woods!) You will note there are two different reference ranges for ARR depending on which method is being used. (They would have to show me the lab results, I am over trusting anyone!) 24 hr BP monitor is good. I find office BP is almost never done correctly even at NIH! If they didn't take it with you sitting, back supported, quietly for 5mins, arm supported, no coffee etc for 30 min, no need to go to the bathroom (what did I miss Dr. G.?)THEY ARE DOING IT WRONG! Then take atleast 2 (preferably 3 and ignore the first). Average last 2 and track it! I do mine every morning and will only allow doctors to change treatment based on my numbers! I did not take my cuff to NIH but you can bet I will next time! (There is a saying, "What doesn't kill you makes you smarter (or stronger)!" As far as I know BP has no bias based on age! (It can ruin hearts, kidneys, lungs, etc at any age!) It might be better to find a real doctor, IMHO! Keep them honest and make sure they include you as part of the team! I told them at NIH I "was going to put the "I" in "TEAM"! They asked me to explain: "If I didn't immediately become part of the team, I was going to take my butt back to Vermont." Communication and facts flowed a lot better after that 45 minute discussion! Keep us plsted. > > Hi everyone > > I have been following the discussions for a couple of weeks now of which I have found to be very interesting. I didn't feel inclined to post until I received the results of my tests today. > > I am a 46 yo female living in Perth, Australia. > > Back in December 2011, during a routine visit to my doctor, he noted my BP was 165/95. Consequently he wrote up a referral to have a barrage of blood tests done including a ARR. Although he felt we couldn't ignore this reading, he wasn't in any hurry for me to have the tests (just need to have them done in the next couple of months). I waited to February to get Christmas etc out of the way. All tests came in within normal range apart from vitamin D at 34 and my ARR was 73. My BP was again 165/95. Course of action was to wait 6 weeks and repeat the ARR. The results had not arrived on my return visit and my BP was 150/90. Fast forward to today whereby I returned to find my ARR has dropped to 40, BP back up to 165/85. > > Due to the lab's reference range cutoff of 70, my dr has discounted PA being the cause of my high BP. I am not sure if the unit of measurement is different in Australia, my concern is most articles I have read refer to the cutoff being much lower than 70. I understand there is much more to a confirmed diagnosis of PA than a ARR level alone. > > A bit of background, I have always had very good health, I am aoprox 10kgs overweight and lead an active lifestyle. We run a small horse property. We have MEN1 in the family on my mother's side although my mum has not shown any signs of the syndrome. My dad who is within a healthy weight range has high BP andI his mother died early from a stroke. In my younger days, I averaged around 100/110 over 60/70. Over the past 3 or 4 years, BP has sat on 140/90. Dr has commented on this and noted to check next time I came in. I was taking a NSAID for OA which I ceased 2 weeks prior to the tests at my Dr's request. Other medication is 4mg of Polaramine per day for allergies. > > There was no mention of low K so I am assuming that was OK. I do however experience intermittent episodes of fatigue, thirst, frequent urination and night time foot cramps. Over the past 4 months, I have experienced breakthrough bleeding which is very unusual as I have never had a problem with this before. My hormone levels were tested and all within normal limits. > > Dr is very reluctant to commence medication due to my young age haha! I am now going to be fitted with a 24 hour BP monitor to rule out "white coat hypertension". I would be surprised if this is the cause as I am not generally an anxious person and have had my BP taken on many occasions. I don't have the exact figures Ie renin or aldosterone, only the ratio. > > Apologies this has turned into a novel. One thing I have learned from all my research is we need to take a proactive approach to our own health. > > I would be interested to hear your thoughts in particular the difference with the reference ranges if known. > > Thanks > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 24, 2012 Report Share Posted April 24, 2012 I only saw automatic devices, they usually changed to the large cuff and often got the arrow pointing at my artery! A couple of them stopped talking to me and few didn't try to take my hearing aid's tempature! Some of them realized hearing aids would artifically raise temp so they had a manual thermometer but didn't realize the coffee I was drinking when they came in might affect it (nobody figured out the coffee might have an impact on BP either!) My doctor was insistant we had to get my BP lower so I took over! I insisted they let me sit in the chair and relax atleast 2 minutes. Then I offered my other arm (it is often 15-20 points lower). Doctor was happy, I was happy, and 4 nurses were much more relaxed at 2:15 a.m.! Do you know how hard it is to get 4700 mg of K when you are only allowed 4 hrs day to eat? I always tried to have 4 cans of L-S V8 available, at one point I requested a V8 drip setup! One time the machine would only pump to 153 lbs. After the third try I told her I thought it was broken. She immediately tried it again and when it got to 153 lbs let it churn for a minute. Then she went and got another machine that worked, of course my arm might not have been working correctly! I'll have a headband with "S-T-U-P-I-D" printed on it for my next trip! (Sorry, !) > > >> > > Hi everyone> > >> > > I have been following the discussions for a couple of weeks now of > > which I have found to be very interesting. I didn't feel inclined to > > post until I received the results of my tests today.> > >> > > I am a 46 yo female living in Perth, Australia.> > >> > > Back in December 2011, during a routine visit to my doctor, he > > noted my BP was 165/95. Consequently he wrote up a referral to have > > a barrage of blood tests done including a ARR. Although he felt we > > couldn't ignore this reading, he wasn't in any hurry for me to have > > the tests (just need to have them done in the next couple of > > months). I waited to February to get Christmas etc out of the way. > > All tests came in within normal range apart from vitamin D at 34 and > > my ARR was 73. My BP was again 165/95. Course of action was to wait > > 6 weeks and repeat the ARR. The results had not arrived on my return > > visit and my BP was 150/90. Fast forward to today whereby I returned > > to find my ARR has dropped to 40, BP back up to 165/85.> > >> > > Due to the lab's reference range cutoff of 70, my dr has > > discounted PA being the cause of my high BP. I am not sure if the > > unit of measurement is different in Australia, my concern is most > > articles I have read refer to the cutoff being much lower than 70. I > > understand there is much more to a confirmed diagnosis of PA than a > > ARR level alone.> > >> > > A bit of background, I have always had very good health, I am > > aoprox 10kgs overweight and lead an active lifestyle. We run a small > > horse property. We have MEN1 in the family on my mother's side > > although my mum has not shown any signs of the syndrome. My dad who > > is within a healthy weight range has high BP andI his mother died > > early from a stroke. In my younger days, I averaged around 100/110 > > over 60/70. Over the past 3 or 4 years, BP has sat on 140/90. Dr has > > commented on this and noted to check next time I came in. I was > > taking a NSAID for OA which I ceased 2 weeks prior to the tests at > > my Dr's request. Other medication is 4mg of Polaramine per day for > > allergies.> > >> > > There was no mention of low K so I am assuming that was OK. I do > > however experience intermittent episodes of fatigue, thirst, > > frequent urination and night time foot cramps. Over the past 4 > > months, I have experienced breakthrough bleeding which is very > > unusual as I have never had a problem with this before. My hormone > > levels were tested and all within normal limits.> > >> > > Dr is very reluctant to commence medication due to my young age > > haha! I am now going to be fitted with a 24 hour BP monitor to rule > > out "white coat hypertension". I would be surprised if this is the > > cause as I am not generally an anxious person and have had my BP > > taken on many occasions. I don't have the exact figures Ie renin or > > aldosterone, only the ratio.> > >> > > Apologies this has turned into a novel. One thing I have learned > > from all my research is we need to take a proactive approach to our > > own health.> > >> > > I would be interested to hear your thoughts in particular the > > difference with the reference ranges if known.> > >> > > Thanks> > >> > > > > >> >> >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 24, 2012 Report Share Posted April 24, 2012 I only saw automatic devices, they usually changed to the large cuff and often got the arrow pointing at my artery! A couple of them stopped talking to me and few didn't try to take my hearing aid's tempature! Some of them realized hearing aids would artifically raise temp so they had a manual thermometer but didn't realize the coffee I was drinking when they came in might affect it (nobody figured out the coffee might have an impact on BP either!) My doctor was insistant we had to get my BP lower so I took over! I insisted they let me sit in the chair and relax atleast 2 minutes. Then I offered my other arm (it is often 15-20 points lower). Doctor was happy, I was happy, and 4 nurses were much more relaxed at 2:15 a.m.! Do you know how hard it is to get 4700 mg of K when you are only allowed 4 hrs day to eat? I always tried to have 4 cans of L-S V8 available, at one point I requested a V8 drip setup! One time the machine would only pump to 153 lbs. After the third try I told her I thought it was broken. She immediately tried it again and when it got to 153 lbs let it churn for a minute. Then she went and got another machine that worked, of course my arm might not have been working correctly! I'll have a headband with "S-T-U-P-I-D" printed on it for my next trip! (Sorry, !) > > >> > > Hi everyone> > >> > > I have been following the discussions for a couple of weeks now of > > which I have found to be very interesting. I didn't feel inclined to > > post until I received the results of my tests today.> > >> > > I am a 46 yo female living in Perth, Australia.> > >> > > Back in December 2011, during a routine visit to my doctor, he > > noted my BP was 165/95. Consequently he wrote up a referral to have > > a barrage of blood tests done including a ARR. Although he felt we > > couldn't ignore this reading, he wasn't in any hurry for me to have > > the tests (just need to have them done in the next couple of > > months). I waited to February to get Christmas etc out of the way. > > All tests came in within normal range apart from vitamin D at 34 and > > my ARR was 73. My BP was again 165/95. Course of action was to wait > > 6 weeks and repeat the ARR. The results had not arrived on my return > > visit and my BP was 150/90. Fast forward to today whereby I returned > > to find my ARR has dropped to 40, BP back up to 165/85.> > >> > > Due to the lab's reference range cutoff of 70, my dr has > > discounted PA being the cause of my high BP. I am not sure if the > > unit of measurement is different in Australia, my concern is most > > articles I have read refer to the cutoff being much lower than 70. I > > understand there is much more to a confirmed diagnosis of PA than a > > ARR level alone.> > >> > > A bit of background, I have always had very good health, I am > > aoprox 10kgs overweight and lead an active lifestyle. We run a small > > horse property. We have MEN1 in the family on my mother's side > > although my mum has not shown any signs of the syndrome. My dad who > > is within a healthy weight range has high BP andI his mother died > > early from a stroke. In my younger days, I averaged around 100/110 > > over 60/70. Over the past 3 or 4 years, BP has sat on 140/90. Dr has > > commented on this and noted to check next time I came in. I was > > taking a NSAID for OA which I ceased 2 weeks prior to the tests at > > my Dr's request. Other medication is 4mg of Polaramine per day for > > allergies.> > >> > > There was no mention of low K so I am assuming that was OK. I do > > however experience intermittent episodes of fatigue, thirst, > > frequent urination and night time foot cramps. Over the past 4 > > months, I have experienced breakthrough bleeding which is very > > unusual as I have never had a problem with this before. My hormone > > levels were tested and all within normal limits.> > >> > > Dr is very reluctant to commence medication due to my young age > > haha! I am now going to be fitted with a 24 hour BP monitor to rule > > out "white coat hypertension". I would be surprised if this is the > > cause as I am not generally an anxious person and have had my BP > > taken on many occasions. I don't have the exact figures Ie renin or > > aldosterone, only the ratio.> > >> > > Apologies this has turned into a novel. One thing I have learned > > from all my research is we need to take a proactive approach to our > > own health.> > >> > > I would be interested to hear your thoughts in particular the > > difference with the reference ranges if known.> > >> > > Thanks> > >> > > > > >> >> >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 24, 2012 Report Share Posted April 24, 2012 Hmm. if you have that big of a difference between arms ask your team why? Without doing BP in both arms at the same time if can be tricky to make the Dx.There are a number of reasons for a difference. All should use the higher arm as that is what your heart and brain see. Unless you have a rare problem like Monkeburg's sclerosis which can cause pseudohypertension.CE Grim MDOn Apr 24, 2012, at 3:46 PM, wrote: I only saw automatic devices, they usually changed to the large cuff and often got the arrow pointing at my artery! A couple of them stopped talking to me and few didn't try to take my hearing aid's tempature! Some of them realized hearing aids would artifically raise temp so they had a manual thermometer but didn't realize the coffee I was drinking when they came in might affect it (nobody figured out the coffee might have an impact on BP either!) My doctor was insistant we had to get my BP lower so I took over! I insisted they let me sit in the chair and relax atleast 2 minutes. Then I offered my other arm (it is often 15-20 points lower). Doctor was happy, I was happy, and 4 nurses were much more relaxed at 2:15 a.m.! Do you know how hard it is to get 4700 mg of K when you are only allowed 4 hrs day to eat? I always tried to have 4 cans of L-S V8 available, at one point I requested a V8 drip setup!One time the machine would only pump to 153 lbs. After the third try I told her I thought it was broken. She immediately tried it again and when it got to 153 lbs let it churn for a minute. Then she went and got another machine that worked, of course my arm might not have been working correctly! I'll have a headband with "S-T-U-P-I-D" printed on it for my next trip! (Sorry, !) > > >> > > Hi everyone> > >> > > I have been following the discussions for a couple of weeks now of > > which I have found to be very interesting. I didn't feel inclined to > > post until I received the results of my tests today.> > >> > > I am a 46 yo female living in Perth, Australia.> > >> > > Back in December 2011, during a routine visit to my doctor, he > > noted my BP was 165/95. Consequently he wrote up a referral to have > > a barrage of blood tests done including a ARR. Although he felt we > > couldn't ignore this reading, he wasn't in any hurry for me to have > > the tests (just need to have them done in the next couple of > > months). I waited to February to get Christmas etc out of the way. > > All tests came in within normal range apart from vitamin D at 34 and > > my ARR was 73. My BP was again 165/95. Course of action was to wait > > 6 weeks and repeat the ARR. The results had not arrived on my return > > visit and my BP was 150/90. Fast forward to today whereby I returned > > to find my ARR has dropped to 40, BP back up to 165/85.> > >> > > Due to the lab's reference range cutoff of 70, my dr has > > discounted PA being the cause of my high BP. I am not sure if the > > unit of measurement is different in Australia, my concern is most > > articles I have read refer to the cutoff being much lower than 70. I > > understand there is much more to a confirmed diagnosis of PA than a > > ARR level alone.> > >> > > A bit of background, I have always had very good health, I am > > aoprox 10kgs overweight and lead an active lifestyle. We run a small > > horse property. We have MEN1 in the family on my mother's side > > although my mum has not shown any signs of the syndrome. My dad who > > is within a healthy weight range has high BP andI his mother died > > early from a stroke. In my younger days, I averaged around 100/110 > > over 60/70. Over the past 3 or 4 years, BP has sat on 140/90. Dr has > > commented on this and noted to check next time I came in. I was > > taking a NSAID for OA which I ceased 2 weeks prior to the tests at > > my Dr's request. Other medication is 4mg of Polaramine per day for > > allergies.> > >> > > There was no mention of low K so I am assuming that was OK. I do > > however experience intermittent episodes of fatigue, thirst, > > frequent urination and night time foot cramps. Over the past 4 > > months, I have experienced breakthrough bleeding which is very > > unusual as I have never had a problem with this before. My hormone > > levels were tested and all within normal limits.> > >> > > Dr is very reluctant to commence medication due to my young age > > haha! I am now going to be fitted with a 24 hour BP monitor to rule > > out "white coat hypertension". I would be surprised if this is the > > cause as I am not generally an anxious person and have had my BP > > taken on many occasions. I don't have the exact figures Ie renin or > > aldosterone, only the ratio.> > >> > > Apologies this has turned into a novel. One thing I have learned > > from all my research is we need to take a proactive approach to our > > own health.> > >> > > I would be interested to hear your thoughts in particular the > > difference with the reference ranges if known.> > >> > > Thanks> > >> > > > > >> >> >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 25, 2012 Report Share Posted April 25, 2012 Thanks Dr Grim and for replying to my email.I have located Dr Stowasser's Review and it looks like my ARR is now within normal limits according to the Aussie scales. I will be conducting the 24 hour BP test next week and I will be reviewing lifestyle and diet to try and get my BP down.Thanks again for pointing me in the right direction to find the information I needed.I might stay around here for a bit longer to see how everyone is getting on.Thanks aain my poPimp my poSent from my iPadOn 25/04/2012, at 2:06 AM, " " <jclark24p@...> wrote: First, I recommend you review "Stowasser et al PA Review" in our files. (They are from your neck of the woods!) You will note there are two different reference ranges for ARR depending on which method is being used. (They would have to show me the lab results, I am over trusting anyone!) 24 hr BP monitor is good. I find office BP is almost never done correctly even at NIH! If they didn't take it with you sitting, back supported, quietly for 5mins, arm supported, no coffee etc for 30 min, no need to go to the bathroom (what did I miss Dr. G.?)THEY ARE DOING IT WRONG! Then take atleast 2 (preferably 3 and ignore the first). Average last 2 and track it! I do mine every morning and will only allow doctors to change treatment based on my numbers! I did not take my cuff to NIH but you can bet I will next time! (There is a saying, "What doesn't kill you makes you smarter (or stronger)!" As far as I know BP has no bias based on age! (It can ruin hearts, kidneys, lungs, etc at any age!) It might be better to find a real doctor, IMHO! Keep them honest and make sure they include you as part of the team! I told them at NIH I "was going to put the "I" in "TEAM"! They asked me to explain: "If I didn't immediately become part of the team, I was going to take my butt back to Vermont." Communication and facts flowed a lot better after that 45 minute discussion! Keep us plsted. > > Hi everyone > > I have been following the discussions for a couple of weeks now of which I have found to be very interesting. I didn't feel inclined to post until I received the results of my tests today. > > I am a 46 yo female living in Perth, Australia. > > Back in December 2011, during a routine visit to my doctor, he noted my BP was 165/95. Consequently he wrote up a referral to have a barrage of blood tests done including a ARR. Although he felt we couldn't ignore this reading, he wasn't in any hurry for me to have the tests (just need to have them done in the next couple of months). I waited to February to get Christmas etc out of the way. All tests came in within normal range apart from vitamin D at 34 and my ARR was 73. My BP was again 165/95. Course of action was to wait 6 weeks and repeat the ARR. The results had not arrived on my return visit and my BP was 150/90. Fast forward to today whereby I returned to find my ARR has dropped to 40, BP back up to 165/85. > > Due to the lab's reference range cutoff of 70, my dr has discounted PA being the cause of my high BP. I am not sure if the unit of measurement is different in Australia, my concern is most articles I have read refer to the cutoff being much lower than 70. I understand there is much more to a confirmed diagnosis of PA than a ARR level alone. > > A bit of background, I have always had very good health, I am aoprox 10kgs overweight and lead an active lifestyle. We run a small horse property. We have MEN1 in the family on my mother's side although my mum has not shown any signs of the syndrome. My dad who is within a healthy weight range has high BP andI his mother died early from a stroke. In my younger days, I averaged around 100/110 over 60/70. Over the past 3 or 4 years, BP has sat on 140/90. Dr has commented on this and noted to check next time I came in. I was taking a NSAID for OA which I ceased 2 weeks prior to the tests at my Dr's request. Other medication is 4mg of Polaramine per day for allergies. > > There was no mention of low K so I am assuming that was OK. I do however experience intermittent episodes of fatigue, thirst, frequent urination and night time foot cramps. Over the past 4 months, I have experienced breakthrough bleeding which is very unusual as I have never had a problem with this before. My hormone levels were tested and all within normal limits. > > Dr is very reluctant to commence medication due to my young age haha! I am now going to be fitted with a 24 hour BP monitor to rule out "white coat hypertension". I would be surprised if this is the cause as I am not generally an anxious person and have had my BP taken on many occasions. I don't have the exact figures Ie renin or aldosterone, only the ratio. > > Apologies this has turned into a novel. One thing I have learned from all my research is we need to take a proactive approach to our own health. > > I would be interested to hear your thoughts in particular the difference with the reference ranges if known. > > Thanks > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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