PA investigation

[Guest guest]

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