Your doctor may order tests for kidney disease or the presence of excess hormones that may be leading to high blood pressure. You may be asked to undergo a sleep study to check for sleep apnea. For example, imaging tests of the kidneys may be done to rule out abnormal blockage of the arteries to the kidneys (renal artery stenosis). X-rays, ultrasound and CT scans and other tests may be ordered depending on other conditions your provider may need to rule out. In addition, since hypothyroidism can contribute to high blood pressure, you may also be tested for thyroid disease. A blood test may be done for adrenal hormones, to screen for possible disease in the adrenal glands. These may include a urine test for protein or albumin blood tests for glucose, electrolytes such as sodium and potassium and the blood creatinine level. These bruits may signal abnormal deposits of fatty tissue, also called plaques, in these blood vessels. The physical exam will look for abnormal changes in the eye (a condition called hypertensive retinopathy), and abnormal sounds called bruits (vascular murmur) over some major arteries. In a detailed history your provider may ask when your high blood pressure began and how long it’s been going on current drugs you take (including herbal medications) and if you take them as prescribed and questions about possible secondary causes of your uncontrolled hypertension. Get a detailed history and physical exam. To make a diagnosis of resistant hypertension, your healthcare provider may: Less common causes include pheochromocytoma, a tumor in the adrenal gland aortic narrowing and Cushing syndrome, an overproduction of some steroid hormones.Renal artery stenosis, a narrowing of the arteries of the kidneys.Primary hyperaldosteronism, an excessive production of certain hormones from the adrenal glands.These conditions may be raising your blood pressure.Įxamples of such secondary causes include: Sometimes treatable secondary causes may be the source of your resistant hypertension. Ginseng, licorice or other herbal products.Oral contraceptives ( birth control pills).Painkiller medications, especially NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen and naproxen.The following can all contribute to the development of both hypertension and resistant hypertension:Ī variety of medications including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, can contribute to poor blood pressure control. A hypertensive crisis needs attention immediately. However, if your blood pressure suddenly gets very high you may experience a hypertensive crisis with headaches, pounding in the chest, dizziness and shortness of breath. You can also measure it at home with a good, inexpensive electronic monitor, available at most drug stores or online. You and your healthcare provider should monitor your blood pressure numbers regularly, especially as you get older. But untreated high blood pressure is potentially dangerous to your health. High blood pressure itself rarely causes symptoms, which is why it’s called the “silent killer.” Some people can go years without even realizing they have hypertension. What are the symptoms of resistant hypertension? You’re more likely to have resistant hypertension if you: Who is at risk for developing resistant hypertension? Sometimes an underlying medical condition, or secondary cause, can keep your high blood pressure resistant to medications. You are taking four or more medications to control your high blood pressure.Your blood pressure stays high (reading of 130/80 mmHg and above) - even if you take three blood pressure-lowering medications including one diuretic (water pill). People with hard-to-treat, resistant hypertension have a higher risk of stroke, kidney disease and heart failure than people whose high blood pressure is controlled. But it becomes even more frustrating when you are on multiple medications and don’t see any improvements. Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a major health issue. Resistant hypertension is a condition where your blood pressure remains high or uncontrolled despite the medications you take to lower it.
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