Cardiology Diagnostic Tests

[marcossa]

I am a 32 year old hispanic male. I am 5'10 and 185 lbs. I have dealt with high blood pressure for the past 10 years or so. This month has been rough. I have had one stress test already (this thursday) and it was stopped because my blood pressure reading was 212/121. My average reading is 180/101. I do not understand why it is so high. My cardiologist is has been great up to this point. His last words to me were " your pressure is so high, that you are at great risk for a stroke brain hemmorage, or a heart attack". Now could you begin to understand when something like that is said to you; what actually goes through your mind? This was the beginning of this month. Today or this morning I feel like crap. I know something is wrong, or is there something wrong? My body has learned to deal with the chest discomfort and headaches. I do not want to be one of those individuals that goes to the doctor for every little thing. Besides I am not rich. I just want to stop feeling this way. I have another stress test on the 5th, a chemical stress test. Is there anyone out there that could shed some light on this "stress"? I am a 32 year old male that thinks the end is near, let the brain bleed and end the pain.....

[heartdoc]

1. You have hypertension for several years and need to be on medication for control. Person can develop hypertension as early as in late teens.
2. Uncontrolled BP can cause all those symptoms you are going through.
3. My advise is see cardiologist or any medical doctor to controll your BP ASAP. If you have symptoms or BP 180/101, seeing doctor in ER will help you untill you see your own cardiolgist.

[marcossa]

Everything that you have suggested is what I have done. The only thing I do not do is go to the ER every time my bp peaks.
My frustration is that, I take my meds, I eat normal, I do not drink, I do not smoke, I live a normal life. Why can't it be controlled?

[heartdoc]

Marcossa,

I understand you are doing your part. Unfortunatley, all medications don't work for every one. There are several and powerful new meds available for BP control. More than 50% of people need combination of three medications to control BP. It is not a bad idea to go to center who specialize in Hypertension. Please, out of frustration don't give up but seek for more opinion and go to different doctor.

[marcossa]

Thank you for your advice. I am scheduled for another stress test this Friday. Maybe they will fix the problem. I'll keep my chin up.