[Guest]

I'm a 65 year old male. I am 5'7" tall with a muscular build and I weigh about 180 pounds. I've been taking medication for "high blood pressure" for 20 years. My blood pressure over time has continued to move up slightly, and my doctors have been varying my medication and increasing dosages. About 2 years ago my blood pressure went up to about 160/90 and with medication could be maintained at about 150/88. About 2 weeks ago my blood pressure went up to 210/105. My doctor has added more medication and increased my dosages, with practically no affect. I am currently taking 20 milligrams of Zestril in the morning and in the evening, coupled with 6.5 milligrams of Coreg both morning and night. My pulse rate both at rest, and after walking 2 miles, stays at 65 to 70 beats per minute. I'm a non-smoker although I do enjoy an occasional Gin Martini and a glass or two of red wind with certain dinner meals. Although I do eat red meat and eggs on a regular basis, my cholesterol over the last 20 years has stayed at about 196. I had an EKG run this week and my doctor says that the results basically look normal. I am now scheduled for an echocardiogram, but I guess that I am doubtful that anythng will show up in the test.

My question, based on the all of the variables of my condition, is there some insidious contributor to hypertension that might be creating my problem, that is outside of the areas we are investigating, or the treatment regimen we have been following?