Untreated hypertension and eye swelling
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Sep 23 2009
Q: I had untreated hypertension that caused swelling in the blood vessels leading to the optic nerve in my right eye. This has caused gray areas in my field of vision. A neuro ophthalmologist put me on steroids 60mg/per day for three weeks. The blood pressure is well under control now. In your opinion is there a chance that my vision may improve?
A: Yes, there is a chance your vision may improve. Hopefully the steroids will decrease the swelling and the injured eye cells will be able to recover. Recovery can be slow so be patient and carefully follow your doctors’ instructions.
Tags: blood pressure, Blood Pressure & Hypertension, Blood vessels, eye cells, eye swelling, Medical Conditions, untreated hypertensionUntreated hypertension
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: May 11 2009
Q: My average reading over the past 2 years has been 152/74 with pulse rate of 49. I try to follow a heart-healty diet. I take no drugs (except baby asprin daily). Is this adequate? My age is 73, height 5′10″, weight 168 lbs. I walk briskly 2 miles daily. My parents and grandparents all died of coronary disease between the ages of 58 and 76.
A: Sometimes a healthy life style isn’t enough to prevent and control high blood pressure. By your measurements, you have systolic hypertension. Left untreated, this increases your chance of suffering a heart attack or stroke. Your parents and grandparents are telling you to seek treatment.
Tags: baby asprin, Blood Pressure & Hypertension, coronary disease, healthy life style, heart attack, heart healty diet, high blood pressure, parents and grandparents, systolic hypertension, untreated hypertensionUndiagnosed hypertension
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Oct 17 2008
Q: What has happened to the heart if high blood pressure has been undiagnosed/untreated for about a year?
A: You need to discuss this with your doctor. Clearly something has changed. Perhaps you have gained a lot of weight, have developed venous insufficiency, or some other more serious medical problem. Without knowing what has caused the change, it is not possible to make a treatment recommendation.
Tags: blood pressure, Blood Pressure & Hypertension, heart, undiagnosed, undiagnosed hypertension, untreated, untreated hypertension
