pacemaker-induced hypertension?

I have had a normal BP reading all my life. I had a pacemaker implanted 3 years ago to increase my heart rate....no other problems with my heart. It has been working without a problem. I moved recently and needed to change cardiologists and pacemaker checkup technicians. My blood pressure was the usual 130 over 75 until the week the new technician checked my pacemaker. It went up to 160 over 90 the following week and is now (a week later) 190 over 90!!!! Can the pacemaker make such a dramatic increase in blood pressure? I have not changed anything. I take no medications, have no unusual stress, have no symptoms???
Thanks for your help with this.

4 Comments

BP Changes

by ElectricFrank - 2008-07-24 07:07:08

First off, did you get a copy of the pre and post programming report from the new tech. From this we can easily see what if any changes the tech made in your settings. If you didn't get a copy of the report, call the docs office and ask for it. Be sure it is the complete report. The usual checkup involves reading the current settings plus any significant events that have happened since the last checkup. Then the tech runs some tests and determines what changes to make. This is followed by a second report that shows the new settings.
If no changes were made then you need to look at what else could be causing the increased BP. A few possibilities are the stress of the move, job stress, a virus, allergies and there are more I can't think of right now.
As far as the "white coat" effect it can be subtle. If I kid around with the nurse my BP goes up. The best way to handle that sort of thing is to take your BP at home regularly. Don't let some new doc start to "treat" your hypertension until it is clearly established and continuing. BP is very susceptible to errors in reading, a fact which is well known in the medical field. It is also a great way to sell meds and office visits. You would be shocked to see some of the marketing literature the drug companies put out to the docs.

frank

Hypertension

by Pookie - 2008-07-24 07:07:09

Hi McDeanie.

The only 2 things that come to mind is sometimes our blood pressure is higher than normal during a doctor or hospital visit....my doctor calls it the "white coat" blood pressure! I am sure he is just pulling my leg, but you never know.

The other thing is perhaps you should check your salt intake, salty foods makes your blood pressure rise. Some drinks can have hidden salt. And if you smoke, that can also increase your blood pressure.

Hmmmmmmmm: You have me stumped, not that I'm a professional by any stretch of the imagination!

Hopefully some other members can come up with some suggestions.

You might even want to Google: Pacemaker & High Blood Pressure to see what pops up.

Good luck & keep us posted.

Pookie

Size of BP cuff

by janetinak - 2008-07-25 01:07:36

Not sure if this applies but I always ask them to check my BP with the larger cuff (thigh). Most feel it is not necessary as I am a bit "fluffy" (read fat) but my arms are not too big. When I have had my BP taken with a smaller cuff I have high readings. My Dr. years ago called it the Tourniquet effect (not sure of spelling). Maybe your previous Dr's office just used the larger cuff & now the new office maybe using a smaller (regular) sized cuff. Worth a try any how.

Also I agree with the suggestion that you get a BP cuff & check it when you are resting in your easy chair. Get some readings & see how it is @ home.

Good luck,

Janet

Bumper sticker

by ElectricFrank - 2008-07-27 01:07:07

I have always wanted a bumper sticker that says
"Hypertension is better than no blood pressure"

You know you're wired when...

Born to be Wired is your theme song.

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