High Blood Pressure After Pacemaker

My father, 79 years old, coded at home once and in the hospital 3 times two weeks ago. They inserted a pacemaker and it was a lifesaver!

However, after the pacemaker, his blood pressure was high. He was kept in the hospital for 3 days as they tried to find the combination of meds to get his blood pressure under control.

They discharged him on 3 blood pressure meds - all the max dosage. Well, now, at home, his blood pressure is fine in the morning - but in the evening time - after like 8:00 pm it shoots up to the 160 - 180 marks.

His PCP called in Clonidine to use only when it spikes up higher than 160 - and I have to give it to him almost every night. Has anybody else experienced this?

I am going to make an appointment with his cardiologist before the scheduled 6 weeks one - because I am not sure if this regime is safe or if it should be continued - or if it's normal.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

4 Comments

High BP

by ElectricFrank - 2012-01-31 01:01:44

There can be an increase in BP with a pacer as it improves the pumping efficiency of the heart.

As for the evening spike here are some things to look for:
1. Is there anything he is doing that might affect his BP? Some favorite exciting TV show?
2. Are any of the BP meds he is taking the time release types. These don't release the med evenly. They tend to be cyclic. The increase in BP at 8:00 could be due to it being the low release time in one of those cycles.
3. Sometimes there can be a rebound effect if a person has alcohol with a meal.

just some thoughts,

frank

Sotalol

by Duke Heart Patient - 2012-01-31 04:01:12

Ask about taking Sotalol .... I'm on it , it's a beta blocker and seems I be worki great !!!!

Hopful

by C. Wynn - 2012-01-31 12:01:15

Hello My name is Charlie I am a 34 year female and I have that issues with the Dr. trying to get my BP up I went for a routine pacecheck in May 2011 and was sent to the E.R. for low BP 64/48 pulse 70 . They kept me for 2 days and told me I have Orthostatichypotension. I now drink tons of water and eat saltine crackers allday long. And my bp is currently running at 78/66-90/70 so it is much better however it is not 120/80 either .

Another thought

by ElectricFrank - 2012-02-02 12:02:33

In some people being cold will increase BP.

frank

You know you're wired when...

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