<human>: I am a 73 year old woman in general good health. I take my own blood pressure at home periodically and am concerned about a big increase in the last few days. It usually ranges from 120/80 -140/90. Yesterday it was 161 over 100, and today 173/83. I ve never seen it this high. I have an appointment with my internist in 2 weeks, but I m worried about the risk of stroke or heart attack. I take Vytorin for cholesterol, baby aspirin daily and levothyroxine for Hashimoto s thyroiditis. Is there something I should be doing now?
<bot>: Hello! Welcome on Chat Doctor! Regarding your concern, I would explain that these high blood pressure values could be related to different causes: 1- thyroid hormone imbalance. As you are taking levothyroxine, it would be necessary check your thyroid hormone levels to regulate the dose of levothyroxine.2- Other secondary causes of high blood pressure should be excluded. That is why I would recommend performing some other blood tests : - complete blood count for anemia-liver and kidney function tests for possible dysfunction- fasting glucose for diabetes-blood electrolytes for possible imbalance- inflammation tests (PCR, sedimentation rate). 3- If all the above-mentioned tests result normal, primary hypertension should be taken into consideration. In such case, you should discuss with your doctor on the possibility of starting antihypertensive therapy. Meanwhile, I would recommend some tips to help maintain a normal blood pressure: - reduce salt and caffeine intake-perform a lot of physical activity (walking, aerobics, recreational sports)- try to lose some weight if you are overweight. Hope you will find this answer helpful! Kind regards, 