Blood Drug Testing

Tachycardia and high blood pressure due to prolonged stress?

Is this possible? Background: I am 15 years old, male, and I have an IQ of 147 (yes, this is relevant). My parents split up during the summer of 2008. At this time my blood pressure was at a healthy level and I was not experiencing tachycardia without reason (ie exercise). The last time my blood pressure was recorded as healthy was in December. Not long after, on new years day, my father suffered a stroke* (albeit a minor one). This, in conjunction with the separation, was quite hard on me. At this time my sister began living at my mother's, as I remained with my father. We would frequently have conversations about my mother, me, my sister, and real estate issues, some of which developed into arguments (don't take this the wrong way; I have a positive relationship with my father). This placed a great deal of emotional stress on me. As the end of the school year approached**, I began experiencing episodes of tachycardia at school, as well as persistent diarrhea. I visited my doctor (about 1.5 months before the end of school) because of this diarrhea, and, while waiting for my appointment, experienced a very high heart rate. I naturally brought this up to my doctor and he referred me to a pediatrician (for both this and the diarrhea). My pediatrician ran all the tests he could (I am scheduled to see a cardiologist in january and I am scheduled for a renal ultrasound this fall), being the specific professional that he is, which all came back normal. These tests included an array of blood tests, stool samples, electrocardiograms, general vital signs, and chest x-rays. Over a period of three months, my blood pressure read as high (140-150 systolic and 85-92ish diastolic) at each appointment. When I told him I was suffering from a pulse visible in my eye, he prescribed propranolol (3 10mg doses a day, 8am, 2pm, 8pm) for me. That drug didn't reduce my blood pressure effectively enough so I was placed on Lisinopril just last week. As I attempted to gradually reduce my propranolol dose I experienced tachycardia, so, after consulting an ER doctor, resumed my regular dosage. I am due to see my pediatrician this thursday. *I was home alone with my father when he suffered the stroke, which took place during a huge blizzard. It was rather traumatic. **I was stressed for exams, and I have horrible homework habits (I am a chronic procrastinator). I forgot to mention that my Lisinopril dosage is 10mg once a day (8am). Yes, my question is whether or not the stress in my life could possibly be the cause of my issues. Thanks for the non-spam response :P "I HAV SOLV 4 UR PROBLM... visit link here: *insert masked url* IT WIL HLP U LIEK IT HLPED ME" Lol... The propranolol was to reduce the strength of my pulse, because the blood vessels in my eye were, evidently, being placed under increased stress. Propranolol is used in the treatment of tachycardia and high blood pressure, so I can't see why my pediatrician is an idiot; however, I'll leave that judgement up to you though - you're the professional. Oh, I also find it hard to believe that a "Registered Doctor" plays pokemon diamond (I don't recommend that you make your questions/answers public, otherwise you will appear as what you are, a sham).

Public Comments

1. So your question is to ask if it's possible that stress caused this? I am on propranolol also for suffering from tachycardia. Stress is a very big cause of high blood pressure.
2. Yes it is possible for tachycardia to happen due to stress, and it is also very possible that the spells you were having were seizures. When the body seizes that is when part of your brain shuts down, due to stress, too much information stuffed into your brain, a seizure is the bodys way of saying its had enough. oh and the idiot doctor that gave you propanolol for your eye obviously doesn't know what he's on about. propanolol is for heart pressure, not your eye. and a good med to help with your spells would be diazapam, 10mg every time you have a spell. so yes tachycardia is caused by stress. I really hope this is the answer you're looking for
3. sorry to hear that you're so young try to not worry yourself to death just relax and go for a walk in the park find a place in your mind that gives you complete relaxation and dont stress it make your bp worse if you sit at home and all you do is think about every possible bad thing that has happened and imagine that things that can happen you would probably kill yourself just thinking, too much thinking is bad so just try to enjoy everyday on this beautiful planet your lucky to be alive and enjoy it, good luck bro
4. Yes stress is a factor in your condition. I am presently on Lisinopril and have been on it since diagnosed with Aortic Dissection. My job as a Manhunter in Law enforcement meant that I was on duty 24/7 for transports and apprehensions. Stress will wear you down and cause your heart to beat harder. You need to quiet yourself and your mind - quiet time and find an outlet for your stress. Exercise, sports and even video games will help to ease the stress but make time for yourself and take your medication...my dosage is 20mgs twice a day but I'm 56 yrs old and weight in at 275lbs and have undergone two heart surgeries and an abdominal aortic aneurysm removal. Talk about stress!!!!