Blood Pressure Control: Height's Impact on Hypertension

Regarding blood pressure control?

Hello Doctor: Recently, I had a severe cold and a serious cough, and during a medical visit, I discovered that my blood pressure was elevated at around 155/107.
After a week of observation, the clinic doctor started me on two antihypertensive medications: Lercanidipine and Amlodipine.
I am 199 cm tall and my weight has decreased from 136 kg to 125 kg.
My blood pressure is currently controlled at 135/89.
However, I have noticed that I often experience dizziness when standing up from a squat or transitioning from a seated position to standing.
Sometimes, when I feel unwell, such as experiencing dizziness or headaches, my blood pressure readings are actually below 130/80, which is considered normal.
Interestingly, when my blood pressure was above 140/90, I did not have these issues! I have also heard that taller individuals may require higher blood pressure standards, so I would like to ask the doctor if there is an interaction between blood pressure and height?

Gao Ge Zi, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/01/19

Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology

Hello, tall individual.
Blood pressure and height do not influence each other.
When experiencing a severe cold and serious cough, elevated blood pressure does not necessarily indicate hypertension.
Dizziness may occur when standing up from a sitting or squatting position, which could be a sign of orthostatic hypotension.
It may not be necessary to take such a high dosage of medication; it is advisable to reduce the dosage to half and continue with weight loss, as this may allow you to avoid medication altogether.
Changhua Hospital cares about your well-being.

Reply Date: 2017/01/19

More Info

Understanding the relationship between blood pressure and height is a nuanced topic that involves various physiological factors. Blood pressure is a measure of the force exerted by circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels, and it is influenced by several factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and body composition.
In your case, you have experienced fluctuations in blood pressure, particularly after a recent illness, and you are currently on antihypertensive medication. Your height of 199 cm (approximately 6 feet 6 inches) and your weight loss journey from 136 kg to 125 kg are significant factors to consider. Generally, taller individuals may have slightly higher blood pressure readings due to the increased distance blood must travel from the heart to the extremities, which can lead to a higher resistance in the vascular system. However, this does not mean that taller individuals have a higher "normal" blood pressure range; rather, it suggests that their blood pressure may be influenced by their height.

The symptoms you describe, such as dizziness when changing positions (orthostatic hypotension), can occur for several reasons. When you stand up quickly, gravity causes blood to pool in your legs, which can lead to a temporary drop in blood pressure and result in dizziness. This is particularly common in individuals who are on blood pressure medications, as these drugs can sometimes lower blood pressure too much, especially when changing positions. It is important to monitor these symptoms closely and discuss them with your healthcare provider, as they may need to adjust your medication dosage or explore other underlying causes.

Your observation that you experienced no symptoms when your blood pressure was higher (140/90 mmHg) but do now at lower readings (130/80 mmHg) is interesting. This phenomenon can be attributed to several factors, including anxiety or stress related to your health condition, which can cause a heightened awareness of bodily sensations. It is also possible that your body is still adjusting to the changes in blood pressure and medication, leading to temporary symptoms.

Regarding the notion that taller individuals may require higher blood pressure standards, this is a common misconception. While height can influence blood pressure readings, the standard thresholds for hypertension (typically 130/80 mmHg or higher) apply universally, regardless of height. The key is to maintain blood pressure within a healthy range to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and other complications.

In summary, while height can have some impact on blood pressure, it does not change the standard definitions of hypertension. Your symptoms of dizziness and discomfort should be discussed with your healthcare provider, who can assess whether your current treatment plan is appropriate or if adjustments are needed. Additionally, lifestyle modifications such as continued weight loss, regular exercise, and a balanced diet can significantly contribute to better blood pressure control and overall health. Always consult with your physician before making any changes to your medication or treatment plan.

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