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Genetic Malignant hypertension
My wife is 48 years old, very active, very healthy diet, and has never smoked. She has been on the highest does of hypertension medication for the past 8 years. Off these medications, her blood pressure will exceed 225 within hours. Chronically, four days prior to menstrual cycle her blood pressure will reach 200+ even with her medications. Her father passed away at age 36 of stroke, and his brother passed at 34, same condition and both similarly were in very top physical shape and healthy diet.
Over the past three years my wife has been experiencing intense tingling or pins and needles sensation on her left side. These attacks have become more severe over time. These episodes are at a point now where they happen without any warning, either after or during exertion, and or at rest, simply turning over in bed while sleeping. The pins and needles are felt over the whole extent of the body at once, from the shoulders to the toes and everything in between. These attacks last several minutes, while in this state, she is unable to breathe, and the level of discomfort is borderline painful. I have been unable to find any information online.
Any time or information you can share regarding this condition will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you
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I am sorry to hear of this situation. This is the first I have heard of this condition. I would start with a visit to a good cardiologist and a neurologist. What has your family doctor done about this? Have you seen any other specialists yet? Those BP readings seem very high to me, is she taking any meds to lower her BP?
I hope you find some answers here.
Hi @onsok21, Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I am sure it is frustrating to see your wife going through this and not be able to find a solution.
There is a lot of information in the following articles about malignant hypertension and tingling.
Malignant hypertension: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000491.htm
Malignant Hypertension: https://www.malacards.org/card/malignant_hypertension
"Can high blood pressure give you pins and needles? Conditions like high blood pressure (hypertension) or diabetes can lead to kidney failure. When your kidneys aren't functioning correctly, fluid and waste products may accumulate in your body, leading to nerve damage. Tingling due to kidney failure often occurs in the legs or feet."
Tingling in Hands and Feet: 25 Causes, Treatments & More: https://www.healthline.com/health/tingling-in-hands-and-feet
You may also find useful information on the Genetic Heart Rhythm Disease Page. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/genetic-heart-rhythm-disorders/ Mayo does their best to compile the most updated and pertinent information for their readers on a specific topic to make it easier to research.
Knowing your wife's family history, does her physician suggest anything other than excessive medication? Have they mentioned alternatives?
Thank you for your response. My wife's blood pressure is extremely high,
and is why it is called "malignant", meaning lethal. As I said, she has
been on the highest dose levels of pharmaceutical medications prescribed
for the past eight years. This is why she has outlived her father and uncle
by roughly 15 years. Still, I feel at 48, she is to young to be struggling
with her condition when there are specialists out there somewhere. Dr's
have been of little help other than the standard prescriptions, so I am
reaching out in the direction of the Mayo Clinic, and searching during the
little time I have each day.
Thanks again