← Return to Managing Stress, High BP & Aneurysms: What can we do & not do?

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@suz1950

Hi @hopeful33250 I have an existing electronic journal focused on adapting to the challenges of aging and create new journals when I want to focus on a specific topic. The journaling group looks interesting, thanks for sharing that.
My follow-up is in mid-July, to see the results of doubling my statin dose and getting a lipid panel and cardiac C-reactive protein and Lipoprotein(A) tests in advance of that visit. In the meantime, I'm monitoring my blood pressure at home, which at times has been quite high (~170/80). But, I had a BP check yesterday with my primary care provider and BP was fine. I'm going to continue monitoring my BP at home and report back. Based on that, my BP meds may need to be adjusted.
I've always thought of myself as very adaptable but I'm finding it hard to deal with the uncertainty. Is my aneurysm getting larger? Will it suddenly rupture without warning? No way to know.
My cardio mentioned in one of the visits that he may want to do an echocardiogram. But, I guess that depends on how he assesses my risk when I see him in July. Arghh, "watchful waiting" may be the recommended strategy for dealing with aneurysms, but oh my, it can be tough on patients who feel their lives are hanging in the balance!
I remain optimistic, but it's hard not to be be anxious about this.
-suz1950

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Replies to "Hi @hopeful33250 I have an existing electronic journal focused on adapting to the challenges of aging..."

@suz1950

I understand what you are saying about the "watchful waiting" process. It can be unnerving, but so many health issues need to take this approach. Most medical professionals (and patients) want to hold off on surgery until it is absolutely necessary and yet the prospect of when it will become necessary is stressful at best.

You are doing all of the right things, in that you are working on stress control, keeping an eye out for your blood pressure, taking the appropriate meds, and following up with your doctor.

The echocardiogram is a very good diagnostic tool used by cardiologists to determine heart/valve functioning and is not invasive. As you may know, it is a doppler test. As I've had heart valve problems since childhood, I've had more than I can count and they are not problematic at all.

Keep working on stress control and doing your best to avoid negative thinking. Continue posting here on Connect as you need support and keep in contact with your physician if you have any change in symptoms.