FAO Sqad.

[Schutzengel]

Please can you tell me whether a BP reading of 161 over 80 is consider too high for a man of 80yrs. He has 1 Amlodopine tablet, and 1 soluble Aspirin daily. Was on 1 tablet of Bendrofluozide, which he was taken off because it made him light-headed and dizzy, and has been fine since not having that tablet. His doctor suggested adding another tablet, something to do with protecting his heart and kidneys, which I thought strange. Husband said he didn't wish to take any extra tablets. Do you think I should go with him to his next appointment in 2 month, to find out what it's all about. The trouble is he never tells me a proper story when he comes home, and I haven't accompanied him for BP checks previously, as I didn't want him to feel that I was mollycoddling him. Any comments would be much appreciated. Schutz.

[sqad617]

Hi schutz.

Man of 80yrs BP 160/80 seems perfectly normal to me.

His present medication seems excellent.

Extra tablet? your GP seems to know what he is doing, but if dad says NO, then NO it is.

Your Dad and your GP seem to have everything under control, so leave it at that.

Your husband's appt is this month 22nd I think....good luck.

[Schutzengel]

Hello Sqad. Thanks for the reply. Sorry for the mix up, it's my husband (not my Dad). I feel less worried now. It's just that being asthmatic, he has a 6 month check-up with a nurse, and it was she who decided his BP was to high and asked him to see the Dr. Although he has no problem with the asthma as long as he has 2 puffs of Bectotide each morning. The trouble seems to be that everyone who shows their face at the surgery for BP checks, seem to be put on statins, which have recently had a very bad press. I don't know what the suggested extra tablet was for, it seems it was something to do with increasing urine output, which my husband does not have a problem with, since having the radiotherapy for prostate cancer. He is worried about taking any other diuretic tablet in view of the dizziness and light-headed feeling for which reason he was taken off bendrofluozide. Cont'd.

[Schutzengel]

In addition my husband is very wary of taking tablets, unless absolutely necessary, after being given 'F' tablets (no idea what they were), for asthma, which resulted in him blacking-out while on his motorbike, and colliding with a double-decker bus. (He couldn't find anything bigger). Result, broken foot, femur, arm, face and head, all on the right side, (he's a mass of scars, and lucky to be alive). I think he's scared of getting the dizziness when driving. Which was why I was wondering if I should go with him next time to the GP to find out exactly what the additional tablet was supposed to do for him. You were correct with the date of 22nd April for his next visit to the cancer specialist, and it's my birthday on the 21st. He says he feels fine, and eats like a horse, and quite strong for his age. I suppose I do worry about medical matters a bit, as I think some Dr's are much better than others. Last year husband had an ECG which turned out fine, but the Dr we saw wanted to put him on Warfarin, we didn't agree since there is haemophilia in husband's family (his brother died of it). Then reading through the book that was given when diagnosed with prostate cancer, discovered that taking Warfarin excludes the patient from radiotherapy. All very mysterious to the lay person. Thankfully all appears ok at present, and hoping for a good report on the 22nd. I do appreciate you giving your time to reassure me and many others. Best wishes to you and Mrs. Sqad. Schutz.

[sqad617]

schutz........your husband can't be 80yrs old?

F tablets my be Franol........for asthma, a bronchodilator.

Schutz, in my opinion your GP is handling the medical case of your husband in an exemplary manner.

[Schutzengel]

Hi Sqad. He certainly is 80yrs old, birthday was on 16th February 2009, and I'm quickly catching him up. :-(

Thanks for your confidence in the GP, at least he's checking everything to keep husband in best condition possible for his age. I promise I'll try not to worry too much.

Many thanks. Schutz.