The stress/anxiety factor is likely a cause/aggravation factor in chronic hypertension.

I am both personally and privately familiar with the challenge HTN presents when the HTN-anxiety-HTN loop is present.

Discourage use of a home monitor, becuase blood pressure natyrally fluctuates and the concrete number just inspires that loop to begin.

Anti-anxiety medication is a large part of tratment when anxiety is a serious part of the disease process. Taken responsiably it is safe, and effective.

Meditaion, biofeedback etc are hard to encourage in an older patient, so she may resist these interventions.

Getting her to volunteer, at a hospital rocking babies, for example may help encourage daily activity.

Finally, a HTN specialist can be located through:

http://www.ash-us.org/about/ASH-faq.htm

There was a study comparing HTN with panic attacks whic found that one intervention that dramatically affected High BP, was breathing in a paper bag for several minutes. This effects the physical reaction to both HTN and anxiety making it a multi-focal intervention, that is easy and amiable to the older population.

Watch the site: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct/search?term=essential+hypertension

for the most current trials on essential hypertension to see if any new treatmants are available or on the way.

Good luck, just remember you can't fix this, or even force her compliance. You are doing all you can, and more than most!



Edited by cch771 on May 21 2006 at 11:52 PM

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I hope my information is helpful. If you have more questions, just ask! I will gladly help, otherwise please click "accept".
Positive feedback and any bonus would be appreciated. Thank you, Christy