High blood pressure, low heart rate

My (almost) 18 year old went in for blood work/a blood pressure reading today. His blood pressure was 200. . It was never high(it was tested multiple times over the years) until less than a year ago. However, it hasn't been high every time he's had it tested(usually at specialist) and one time it was high upon arrival and normal by the time he left(was 3 hr appt). It was normal when it was tested at the end of October, if my memory is correct.


I'm very concerned. However, his blood work was absolutely perfect. No kidney damage. Nothing. I was shocked, given how high his pressure was. The vet is looking into it but the concern with giving him medication is that his heart rate is extremely low(70). He has a 3rd degree AV block(for about 4 years? Now), an arrythmia, chronic respiratory issues, and a history of neurological events.

His appetite is great & he's happy/loving to myself/his brothers but I'm concerned that he's having, at the very least, headaches from the high BP. He has been waking me up/showing other signs that he could be affected. However, I've previously been told that he might not be experiencing the elevation at home.


I've scheduled him for holter monitoring(through internal medicine specialist; not a cardiologist, though I'm considering bringing him out of state to see one again) and I'm waiting to hear back from his regular vet for other recommendations. I know his situation is unique but I'd like to hear of any suggestions/experiences with high BP.

The Vet explained that often cats will have high  BP when they go to the Vet, just because they get anxious, right?  It's called "white coat syndrome" in humans. 

Anyway, how well does your old guy travel?  I would think traveling out of state to see a cardiologist might really raise his BP versus seeing the other specialist,IF they can do the holter monitor, but how on earth are you going to keep that on him for 24 hours??? 

CAN you take his BP at home?  That really would be your best bet to see what it's really doing?  Did you see how they do it?  Iwould go that route, if I could before medicating, since that seems to be an issue.  But don't wait too long as TRULY high BP can cause blindness, among other things. 

What signs is he showing that he might have it...supposedly it's a silent "disease".?

This blog, written by a vet, has some good info about hypertension in cats. Be sure that they ran a T4 on your cat to check for hyperthyrodism, and that they ruled out diabetes. 

http://www.animalendocrine.info/2012/06/hypertension-high-blood-pressure-common.html

mrsgreenjeens said:

The Vet explained that often cats will have high  BP when they go to the Vet, just because they get anxious, right?  It's called "white coat syndrome" in humans. 

Anyway, how well does your old guy travel?  I would think traveling out of state to see a cardiologist might really raise his BP versus seeing the other specialist,IF they can do the holter monitor, but how on earth are you going to keep that on him for 24 hours??? 

CAN you take his BP at home?  That really would be your best bet to see what it's really doing?  Did you see how they do it?  Iwould go that route, if I could before medicating, since that seems to be an issue.  But don't wait too long as TRULY high BP can cause blindness, among other things. 

What signs is he showing that he might have it...supposedly it's a silent "disease".?

Click to expand...

Yes, the vet accounted for "white coat syndrome"(they allow for 40 over, I believe) and he appeared fairly relaxed when they took it, plus his heart rate was very low(70). BP was at least 200.

He used to travel very well as my former partner would drive and he would sleep on my lap. The carrier is upsetting for him but he did fine on his last trip; I just never know how stressful it will be. The nearest cardiology option would be out of state but they do travel here(about 2 hours away) sometimes and that's the last cardio he saw(in Oct.).


Signs = he's been blind(not related to high BP) for several years so the only signs I've seen, which could be his AV block, are more weakness at times, confusion, & biting me to wake me up(usually because he wants help getting up from the bed but he's seemed uncomfortable at times, too).


I was previously told he'd need to be kept there for the holter monitoring as yeah, it's more difficult for cats to wear them. However, I was told ovwr the phone by a technician today that he'd be sent home wearing one. His internist is on leave so I haven't confirmed this. I do feel he's a better candidate than most cats, though, and he doesn't like to be apart from me. I'm only concerned that it could limit his mobility, as its already limited.

missmimz said:

This blog, written by a vet, has some good info about hypertension in cats. Be sure that they ran a T4 on your cat to check for hyperthyrodism, and that they ruled out diabetes. 

http://www.animalendocrine.info/2012/06/hypertension-high-blood-pressure-common.html

Click to expand...

Thank you. Yes, T4 was checked & diabetes ruled out as far as I know(I'll ask, and ask about adrenal disorders, too). His blood work was perfect but I imagine it will be checked when he sees the specialist in a week.

I forgot to say: I'm looking for a blood pressure monitor to check at home, which was a great idea. If anyone has a suggestion; please let me know.