BLOOD PRESSURE AND HOW HIGH CAN IT GO

MRSOLDLADY,

Thanks for your question. 

The pressures you've described are dangerously high and the longer he goes without treatment, the greater the risk for stroke, heart disease, kidney problems, and vascular blockages.  If his alcoholic intake is excessive, this just adds more risk to his overall health, especially his liver. 

This person needs medical attention immediately.  He should make an appointment as soon as possible to confirm these readings.  If they are correct, he needs to start treatment right away to get control of his pressure.  He will need a thorough history and physical examination to check everything, as well as an EKG, Chest X-ray, and blood work (blood count, chemistry profile, cholesterol panel, thyroid tests, urinalysis).  His doctor will check for possible causes of his high blood pressure and if none are found, this would be Essential Hypertension (no cause).  If there is a cause, this would be secondary hypertension, and correction of the problem will improve his pressure.  Either way he needs to get his pressure down .

He will need to consider life style changes to include a healthier diet, less alcohol (if excessive), and a regular exercise program.  40 years old is very young and with treatment, he should live a normal life.  However, if untreated, his risk is very high and the chance for a long life without problems is very low.

I hope this has been helpful.  Best wishes.

Martin Cane, M.D.