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About Domenic Sica
Expertise
All aspects of hypertension as well as any consideration in drug therapy for the management of hypertension.

Experience
Heavily published in the area of drug therapy in hypertension and renal disease. Primary management physician for a large multi-state referral practice for diagnosis and management of complex hypertension

Organizations
Multiple including the American Society of Hypertension, International Society of Hypertension, American Society of Nephrology, American Heart Association, American College of Clinical Pharmacology amongst others.

Publications
Over 250 publications (see PubMed)

Education/Credentials
Board certified in internal medicine, nephrology, clinical pharmacology, and hypertension

Awards and Honors
Multiple awards as clinical and/or teacher of the year.

Past/Present Clients
Not pertinent

You are here: Experts > Health/Fitness > Diabetes > Hypertension > spikes in blood pressure

Hypertension - spikes in blood pressure

Expert: Domenic Sica - 10/23/2009

Question
I am a 37 year old female, overweight but blood pressure is within normal range 116/78- 125/85. Lately I have been having unusual experiences I may be watching TV and I will experience a feeling of nausea, disorientation, burning in face and then rest of body. During this time my heart rate increases as does my blood pressure 210-110 with a heart rate of 130. I try breathing through the incident, lying down etc but this has no effect on it. They usually last 10 minutes and blood pressure returns to normal shortly after. I am left shaken and very flushed. I would suffer from neck and back pain and visit a chiropractor for this. This is becoming a daily occurance and is beginning to get me down I would be extremely grateful for any insight you may have on what could be causing this. I am not under any stress nor do I feel anxious. Thank you

Answer
As you might have guessed this is an atypical pattern. The differential list is lengthy but at the top of it are an endocrine tumor called pheochromocytoma [can be tested for with blood/urine studies], panic disorder [you state that anxiety is not an issue for you], occult coronary artery disease [you have no chest pain] and renal artery stenosis [unlikely that you have this and are not hypertensive at baseline]. A good history and physical examination is in order with your physician as well as testing for a pheochromocytoma. If this proves negative then reconnect with me relative to my sense of next step(s).

Regards,

Domenic Sica, M.D.

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