medical question: blood pressure related

[space-time]

Dad is mid 70s and has high blood pressure, usually systolic 140 and diastolic probably over 80 (not quite sure as he always mentions the higher numbers).

About 3 weeks ago he went to see a cardiologist and told me he had very good news.

But a few days ago I found out the real reason why he went to see the doctor. About a week before that, he bled from the nose for about 4-5 hours, and a medical nurse (our neighbor) came to watch over him, took his blood pressure every 1/2 hour, and Mom was ready to call 911. But the nurse insisted it's better to wait at home and see what happens, since the wait time at the ER is long and no one will be able to see him for hours. She was probably right.

So the situation now is the following. His blood pressure dropped to normal levels 120/70 (yes, he still take blood pressure medicine, but he also took it before the incident).

Also interesting is that he does not snore that much. he used to snore like a tractor (and CPAP machines are not very common over there, I am not even sure if he would get used to one). but now he does not snore that much, when he does, it is much milder than before. Mom is happy!

So what the heck happened here? what caused the lower blood pressure and less severe snoring after that nose bleeding incident?

[Sarcany]

Coincidence.

Has he lost weight this year?

[Bill in NC]

I'd guess weight loss as well...I've seen people lose as little as 20 lb. and that stopped their snoring.

[kj]

Maybe he had some kind of Nasal Polyp that burst and opened his airway. I don't know why that would affect his blood pressure though, unless there was serious duress or something.

[Robert M]

Space,

Unexpected bleeding from anywhere is cause for concern. That it might have impacted his blood pressure all the more so. He should get checked out just in case the issue wasn't just a coincidence and possibly the symptom of something more serious. Best case, the doctor says it was coinkidink, keep a watchful eye and if it happens again, get checked out immediately. Worst case, it is a symptom of a serious issue and the doctor orders further testing to determine what caused it and suggest treatment. Either way, your dad should get checked out.

Robert

[testcase]

120/70 is a construct for the general public. It can easly vary depend where in the world you are. My dad worker for PanAm and traveled all over the world. Here in the US, his blood pressure was considered "normal". He got checked in Germany and was diagnosed with "cardiac insufucciency". In my 20's, I ROUTINELY was measured at ~ 102/low 50's (my girlfriend was a medtech in an HMO). Whenever I'd visit, one of the gals there would check my BP just for the heck of it. Although my BP was considered low, that happened to be MY "normal". Almost 50 years later (and ~ 100 pounds heavier) my Primary Care Physician measured my BP at 118/60 (by HAND, NOT machine) and, this was just two weeks ago. :oldfogey:

[S. Pupp]

Obstructive sleep apnea raises blood pressure. The body is greatly stressed by low oxygen saturation. The criteria for obstructive sleep apnea do not require breathing to stop entirely for a period of time; it could just be inadequately deep to maintain a healthy oxygen saturation (hypopnea).

Whatever was blocking his nasal passages and contributing to his heavy snoring has apparently burst like kj said.
As Robert M says, this needs evaluation. This would preferably be by an ENT doc.
If it is a cancer (high suspicion it is), it needs treatment asap.

[davec]

space-time, has your dad had a history of reoccurring nosebleeds? If so, there can be a number of conditions that could lead to that, including HHT ( curehht.org ). If reoccurring it would be important to look further into it.

Dave

[space-time]

He already went to see a good cardiologist, and he also got a general checkup at the same time.

[anonymouse1]

Needs ENT evaluation.