Q: I have been diagnosed as prehypertensive with a BP ranging from 140/90. I am on Cardace 7.5 mg a day. Since I used to feel a tingling sensation, I underwent a colour Doppler test. The results were that all the arteries are normal; LV function - mild hyperdynamic contractivity 73% for which the reference range is from 50 - 70% and no sign of any damage. Can you let me know why the LV function is having the contractivity, is it because of the BP? What precautions do I need to take? My stress test is also normal and shows good effort tolerance and good BP response.

A:It is good that all your tests are normal. It is good to keep BP close to 120/80 for the long term benefits. Hypercontractile left ventricle is seen often in young people with mild elevation of BP. It does not mean anything adverse. If your physician prescribes you beta blockers to treat mild hypertension it may be desirable. Often people with Type A personality have more catecholamine secretions and this group of medicine which is very safe may help. In addition keep your cholesterol very low; regular exercise and low calorie diet helps.