Ask the doctor: What accounts for wide swings in blood pressure?

My blood pressure has wide swings each day. It can go as high as 210/110, then fall to 100/50, tiring me. My doctor says I’m just a “reactive person.” My diet is excellent, and I try to keep active. Could my adrenal glands have anything to do with this?

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Ask the doctor: Compression stockings for a long-distance flight?

My 61-year-old mother plans to take a long plane trip. Her legs usually become swollen when she flies a long distance. Should she wear elastic stockings or take any other precautions so she doesn’t develop a blood clot in her legs?

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Ask the doctor: Can exercise damage my pacemaker’s wires?

I had a pacemaker implanted a few months ago. I am planning to join a gym, but I am afraid of damaging the wires with some of the presses and pull-down movements I would have to do to work out. Are there any exercises or movements I should avoid?

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Ask the doctor: What is a good plan for serious heart failure?

My 69-year-old husband has had cardiomyopathy and diabetes for years. Lately his ankles are always swollen. At his last doctor visit, his cardiologist said his heart has leaky valves and his ejection fraction is 10%. What would be the best plan for him?

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