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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