Gratitude Stories - Sharon
When someone’s blood pressure is too high or too low, it can adversely impact their health and well-being. But imagine if the same person’s BP was both too high and too low? Such was the case with Sharon Kilday, whose dangerous blood pressure spikes and crashes landed her in the Rhode Island Hospital emergency room.
With a family history of heart disease—her brother and father died young from cardiovascular issues—Sharon, who’s on a statin herself, is mindful about regularly checking her BP. One evening last November, it was alarmingly high: 220/150.
“That freaked me out,” she admits, reflecting back. “So, my husband Joe called the rescue, and they took me in.”
Upon arrival, Sharon, who felt lightheaded and dizzy, was administered a battery of tests while staff investigated potential reasons for her fluctuating blood pressure levels. Solving that mystery was something her experienced care team would need to do quickly.
“Sharon was in hypertensive crisis and required prompt treatment to prevent serious complications,” says nephrologist Matthew Lynch, MD. “The sudden, severe increase in blood pressure she experienced could have led to a heart attack, stroke, or other life-threatening health problems.”
Advance testing indicated Sharon had hyperaldosteronism, a condition where the adrenal glands produce too much of the hormone aldosterone, which plays a crucial role in regulating blood pressure. Nephrologist Mary Anne Gaffney, MD, ordered a CAT scan, which ruled out a tumor as the cause of Sharon’s adrenal abnormalities. The focus then shifted to a review of her meds.
“The way we practice, we make sure the patient is involved in their own care,” Dr. Lynch says. “That culture is not common in all hospitals, but it helps us ensure the right diagnosis.”
From conversations with Sharon, doctors determined the interaction of an arthritis drug and daily baby aspirin was the culprit—even though Sharon had taken the combination for a long time without incident.
After two days inpatient, Sharon was discharged and back on the road to good health. “The caregivers at Rhode Island Hospital don’t get enough accolades,” Sharon concludes. “Everyone is so kind, capable, and compassionate. They’re the best!”