I've always heard that high blood pressure is the "silent killer", but is this ALWAYS the case? My BP has always been normal, around 128/75 or so, but recently I've been experiencing numerous PVC's per day, along with constantly being short of breath and tired, to the point of having to lie down at times. My heart rate has also been very high, idling at about 100, and going up to 120 at times of activity. I went to a cardiologist and had a stress/echo done yesterday. The cardialogist said my heart lining was thicker than normal (although only slightly) and that this shows I have high blood pressure, even though it never reads high. I also have problems sleeping, possible sleep apnea, and he said this could be the cause of the high BP. He put me on Toporal XL 25mg and within the first day, my breathing is wonderful already. My heart rate has dropped into the 80's and I feel so much better. My question is, can high BP actually have casued these symtoms? The severe shortness of breath, rapid heartrate, PVC's? I'm sorried that there may an underling cause and this medication is only masking the real problem. Any thoughts from anyone? THANKS!