My high blood pressure and pulse rate were caused by the weight I gained from prednisone. The more I lost, the better they both got.

I have been on BP meds and beta-blockers since 18 years old. I think this was my first flare but at the time I was never tested for auto-immune disease. I was hospitalised with BP of 220/110 and pulse at 180. Thinking back I had all the other symptoms but Drs did not think to do ANA etc. I was very thin and fit at the time so I don't think weight had anything to do with my cardiac condition. I am now overweight due to medication and not being fit.

numerous things can cause this. you can get lots of info of causes on the net. a good place to start is web md or do a search.

I do. I have to take atenelol for my rapid heart beat

I agree with DianeHlavacek.