<s>[INST] My mother is 80 y/o and has been diagnosed with polymylasia. She is currently taking 50mg of predisone. She called me and said she took her blood pressure and it read 178/80. She lives alone, should she go to the ER or wait and retake her bp. Her blood pressure is usually normal levels. [/INST] Hi , Polymyalgia is treated with anti-inflammatory drugs called corticosteroids they do improve the symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica, but these drugs require careful monitoring for serious side effects.Long-term use of corticosteroids can result in a number of serious side effects. Your doctor will monitor you closely for potential problems. He or she may adjust your dosage and prescribe treatments to manage these reactions to corticosteroid treatment. Side effects include:Weight gain. This is a common side effect of corticosteroid therapy.Osteoporosis, the loss of bone density and weakening of bones, which increases the risk of bone fractures.High blood pressure (hypertension), which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.High cholesterol, which also increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.Diabetes, chronic high levels of blood sugar that can cause tissue damage in a number of body systems.Cataracts, a clouding of the lenses of your eyes that can cloud or dim your vision .So be under direct contact with your doctor. </s>