Low Blood Pressure

I check my blood pressure a couple of times per day. I noticed that since I got my pacemaker my blood pressure has been significantly lower. Its not unusual for it to be 94/61 or in the low 100's systolic. My blood pressure used to run pretty high but I was taken off blood pressure medicine over a month ago, when the doctor found my low heart rate. I know to have a small salty snack or a bit of caffeine when it gets this low.

Has anyone else seen a significant drop in blood pressure? 

6 Comments

BP

by The real Patch - 2017-09-07 12:40:04

How funny, here you are worried about a low BP and my Cardiologist has been working hard to get mine to 90/60.

pacemakers have little or no affect on blood pressure, unless of course your heart stops.

Same boat as you Patch

by Cutestuff@snet.net - 2017-09-07 14:08:01

Both my GP and Cardio would do back flips if my pressure was 90/60 in their office.  I'm on three meds for BP and don't want anymore.

Funny

by ljharper62 - 2017-09-07 14:55:29

Mine says anything lower than 99 systolic is too low. Good to know

yeah

by The real Patch - 2017-09-07 15:36:07

One problem with sites like this is people often don't understand that what's good for the goose might not keep the gander off the barbecue. You mentioned eating salty stuff, that's to get your BP up, whereas for me salt is deadly and I experience Edema (fluid retention) and cannot breathe if I over do it.

Cutestuff and my conditions are likely similar where it is critical to keep the blood pressure down and reduce the workload on the heart muscle. A normal BP of 120/80 causes my heart to strain and smoke. When my BP is below that I can tell the difference and feel better. Yet for you it may well be uncomfortable to be below that range and may adversely affect your health.

This is why it's important not to take everything you read online as gosphel. Know and understand your specific condition and how it is treated. It could save your life.

Device report

by marylandpm - 2017-09-07 23:46:21

 Be aware that if you go into AFib your blood pressure will drop. If you have copies of your device reports that should show any AFib . If you don't have copies you should be able to get them from whoever checks your PM.

no AFib

by ljharper62 - 2017-09-08 11:09:42

I was just implanted 3 weeks ago and only had one device check so far. No AFib or any other irregularities found. I also had an echo the same day and stress test a week prior because he did not want me to wait on the pacemaker. Both of those looked fine as well as the EKG that was done at the appointment. 

I am keeping track of my blood pressure to show them at my next visit with both my cardiologist and my primary doctor if it continues.

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