Blood Pressure Question...

by chip
2008-10-02 03:10:44
General Posting
2166 views
5 comments

Ive been plagued with very low blood pressure for some time now. My systolic pressure can and does get down into the 50s with some regularity. (56/38 is not an uncommon reading)

My doctor has prescribed Midodrine 5mg - 4 times daily and doesnt seem too concerned.

I would like a little more aggressive treatment as it has become a really a troublesome spot in my life; interfering with my daily activities and my ability to carryout even simple tasks at times.

I would very much like to hear from anyone with similar blood pressure problems. What do you do to cope and hows your physician treating you for it?

Thank you in advance for your help!

5 Comments

I also have had low BP

by Angelie - 2008-10-02 04:10:11

I have a low BP anyways and then the docs gave me all these beta blockers that made it even lower. Talk about counter active. My lowest has been 70/40. That was before the pacemaker implant.
The morning after pacemaker implant, I freaked the nurses out with a 80/50 blood pressure. When I saw my doctor that morning before he released me we talked bout my low blood pressure. I told him that it's not suprising for me to have a low pressure especially after being bedridden. He seemed alright with my assurance that this was my "norm", and added, "It's not really how low the numbers are, it's how you feel."
Before my pacer and all the beta blockers, I also was prescribed midodrine 4 times a day. I also was encouraged to drink plenty of water, and add salt to my diet, and wear my TED hose like I was suppose to.
I think midodrine was an appropriate response from your doctor. Now if you start passing out from low blood pressure, or get very dizzy and can't do your normal daily activities than more response is warranted.
They just increased my Toprol to 100mg, so I'm kind of keeping tabs on my BP lately as well.
Hope this helps, and I hope your BP cooperates. It sure is a booger when it doesn't. I know how you feel. Try having all these symptoms when you're in your 20's when you're suppposed to be in the "prime" of your life.

Angelie

Low Blood Pressure

by Pookie - 2008-10-02 06:10:46

Hi Chip!

I am "plagued" with low blood pressure too. My highest is usually around 110/67, my average is around 97/62. I was diagnosed with Hypotension Intolerance and was prescribed Midodrine as well but the side effects for me were awful. I was told to drink Pedialyte or Gatorade. I was told to increase my salt. And I was told to wear those lovely fashionable compression stalkings.

You didn't say how your hypotension was interfering with your daily life, but my guess would be that you are dizzy or lightheaded like I was...and I still am from time to time. If you are on any meds, perhaps some of those might lower your blood pressure?

There is a great SEARCH feature up in the upper right hand corner....you can find a wealth of information.

Keep us posted on how things work out for yah!

Pookie

Low Blood Pressure

by elleinad23 - 2008-10-02 11:10:44

I too have very low BP! I am on 10mg of Midodrine 3 times a day and Florinef 0.1mg 4 times a day. I wear TED hose and eat as much salt as possible. Nothing seems to help! I am very frustrated.

My Dr told me when I saw her 2 months ago that after being on these meds so long they become ineffective. She said that there is nothing else they can do at this time because the other meds that treat low BP have major side effects. So I too have no answers, but I do know how you feel!

Let me know if you get anywhere with your Dr.

Danielle

Low BP

by ElectricFrank - 2008-10-03 01:10:58

Have you checked your BP after being active? Mine tends to be low when I am relaxed, which sort of lowers my energy level. I have to tell myself to get up and get going. That brings it up.

frank

Beta blockers, etc

by turboz24 - 2008-10-03 11:10:00

I have issues with most antiarrythmia medications. When I was first placed on sotalol for my Vtach, my BP would run high 60's to low 70's over high 30's to low 40's and I felt so sluggish. I had an ablation to correct my Vtach (which basically worked) and am on very little meds now.

For people with normal to low BP to begin with, heart meds can just put us in the dumper BP wise.

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