This is topic How low is too low?? (BP) in forum Medical Questions at LymeNet Flash.


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Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
 
I'm on an increased dosage of Verapamil and my BP has been rather low.

The lowest two times were 89/54 and 81/55. My heart rate is pretty good, but dipped to 66 this afternoon.

How low is too low on the BP?? It's been lower before, but not in a long time. This time I know it's the new med.
 

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Posted by LittleLymie19 (Member # 15610) on :
 
Hey lymetoo, I've read some of your posts and I've always wanted to send you a message, I just haven't wanted to bug you! I'm 20 years old, but I've had atrial fibrillation before as well. I had it when I was in the hospital at age 16. My doctors (not my wonderful lyme literate one, the ones that are actually covered by insurance, HMO) refuse to believe that there is actually something wrong with my heart because of my age and because they don't believe I have a disease that would cause a heart problem. I have shortness of breath, chest tightness, dizziness and left arm pain every day, and at least two days a week I feel like I'm having a heart attack. The doctors won't believe me though and tell me it's just "anxiety" or "costochondritis". Even though they documented the instance that they were forced to catch in the hospital, where I went into atrial fibrillation. I'm terrified that I actually go into it a couple times a week...but how would I know? I don't have an at home EKG machine! My BP monitor often reads that my blood pressure is 80/40, my heart beat is 52 and my heartbeat is "irregular", but that's all the info I can get without going to the ER and begging for an EKG. By the time I get one, my heart has usually regulated itself and I'm just left with the shortness of breath.

So anyways, I'm posting to you because I wanted you to know that your blood pressure is low, but I'm not sure the doctors would be concerned unless it dropped below 70/50. My blood pressure usually runs around 80/50 and the doctors brush it off. They didn't become concerned until it dropped to 60/40.

Does your heart rate ever drop below 60? That's when I'd become a little concerned, if it didn't recover itself.

I hope your blood pressure regulates soon! In the meantime, if you are able to stand, please do so slowly and take a minute to breathe and stabilize before you walk. Low blood pressure can make you a little tipsy, and we don't want you taking a tumble
 

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Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
 
Thanks for the info, LL!!

I'm sorry you have chest pain and such everyday!! Have they tried a Holter monitor on you? I've had one for two days length before, but the cardiologist was threatening to put me on it for 3 wks!

That would drive me nuts!

PS.. hasn't dropped below 60 yet. Whew!
 

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Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
 
PSPS .. I have to drive an hour away tomorrow to see my LLMD. I'm a little afraid to drive with such low BP.

Think it'll be OK?
 

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Posted by BlueCheetah (Member # 18626) on :
 
Lymetoo,

Mine has been getting low at times too. When I take a beta-blocker for the tachy, it gets really low. My LLMD told me to never worry about my BP. She said hers dropped to 80/40 when she was pregnant. Ugh!

If you are not lightheaded or dizzy, you should be fine. I hope you feel better!
 

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Posted by feelfit (Member # 12770) on :
 
Lymetoo,

Can a friend go with you? I would say better to be safe than sorry until you get adjusted to the new med.

I get low BP and feel very woozy....course I haven't driven in almost 2 years now....

I don't want to take the chance of hurting someone else if I have a "spell".....

Feelfit
 

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Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
 
I don't know. Maybe my husband can go. He has a show that evening, but we would be back in time. I'm not sure what he has to do during the day tomorrow. His schedule is sometimes flexible.
 

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Posted by Geneal (Member # 10375) on :
 
Maybe call the doc and ask about changing the dose or

Changing to a different med entirely.

I think that your pressure is low enough to be concerned.

Not panicked, but concerned.

Maybe your husband can hold your hand and kiss your neck

During the trip to keep that heart rate up.

I know when mine was in the 60's/40's I was actually

Sitting in my LLMD's office. I drove both my children and myself

There (3.5 hours) and back (same distance).

I felt really wierd, but drank lots to keep me going.

Maybe some extra salt or liquids to keep the pressure up?

Sending Angels to ride with you.

Hugs,

Geneal
 

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Posted by LittleLymie19 (Member # 15610) on :
 
Lymetoo, do you feel dizzy? Do you have episodes of dizziness or lightheadedness that could hit in the car? I'd say you're okay to drive if you aren't having any episodes of the sort. Can you make sure though and do a dry run for us, maybe drive the car around the block a bit?
 

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Posted by feelfit (Member # 12770) on :
 
HaHa Geneal you are funny! I needed to smile. Thank you. Good luck TuTu.
 

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Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
 
Geneal.. I LIKE the kissing idea!! Hmmm!! Maybe he could just kiss me up before I leave and then I'll drink water with a little salt.

hmmm....

No, I'm not dizzy... feeling a bit better .. BP is more like 100's now. Maybe it'll be OK tomorrow.

thanks, you nutcases!
 

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Posted by disturbedme (Member # 12346) on :
 
I am not sure what it too low. All I know is that mine is always very low. Always 80/40 or 90/50 and have been told by various people that it's too low.
 

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Posted by Lou B (Member # 64) on :
 
Hey Lymetoo,

Sorry about your a-fib incident. Hopefully, when they get you on the correct meds / dose it will end the a-fib incidents.

As far as the low BP is concerned, it's really dependent on how it affects the individual. If the lowered BP (caused by the meds) is causing you to me dizzy, light-headed or to faint ... it's a problem. If you have no symptoms / problems then the numbers, no matter how low they are, are not an issue and, in fact, lower BP is generally good as it reduces strain on your cardiovascular system.

Hey lady ... you take care ... OK?
 

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Posted by 'Kete-tracker (Member # 17189) on :
 
If you're driving an hour, your BP is running lower than "usual" and you just recently started a med, I'd have someone along with you, just in case... maybe even to drive.
If not arrangeable, BUCKLE YOURSELF UP TIGHT, esp your lap-belt!

Not to protect you "in case" (though it would) but rather to help raise your upper body blood pressure a bit.

But if you have any dizzyness, or your BP readings are lower, in the Morning... have someone drive you. Better safe than sorry!
 

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Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by 'Kete-tracker:
If you're driving an hour, your BP is running lower than "usual" and you just recently started a med, I'd have someone along with you, just in case...

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