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Low blood pressure and dizziness upon standing
I'm 77 years old and 6'7" tall. 250 lbs. Most of my life since reaching full height I have occasionally experienced "head rushes" as I used to call it, which can also be called "light-headedness" or dizziness. For the past 8 months this began happening more frequently until now in the last 2 months it happens nearly every time I stand up from prolonged sitting. I have never fainted from it, but I usually have to put my head below my heart to stop the dizziness. Sometimes it lasts for 5 minutes or so even after sitting down.
Last October I was asked by my cardiologist to track and report to my portal account my blood pressure and pulse. Original reason was that my pulse was getting dangerously slow while sleeping (with a heart monitor on for 7 days it got down to 26 bpm with one pause of 5.1 seconds between beats). This eventually led to getting a pacemaker installed in March. With this taken care of, as well as my getting shocked out of AFIB in February and my heart failure ending a month later, I was declared generally OK.
But, my blood pressure ranges low to severely low. Common for me is 105/80, which is just fine. Not common, but also not infrequent, are bp's of 73/56 +/- 5 for both systolic and diastolic. I have lots of friends who have been dealing with high blood pressure for many years, but I've not known anyone with low blood pressure challenges accompanied by dizziness.
I'm looking for help understanding why the dizziness and low BP. Recommendations?
Thanks.
Bill
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HI,
I AM A 86 YEAR OLD, 5'8 -135 LB FEMALE. I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. GET UP OR TURN TO FAST AND THE FLOOR SAYS HELLO. I HAVE BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH LOW MAGNESIUM. I HAVE BEEN TAKING IT FOR SEVERAL MONTHS AND MY BLOOD PRESSURE STAYS AT A NORMAL BUT LOW RATE. 106 TO 111 OVER 67 TO 74. I STILL HAVE TO BE CAREFUL, BUT THE DIZZINESS IS MUCH LESS MAYBE MAGNESIUM COULD HELP YOU WITH YOUR PROBLEM
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1 ReactionThank you for that information. I will look at my past blood test and perhaps add magnesium to my vitamin supplements.
I SHOULD HAVE ADDED THAT MAGNISIUM CITRATE IS WHAT I USE. IT ABSORDS MUCH EASIER. AND NO AFTER TASTE.
GOOD LUCK!!
@stonemountain47
Low blood pressure is quite common. I have had it most of the time. My BP is usually around 100/70 but can be in 90s/60s when my weight gets lower.
I am on Entresto and Carvididol. When my BP gest to low my heart failure doctor discusses seperating my medications and not take at same time. If I stand up to fast from sitting for awhile I will get dizzy feeling. What I have learned to do which sitting up and or geting out of bed is to hold my legs out and kick my feet back and forth before I get up. This starts moving blood around.
I need to make a comment about supplements. Always check with your medical doctors before adding a supplment when you have a medical condition. Many supplements can contradict your medical issue or have contradiction to medication you are taking.
As an example. I have a lot of PVCs. On MCC there was a lot of post saying how much additional potassium supplements were helping withe PACs and PVCs. Trying to practice what I write I contacted my electrophysioloigst (EP) about reading about potassium helping with PVCs and would like to try.
My EP is at Mayo Jacksonville and wrote back on Mayo portal to me that did not recommend I take a potassium supplement as my last blood test showed I was at the high end of normal for postassium.
I see magnesium being mentioned. Now this recommendation came from my EP himself. I was having a more and more PVCs and (my EP has my full blood tests) suggested taking magnesium. I asked which type and was told Citrate as was easily digestable. But again your medical providers should agree with any supplements you are going to take while under their care. Just have to be careful as supplements can intefere with other medications and or medical conditions you have. Both potassium and magnesium can be part of your blood test.
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3 ReactionsOrthostatic hypotension is due to various causes and may be due to medication or underlying disorders.
When it is not due to known blood pressure treatment or heart conditions it needs thorough evaluation.
The measurements of BP while lying for 5 minutes
is followed by standing and measuring your BP is the
easiest done at home or doctors office.
If either systolic or diastolic numbers drop by 20 points
that is a diagnosis. The lab testing involves a tilt table.
There is the potential for neurological causes and metabolic problems found to be at fault.
I use support stockings and a more liberal salt intake
for some BP support. Blood tests and ECG monitoring
are advised.
My problem is a disorder of the autonomic nerves
that control our circulation.
Prescribed midodrine may work for you after consultation with specialists. As you know you are at higher risk of falls and faints and possible major cardiovascular events if left untreated.
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2 ReactionsHi @mzpat . Welcome to Connect, I am glad to see you post.
Have you been dealing with dizziness for a long time? Has your doctor checked magnesium levels to see if they are at a good level now that you have supplemented it for several months?
Hi @stonemountain47 . Low blood pressure symptoms can include dizzy or lightheadedness, definitely worth a call to your doctor for recommendations.
You mention having a pretty new pacemaker. It may be helpful to check out the pacemaker group page if you haven’t already: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/pacemaker-icds/
Also, consider introducing yourself to connect with others that have pacemakers here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/pacemaker-icds-introduce-yourself-meet-others/
Did your doctor say your heart failure went away?
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1 ReactionHello, you mentioned that you were 6' 7" you have had this problem most of your life since you became tall.
This actually can be a real thing associated just with your height still good to check it out . Your blood pressure is low esp @ 73 systolic. You did not say whether you were on medications or not. If you are again that might be an easy cause. Also what is your pacemaker set at. Usual is 60 bpm that's not always the case because we are individuals. My nephew is 6' 4"and he had a problem related to his height and has passed out several times and knocked out his front teeth and they have said that some people with their height this can be a problem. If that's the case then just knowing that helps and making sure that when you get up and down You are very careful. It becomes an added concern and safety issue for you because you are having some low episodes of blood pressure. Definitely like others have said talk to your doctor this should really get resolved before you do pass out and hit your head leading to serious other problems. Take care and good luck !
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1 ReactionI have similar issues. Have a pacemaker and also on amlodipine 5 mgm. My BP is low in the am’s (90/50 and increases to 130/82 in evening. Am taking the amlodipine in evening, but reduced it to 2.5 mgm. Cardiologist doesn’t seem concerned but I have little energy during the day with that low BP. If I don’t take the amlodipine at all, my BP goes up after a few days in the evenings to 154/86.
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2 ReactionsThat is too low. No wonder you feel lethargic.
Did you have a ablation?
I take CCB Diltiazem early morning. To keep H/R down during the day. At night 47avg always my normal.
So it sounds like you should take your med earlier.
The Pacemaker only keeps HR from going too low. Not BP.
You are better to be kept at 80 H/R. and 120/75 BP during the day and at rest.. Raise your BP by more saly in diet, brisk exercise or gym.
Do you continue to have AF?
Cheri JOY
May be you don't need med every day. Try every other day like some folks do.
cheri JOY