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Original poster

Could my weight be a factor in having low blood pressure?

19 replies

Cv80 · 05/02/2023 16:49

I'm five foot six, my weight has always been 8 to 8.5 stone. The few times I've been in hospital for day procedures, they comment on my low blood pressure. I'm an avid hiker and have been doing so for many years. Once every couple of years when hiking up a steep mountain, I have to stop as I feel light headed, just for seconds, and put my head between my legs and then am good to go again. Otherwise it doesn't cause me problems.

Any tips or suggestions?

OP posts:

justasking111 · 05/02/2023 16:51

OH 71, walks, cycles his BP and heart rate low he occasionally gets dizzy so eats something

PlugUgly1980 · 05/02/2023 16:55

Physique can play apart. I'm the same height and under 9 stone, and have low blood pressure. I run between 40-50 miles a week, cycle and walk loads so extremely fit. I have to be very careful when I stand up after sitting for a while or bending down as I get light headed and lose my vision. I also have anaemia and low ferritin. I take iron tablets and make sure I drink loads of water to stay hydrated and boost blood volume. I don't take anything for the low blood pressure itself per se.

Rosebud21 · 05/02/2023 16:55

Having a lower (than within normal range) blood pressure doesn't mean this is abnormal, it's likely normal for you

www.nhs.uk/conditions/low-blood-pressure-hypotension

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lljkk · 05/02/2023 17:19

Do you eat plenty of heme iron, do you have low iron? Lower weight in the healthy range could mean not enough of some nutrients.

otherwayup · 05/02/2023 17:21

Mine has always been low and always commented on at health checks etc
If it's your normal and nothing new, it's nothing to worry about.

Girasoli · 05/02/2023 18:04

It could be, I'm shorter than you - 5'3" and 8 stone and I've always had low blood pressure.

I need 3 meals and 2 snacks a day like a toddler 😆 (and lots of crisps for the salt)

Original poster

Cv80 · 05/02/2023 18:07

Maybe if I increase my salt intake before/ during hike, that might help.

OP posts:

OllytheCollie · 05/02/2023 18:22

I am heavier than you at about 9.5 stone and same height but have always had v low blood pressure as did my Mum before me. Some people it's just normal for. I am prone to lightheadedness if I get up too fast and I have fainted a few times with obvious triggers (exercise on hot days usually get r crowded hot public transport). But it's much healthier than the alternative.

DinosApple · 05/02/2023 18:39

My blood pressure has always been on the low side, so it's normal for me. It was low throughout pregnancy too. That was the only time I fainted, but I get lightheaded when I stand up fairly frequently.

I'm a half inch shorter than you OP, and about 3 stone heavier!

Saunaandsteam · 05/02/2023 19:35

I'm a similar height and weight to you op and also have low blood pressure. My iron levels are also low from time to time, atm my iron saturation levels are 18.6% and normal i think should be 30-40%. Does anyone know of low iron and low bp are related, or of any remedies for low bp? The nurse told me that low bp is treated in other countries but not in the uk.

Lovetotravel123 · 05/02/2023 19:38

Could it be dehydration?

HuntingoftheSnark · 05/02/2023 19:50

I've always had very low blood pressure, have fainted a few times in the past, know the light headed feeling very well. I also have low iron. I'm 5 foot 8 and about 8.5 stone, didn't think that was a factor. I'm vegetarian but make sure I have a good diet. Increasing salt was recommended by my doctor.

PinkBuffalo · 05/02/2023 19:54

I have low blood pressure and increasing my salt intake was also advised by a dr to me as well

Original poster

Cv80 · 05/02/2023 20:03

Great, thanks. Although I bring nuts hiking with me, they're usually unsalted... so salted nuts it is next time!

OP posts:

PlugUgly1980 · 07/02/2023 14:47

You could also buy a specific hydration drink/tablet to add to water for hiking or other fitness activity. I'm a runner, covering high mileage each week and I feel a million times better when adding the High5 Zero tabs to my water bottle as they're designed specifically to replace the lost salts from sweating from exercise and in measured amounts rather than just adding salt. Although I do love salty crisps with my lunch after a run too!

SilverCatStripes · 07/02/2023 14:54

I have low blood pressure too, and am prone to fainting. I have found iron tablets help.

I am about 2 stone overweight , and my BP is the same as it was when I was a healthy weight .

AnnaMagnani · 07/02/2023 15:00

Might just be normal for you.

Mine is always low to the point of fainting in hot weather or if I have to stand up for long, regardless of my weight.

CatherinedeBourgh · 07/02/2023 15:05

Normal for me as well, regardless of my weight. Runs in families.

In the US they treat it with medication sometimes (google POTS, not exactly the same but very related). But generally can be managed with an increased salt intake.

AnnaMagnani · 07/02/2023 15:30

CatherinedeBourgh · 07/02/2023 15:05

Normal for me as well, regardless of my weight. Runs in families.

In the US they treat it with medication sometimes (google POTS, not exactly the same but very related). But generally can be managed with an increased salt intake.

Totally this. One of my first memories is my DM keeling over.

Saw a cardiologist when it was really bad and one of his questions was 'do you think salt is bad for you '

Got me taking 2tsps salt every morning and the change was dramatic.

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