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Original poster

Low Blood Pressure

14 replies

Poogles · 10/02/2011 16:18

Just wondering if anyone had received any advice on low blood pressure. Whenever I've had my blood pressure taken, I've always been told it is on the lower side of normal but that it was good.

I've been feeling really tired lately and getting a bit dizzy when I stand up/stand for more than a few minutes. (have also been told I look really pale/rough!!). Have popped along to our occupation health department a couple of times to have my blood pressure taken. Last week it was 105/55 & this week 106/50. My pulse was also low at 54 bpm. They have told me to drink lots of water and stand up slowly!!

My GP has said that there isn't a problem and that it is better to have a low blood pressure than high. His suggestions were to make sure I have plenty of fluids (which I already do) and to maybe increase my salt intake (only problem is that I already have a high amount of salt in my diet - I always add loads at the table!Blush).

It's nice to be described as 'the equivalent of a fit athlete', shame I don't have the body to match Wink. Does anyone have any ideas on what I can try as the dizziness is driving me up the wall!!

OP posts:
SparkleRainbow · 10/02/2011 17:19

In germany they treat low blood pressure as seriously as they do high. I know that cos I have it too, and my great uncle in law was a gp in germany for nearly 50 years, he was horrified. That pressure is low, as is your heart rate, have they checked your heart for murmours and things? You could just have a proportionally large heart, I don't mean an enlarged heart, I mean it is just large, strong and healthy and just doesn't need to beat as fast to achieve the same affect.
I am sure hydration is important, but if the dizziness is a new symptom, the surely something has changed. I would go back to the gp, and ask for some more practical help, take a record of how much you typically drink in a day, and what you think your salt intake is. Hope those thoughts help good luck Smile

Original poster
Poogles · 11/02/2011 08:35

Thanks Sparkle. I think I'll start keeping a diary and then go to the GP. They seem quite dismissive and think I should be happy that I don't have high blood pressure!

I've spoken to our occupational health and they have said that the dizziness is probably down to my bp being a bit lower than usual (it used to be about 110/60).

Will have to make sure I keep drinking loads...wonder if a glass of wine tonight will count!

OP posts:
freshmint · 11/02/2011 08:44

also has anyone checked your iron levels? If you are anaemic that would produce the symptoms you are talking about. It may be nothing to do with pressure.

If not I'd go to your gp and ask for a blood test to check

Original poster
Poogles · 11/02/2011 09:17

Freshmint - I had low feratin levels last year, although was borderline for anaemia. The tiredness could be down to that but I didn't get the light headed feeling back then (if I stand up quickly I get the feeling I've just taken lung full of gas & air!!). It may all be connected.

I'm due my period in the next week or two (have always been irregular) so I think I will keep a diary of how I am during that as it usually makes symtoms worse, probably because I have very heavy periods and pass large clots (sorry TMI!).

I think Sparkle was right about keeping a diary on things then I can explain how I've felt over a period of a few eeks so they can't just dismiss me out of hand!

OP posts:
SparkleRainbow · 11/02/2011 10:20

I wonder how anaemia affects blood pressure, if it does at all. The one thing I have learnt dealing with drs and hospitals for me and my ds, everything is linked, even things you wouldn't think of.

I hope you are feeling better today.

freshmint · 11/02/2011 14:45

yes I had v heavy periods and have always had low blood pressure and had a very fainty period when I was very anaemic

why don't you just have bloods now? no reason to wait a few weeks, you'll just feel even more crap if it is anaemia

or maybe do a bit of self help - take a multivit with iron, stop drinking tea and drink a glass of orange juice every morning with cereal and milk. the odd steak would also help. that might perk you up a bit (tannin prevents absorption of iron and vit c increases it)

RunnerHasbeen · 11/02/2011 15:29

I have low blood pressure that only tips into problematic when I am dehydrated. It isn't just salt, it is the other electrolytes, so you would be better trying rehydration drinks (dioralyte, not the sugary sport ones) not table salt. If you are craving salt and putting a lot on your food, that could suggest you are out of balance in some way.

The wine will not help, it will make it worse. However, drinking the rehydration drink after alcohol has always stopped me getting hangovers!

SparkleRainbow · 11/02/2011 19:42

Wine may not help literally, but I am sure it made her feel better Grin

Original poster
Poogles · 11/02/2011 21:16

Thanks all for the advice! Will try the suggestions by Freshmint (although will miss my tea Grin). Got a busy few weeks coming up at work at the and lots of other thongs going on so probably won't get round to seeing GP for a couple of weeks unless I get worse!! Really bad headache today which makes makes me think it is my iron levels! Iron & orange juice to start the day from tomorrow!!

Have to say I'd never thought of dirolyte but will get some tomorrow! Says something when you get more advice from a forum than your doctor!!

OP posts:
SixtyFootDoll · 11/02/2011 21:25

I have low blood pressure and suffer with low blood sugars, I find eatind snacks every 2-r hrs help stop the dizziness

SixtyFootDoll · 11/02/2011 21:25

I have low blood pressure and suffer with low blood sugars, I find eatind snacks every 2-r hrs help stop the dizziness

Pleiades45 · 11/02/2011 22:12

I suffered from low BP on my 2nd pregnancy. The average was 75/50. I was constantly light headed and prone to dizzy spells/fainting. I was told to keep the fluid in take up. GP said there wasn't much that could be done bar raising my feet above my head but that the benefits would disappear as soon as I lowered my feet! I tried increasing the salt but didn't find any relief from this.

Does a sugary snack help? It sounds like the most logical thing to me.

Original poster
Poogles · 14/02/2011 09:08

Just thought I would give an update after the weekend. I grazed over the weekend rather than sitting down for large meals and this seemed to help. DOn't know if it is related to blood sugars or something but I do tend to go for a long time between meals during the week and I don't snack as a rule. Will be trying to eat something mid morning and mid afternoon this week to see if it has any effect.

Thanks for all of your advice!

OP posts:
Pleiades45 · 14/02/2011 12:08

Glad to hear you might have found something to help.

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