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Original poster

Has anyone here been treated for low blood pressure?

15 replies

FuriousGeorge · 04/09/2007 21:09

My mum has very low blood pressure & consequently feels lightheaded & faint a lot.On a couple of occasions,she has collapsed in the street because of it & had to be taken to hospital by ambulance.

She has been to the Drs about it before,but been told that,although in Europe,it is treated,in the UK it is considered not to be a problem & no treatment is given.

After collapsing again whilst on holiday in Italy,last week & being taken to hospital,she is going back to her GP to see if anything can be done.

Hs anyone been treated for low blood pressure here?I'd be grateful to know as my poor mum is starting to worry about collapsing whilst she is out again,or with the dd's.

Thanks

OP posts:
Blandmum · 04/09/2007 21:11

You are right, it is treated on the continent, but isn't treated in the UK. I used to work for a multinational drug company who had meds for this on the Continent, but they were not liceneced for used in the UK

Elibean · 04/09/2007 21:23

My sister suffers with low BP - and yes, its treated in Europe but not here. However, one thing helped her lots: drinking plenty of water - tell your Mum to stay hydrated, it can't hurt and might help! Very unpleasant, I wish her well.

merlotmama · 04/09/2007 23:21

I have this and I do sympathise. My GP just said keep hydrated and don't let yourself get too hungry. Have had some embarrassing moments due to giddiness - once ended up virtually sitting in the lap of a lady in a wheelchair in W H Smith because I got dizzy and lost my balance!

Original poster
FuriousGeorge · 05/09/2007 20:48

Thankyou everyone.I've passed on all your info to my mum,who says she will try & eat & drink a little,more often.She is a bit of a skipper of meals,so that probably wasn't helping.

All your input proved to my mum exactly what MUMSNET is about.Where else could I put a message up & get advice from someone who worked for the drug company who produced meds for her condition (thanks MB!]& fellow suffers!

I have taken note myself,as I get dizzy spells due to low BP too.I remember once nearly passing out in the street & having to bend down to pretend I was getting something out of the buggy tray,when in reality I was putting my head between my knees in the hope I wouldn't faint & could make it home,without causing a kerfuffle!

OP posts:
Blandmum · 05/09/2007 20:50

also, minor thing, but get up slowly! Avoid jumping up, as it makes the low bp worse.

Good news is that your mum is at very low risk of things like strokes

kid · 05/09/2007 20:55

Eating little and often is what my Dr told me to do. It doesn't cure it but it helps. Apparently low blood pressure is better than high blood pressure.
That may be true but how can the Drs guarantee that when you pass out, you will be somewhere safe?

I once passed out at train station standing on the platform. I was taken to hospital and released a couple of hours later. Very scary but according to the Dr, nothing can be done.

Original poster
FuriousGeorge · 05/09/2007 21:17

Exactly Kid,How frightening for you.

the tour rep who went with my mum to hospital was horrified that she couldn't get any help for low bp here.He asked what would happen if she fell under a bus!

MB,that is when it hits me-getting up too quickly!

OP posts:
rantinghousewife · 05/09/2007 21:21

I have low bp, I have to remember to eat and drink regularly, when I was pg with dd it went down to 85over45, which the MW said was 'excellent' for the baby!! I didn't think you could be treated for it tho'!

Sunshinemummy · 05/09/2007 21:23

Friend has it and she also faints a lot. She has to eat constantly and not exert herself overly without some nutrition (e.g. a banana).

Dropdeadfred · 05/09/2007 21:24

my bp was 70/30 whilst pg with dd3...!!! I felt terrible and had hyperemesis

hester · 05/09/2007 21:24

Another sufferer here. It got especially bad in pregnancy, when I was really quite worried i might pass out in a dangerous situation, but there was nothing to be done. I too find eating little and often, keeping hydrated, sleeping well (when toddler allows) all help.

Miaou · 05/09/2007 21:27

Another one here with low bp - all I can say is what others have said! Drink plenty, eat little and often, get up from the floor slowly (I always try and position myself so that I am holding onto something as I stand up and always crouch rather than sit or kneel if I can).

kid · 05/09/2007 21:44

I haven't fainted for over 5 years now, so it would seem I handle it very well. I never ever miss breakfast and have a healthy snack around 11. I don't think I go more than 4 hours without food. I also drink lots of tea which must be good for me!

fadingaway · 05/09/2007 21:45

yes I have it too and was told it isn't treated" over here but it is in other countries.

And I too had hyperemesis and at several stages during my pregnancies I had no readable blood pressure...
It was horrible!!

summer111 · 06/09/2007 17:43

I'm just the same and now have to eat very regularly to prevent feeling faint. My worst expereince was after an operation when I fainted on the toilet in the hospital! The staff had to motnitor my BP throughout the night with my bed head tilted down and my feet up in the air!!!
When I was younger, if I ever skipped meals it resulted in my feeling very weak so you've got to get your mum eating healthily and regularly.
The only consolation is knowing that it is alot better than having high BP

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