Anyone had this issue?I have been on a calcium channel blocker for about three years after taking bisop and flec for some twelve years, no issues. I am currently undergoing chemo for breast cancer, about to throw the towel in after three cycles, just too horrific. Have had two three night sessions in hospital with low blood pressure and uti’s. A throw away remark by a cardiologist made me sit up when I left the hospital on Sunday. “Slozem does lower the bp”! Why wasnt this spotted before??? A quick call to the GP and he has lowered the dose, hopefully this will help.
Apart from the big one, stay well hydrated, has anyone any tips on keeping the blood pressure at a reasonable level, Iknow this current weather doesn’t help, but I am thinking more long term. Thanks.
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Heartfelt46
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You are coping with a lot and your body is responding accordingly. How low is low? What was your norm when you were healthy?
I used to have very low BP 90/60 was good. Nowadays I have a steady 120/75, hardly varies - unless I’m in AF but even then it tends to stay above 90 systolic. Some people become very symptomatic with BP under 100 but for me, it has to go below 90 before I feel it.
I stopped all heart meds - that helped.
Kept electrolytes in balance - that helped.
Starting taking 6g+ of salt - that helped - a lot.
Started meds for neurological condition which coincidentally, can also be given for low BP but it’s very rare.
Got Pacemaker that helped the most!
It really depends on why your body is reacting this way and it could be the chemo? Presumably you do have AF so is low BP only in AF (if episodes) or also in NSR? It is SO hard to manage multiple health conditions and all the meds.
Hi, thanks for the comprehensive thoughts. As you say the poor body is coping with quite a few issues at the moment and small wonder is complaining. I am in constant Af. Told I couldnt have a pacemaker, heartbeat is strong and would try and overide the technology! Sounds a bit like me! Bp ranges from 83/75 to 121/87 but at the moment mostly under 100/74.
I don’t know what a tilt table test is.
The woozy head does make my ‘good’ chemo days difficult, I am not a person who finds sitting around easy, as my family have told me, ‘you are not a good patient’.
The clue is in the name - patient! I’m not a naturally idle person but my 2 conditions have taught me how to pace myself - interesting how the words themselves say it all!
Electrolytes - please ensure your diet is rich in electrolytes - it seems to be the last things most doctors mention but should be the first in my opinion. Take care.
It’s magnesium, potassium, sodium and trace elements that make your cells work properly. When there is a deficiency then you can start to feel ill or have palpitations.
What dose of diltiazem? I’m stuck in AF at the moment, BP much lower than usual but the diltiazem is keeping my heart rate at a reasonable level so reluctant to take less. Going to contact GP today.
I have also been undergoing chemo, last year, and also this year combined with radiotherapy. During treatment I was feeling very dizzy and took my blood pressure - 90/56. I told the doctor at the RMH and she told me to stop me blood pressure tablets, and said I might not need them again. I am 18 weeks out of treatment and so far my blood pressure is now 110/65. I do hope they get the side effects sorted out for you, my very best wishes.
Thank you for your reply. It is hard to know if it is the combo of chemo and Diltiazem which is causing issues. Whichever, it’s not a lot of fun, as you have experienced. I trust your cancer treatment is at an end and has been successful. Take care.
Hello. I don't know if you feel you're already answered but I take Diltiazem too and have had issues with BP hypos whilst on it. Find out if your type is slow or normal release, as this can make a difference. In thr UK we can only get slow (or what they call 'modified release'). With my last hypo event I went down to 55/38 and it was horrible. You may be on too high a dose, especially as you're receiving other treatment. Perhaps you'll manage better on a lower dose. When I get a BP hypo I drink plenty of water, organic coconut water and also drink a miso soup to get my electrolytes up. Apparently drinking V8 can also.help. Find out if your most recent blood showed low levels of those essential minerals.mentioned above - sodium, magnesium and potassium. And don't believe all the stuff about reducing salt intake. We need 6gm of salt a day. What we need to avoid is too much processed foos, where there are often bidden salts, sugar and other chemicals
No, not at all, I appreciate all the replies people have been kind enough to send in. Everyone has something valuable to add. There are so many issues involved that one comment might just be the one that triggers a possible answer.
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