Should I be concerned about my blood ... - British Heart Fou...

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Should I be concerned about my blood pressure?

Capybara571 profile image
29 Replies

I have been monitoring my blood pressure at home for the past week and have observed that it is persistently low. Today's recording was 72/41. Should I be concerned? Any response would be greatly appreciated.

- Edit -

Thank you to everyone who replied, your advice was gratefully received. As regards to the monitor, it shows no sign of being defective. My parents have been monitoring their blood pressure with normal, albeit slightly elevated readings. I have been taking my blood pressure as according to the instructions and use an appropriately sized cuff. My daily fluid intake is approximately 1.75l. I am 21 years old, maintain a healthy body weight and take moderate exercise. A recent test ascertained normal levels of cortisol over a 12hr period, excluding Addison’s disease as a potential cause of hypotension. My resting heart rate averages at 50bpm (with a range of 45 to 65bpm). I experience multiple symptoms which include lightheadedness, visual disturbances, memory loss and fatigue; however, these complaints are not of recent onset.

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Capybara571 profile image
Capybara571
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29 Replies
SpiritoftheFloyd profile image
SpiritoftheFloyd

Hello Capybara571

Your blood pressure is low, although there may be a number of reasons, - other medical conditions, any medication you are on can all make a difference to your blood pressure, as can stress/anxiety. Perhaps you should call NHS 111 to ask their advice

Palpman profile image
Palpman

Do you have someone there that you can test your machine on to see if it works correctly?

Do not cross your legs. The holter must be at the same level as your heart. The holter must be 1 finger above the bend of your arm. Batteries that are almost flat can give low readings before switching off.

Drink at least 8 glasses of water per day or 1,8 litres. The 1,8 litres include milk, juice, coffee etc. This will increase blood volume and hence blood pressure.

in reply toPalpman

Careful advising on fluid levels, it really can vary depending on weight/size etc.

Palpman profile image
Palpman in reply to

The amount is irelevant. Just enough to replace fluids is fine and could be anything between 1,2 litres to 3,7 litres depending on where you live. In the UK, 1,2 litres is adequate.

in reply toPalpman

You’re assuming they need to replace fluids, what if they don’t! And the amount is relevant!

Best advice was the 1st reply, dial 111

Palpman profile image
Palpman in reply to

Everybody has to replace lost fluids. I am not assuming anything. Merely pointing out one factor that can influence BP. Even NHS 111 will recommend to hydrate to increase BP a little.

in reply toPalpman

They would ask what fluids he/she had already had. What meds, if any they had taken. If they had any symptoms or not. etc etc etc Before advising.

Not getting into an argument, the best advice is just to call 111.

Palpman profile image
Palpman in reply to

Of course you are. I did state that I was pointing out ONE of the factors that can affect BP. Medication was already mentioned so I did not repeat it.

in reply toPalpman

Your OP 'Instructs' to "Drink at least 8 glasses of water per day or 1,8 litres.", your 3rd post states "Merely pointing out one factor".

That is NOT necessarily good advice, end of conversation.

IrisCarter profile image
IrisCarter in reply toPalpman

But it depends on whether they have heart failure or not and other factors such as kidney disease. None of which we know. It is always best to avoid giving specific advice. For example just saying that they should consider their fluid intake and whether it is enough would be more appropriate 🙂

S11m profile image
S11m

As advised…

Check your machine.

Check your technique.

¿Are you using the right size cuff?

I have low blood pressure = 104/70!

Do you feel faint sometimes e.g. when standing up?

Do you get blue or swollen feet or ankles?

If you press the top of your foot with your thumb… how long does it take for the thumb print to turn pink again?

in reply toS11m

104/70 is not low!

Readings above 90/60 and below 120/80 indicate that the blood pressure in your arteries is Normal.

SpiritoftheFloyd profile image
SpiritoftheFloyd in reply to

Correct - just checked mine 97/61 - aka Normal

S11m profile image
S11m in reply to

I get postural hypotension - but my blood pressure might drop briefly when I stand up.

What is important is blood flow… but that is not easy to measure.

Before I had a pacemaker, my SPO2 was dropping to 75 at night - is that low?

in reply toS11m

iirc Normal is 94-100% and Low is <90%

Regarding BP, as most of us know, normal is not always the same for everyone. If your BP was always higher then that would prob be classed as low BP - for you.

My BP is similar to SpiritoftheFloyd 's ~95/~55, this is normal for me.

Kristicats profile image
Kristicats

You should get this checked out ASAP it’s very low . Are you feeling dizzy?

Pewse profile image
Pewse

Your blood pressure is low and at that pressure might cause you to feel quite, quite dizzy when you get up a tad quicker than usual and that’s not good. Sometimes other medication can do this. Are you able to contact a member of your Heart Team? If not, would suggest you ring your surgery or NHS helpline - 111. Good luck, hope you get it sorted. 🙏

Essexgirl63 profile image
Essexgirl63

That looks really low. How accurate is your BP monitor? My Gp told me not to use the wrist ones as they can be inaccurate so I use the upper arm one. I would do an online consultation with my GP or phone 111 for further advice.

BobJ52 profile image
BobJ52

What meds are you on?

Do you feel unwell?

Are you dizzy when standing?

If you are on meds check with GP tomorrow for review of dose

The type and age of bp machine and cuff size are all factors

If dizzy on standing then call 111 for advice

IrisCarter profile image
IrisCarter

I feel ghastly when my systolic is below 90 so I am not surprised that you don’t feel well. As others have said though your machine might not be accurate. I pass out with a systolic below 84.

Handel profile image
Handel

Hi Capybara. Call 111 or your GP.

I'd agree with one post here that suggests you check the battery in your BP meter.

Good luck and keep us posted xxx

dunestar profile image
dunestar

Unless you are feeling unwell I would contact the GP. They will be able to investigate more thoroughly than 111.

winnabago profile image
winnabago

My Dr said he becomes concerned if the first number is below 100. You need to call your Dr and find out what is going on.

Capybara571 profile image
Capybara571

Thank you to everyone who replied, your advice was gratefully received. As regards to the monitor, it shows no sign of being defective. My parents have been monitoring their blood pressure with normal, albeit slightly elevated readings. I have been taking my blood pressure as according to the instructions and use an appropriately sized cuff. My daily fluid intake is approximately 1.75l. I am 21 years old, maintain a healthy body weight and take moderate exercise. A recent test ascertained normal levels of cortisol over a 12hr period, excluding Addison’s disease as a potential cause of hypotension. My resting heart rate averages at 50bpm (with a range of 45 - 65bpm). I experience multiple symptoms which includes light-headedness, visual disturbances, memory loss and fatigue; however, these complaints are not of recent onset.

Smileyian profile image
Smileyian

I do not now your medical condition or meds but prima face I would be concerned.

Chickenrun5 profile image
Chickenrun5

I do think your fluid intake is low at 1.75l. Try to up it to 2.5/3 l x

Slimforsummer profile image
Slimforsummer

Phone your doctor for a telephone appointment . People on this site can give inaccurate information. Take a few readings to give to your dr over the phone. Good luck.

352020 profile image
352020

Your blood pressure is low and u need to contact gp ASAP or relevant health care professional although some people have a low blood pressure and doesn’t effect them the fact you have on going symptoms would suggest there is something going on please just go and get checked! Can I just ask what are your normal readings for you? Ideally your blood pressure should be above 90/60 which is classed as the “normal”. It could just be medication dropping your blood pressure which just may need altering but you need to get seen!

Jedx profile image
Jedx

Hi Capybara that b/p is low, are you on beta blockers as they slow your heart. Dizziness and fatigue are good friends with low b/p too. Maybe you need to check in with your doc. Good luck.

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