Postural/orthostatic Hypotension

[Stumpy47]

I have recently been diagnosed with orthostatic Hypotension after experiencing double vision,dizziness & numbness in extremities. my meds were changed as I had been given a drug which lowers my Blood Pressure & I was already on a Beta Blocker which also lowers BP. I continue to have problems even two months after the review.

I have now found an article where these symptoms were relieved completely by their EP adjusting their PaceMaker Rate Response sensitivity & told to tap their Pacemaker to simulate activity & speed up their HR for 10 minutes whenever they felt dizziness! Evidently this worked perfectly for the patient & is very happy with the results which he uses 4/5 times a day!

I shall certainly be asking my EP about this, as I am extremely concerned that I will lose my Driving Licemce if the condition worsens,at present it doesn't happen that often & told not to worry unless it worsens.

Has anyone else heard of this PM tapping to fool it into pacing you & increse BP? Sounds Crazy doesn't it

ahajournals.org/doi/abs/10....

[Yumz199725]

Sorry to hear of your recent diagnosis, what tests did they do to confirm been having similar issues mainly was dizziness or feeling unsteady?

[Stumpy47 in reply to Yumz199725]

First request was for me to get my eyes tested including retinal photos (All Clear) Then Hospital Opthalmology who immediately picked up on possible BP problem. Then BP tests at GP lying,sitting & standing which revealed massive differences in pressure which was monitored by me at home & by GP. They then realised my meds were both affecting my BP, it's improved (No more double vision scary when it happened driving) but still feel dizzy when sitting up or standing up (I have to do it in stages! Best wishes .

[Yumz199725 in reply to Stumpy47]

Ah wow I been having issues with my eyes had double vision even with my glass's on turns out I have weak muscles in my eyes 🙄👀😑. What was your BP changes when sitting lying down and standing up? I was told I could have same problem so I needed blood pressure checked same as you after and echo but no none ever followed up with it it so I just haven't had any more tests to confirm or to rule out so will mention at my appointment in November 🤔👍. I feel dizzy or unsteady if I stand up to quickly but I thought that was normal for people with heart problems?? How did you monitor at home??? Your BP?

[Stumpy47 in reply to Yumz199725]

92/57 & 122/87 they look for a difference in the higher figures of 22mmHg to say it's hypotension. I use an OMRON monitor to monitor it at home . I was told to make sure you sit upright for about a minute before you stand then support yourself for another minute until you feel steady. Hope this helps you.

[Yumz199725 in reply to Stumpy47]

This does help thank you I will do this and see if I have any changes in BP, I'm convinced I have this issue or its just bad anxiety 😢💔.

[Coopergirl52]

Hi Stumpy47.

I have got the same problem had it since last November was fine after my heart attack in April 22.

I now have spells of lightheadedness and feeling unsteady on my feet also fatigue seems to be getting worse was on Losartan but this has now been stopped also Bisoprolol which has been reduced to 1.25mg but both blood pressure and pulse are still very very low try to go for a walk in the mornings but feel shattered in the afternoon's.

After going backwards and forwards to the GP as I can submit my BP readings directly to the surgery have been referred back to the hospital now on waiting list for an appointment to see a cardiologist hope I don't have to wait too long.

[Stumpy47 in reply to Coopergirl52]

Hi Coopergirl52, It's very frustrating & I know how tiring it is. Best wishes to you.

[Stumpy47]

Just an update over the past week my BP seems to have stabilised & returned to more normal levels. I shall definitely question any new meds my GP etc prescribes in the future.