87 yrs old with low blood pressure

[Stefos]

I hope this is allowed to post as I'm looking after my elderly mother and having great trouble getting to he bottom of her problems which have been going on for 3 years, she was found to have a blocked artery 20 years ago but carried on with her meds ok, she has naturally low blood pressure but has been taking Elantan ( Isosorbide Mononitrate 25mg ) and Ranolazine 375 mg for Angina but never had chest pain, she now finds it difficult to stand as gets dizziness and gets very tired along with poor sleep, her blood pressure go's down to 100/60 and sometimes a bit lower, have now seen several GP'S but can't seem to get anywhere ,would paying to see a Cardiologist be the way to go.

[Happyrosie]

her blood pressure really is too low (speaking as a non-medic!). I’m astonished that her medics are not trying to adjust her therapy. If her docs have been turning her away unsatisfied I just don’t know what to suggest - here’s hoping other posters have a view?

[10gingercats]

You might try a 'worried' call to 111 or take her to A and E. Either way I think you may get better answers to what is going on than via your docs. who sound inefficient to say the least.

[Weetabixie]

Doctors are so unbelievable at times, I don't understand how they've not adjusted medication and monitored your mum. Then again they don't seem to do anything like they used to anymore. Maybe give gp one more try to a home visit if possible or I'd ring 111 like 10gingercats advised. Hope they look into it for you 🤞

[Lowerfield_no_more]

Unfortunately, if my experience is anything to go by, if you ring 111, all that they are likely to do is to make an appointment with the GPs who are currently involved since it is not classed as a medical emergency. If you feel a visit to a private medicine consultant might be worthwhile and you can afford around £250 for the initial consultation, a little less for any follow ups, with any tests as extra, then go for it. But you may find you have to be referred by the GP., although some consultants will see you without a referral. And if you get to see a consultant prepare a briefing note to hand over covering all relevant medical circumstances to ensure you get the most out of your time for which you are paying.

[wischo]

Yes Lowerfieds advice would be the same as mine as the private cardiologists tend to be more attentive on fixing the problem and less robotic than the public ones that are trying to get through droves of patients daily.

[Swim2fitness]

I have low blood pressure and when I was on loads of medicines for my unexplained heart attack my Doctor said he wanted to know if and when my blood pressure fell below 100 on the top measure. So my best contribution is take her blood can pressure for one week three times a day with times noted and send it to the Dr to look at. It is a pattern they are looking for rather than one offs. I know with myself if I didn’t eat or drink much etc so before lunch my BP was lower than after.

[scentedgardener]

If you decide to give GP another try first perhaps tackle it by saying that you are concerned as your mother is not feeling well, and the dizziness concerns you because of the possibility of falls. Ask what they would expect her target blood pressure to be. Then follow up by asking how that can be achieved.As someone who is a few years younger than your mum I experienced low blood pressure as my body no longer needed those doses, at times lower than you quoted for your mum. I didn't know how rotten I felt until I started to feel better, so when I was on the phone trying to get the dosage adjusted when asked how I was feeling I said I was okay. I was getting readings like 95/66, so not an emergency situation but not to be ignored.

[Dizzydory]

hi stefos, I too have naturally low blood pressure and have had to change my initial meds as they lowered it more and made me constantly dizzy and tired. Docs don’t seem too concerned about low blood pressure but I’ve found it’s a balancing act to get the right meds and dose. Maybe speak with your pharmacist to find out what other tablets are available for your mums condition and go armed with this information back to your GP. They need to listen to your concerns so don’t leave until they do! Good luck and let us know how you get on.

[Stefos in reply to Dizzydory]

thank you for your advice, yes I'll put on here how I get on, hopefully might help others with similar problems.

[Handel]

Hi Stefos. A close friend of mine keeps her fluid levels topped up when she suffers the effects of low BP. Not quite sure what the science is behind that but if your lovely Mum is allowed more fluids (I appreciate some people are on limited fluids per day), that might be something to try?

Best of luck to you and Mum. Jan xxxx

[Choccie55]

I have naturally low blood pressure as well as being on beta blockers so I need to make sure I’m well hydrated and eat regularly. From my experience elderly relatives are often terrible drinking water regularly but it’s very important as in our later years the body holds less water so we are at more risk of dehydration. I’d go back to the GP and insist on a referral. You could also have a chat with a pharmacist regarding her medications to see if they are making matters worse. Those with low blood pressure can also have more salt in the diet but don’t increase without medical advice. If you can afford private care it’s worth it. My 84 year old mother in law now does this when she gets no joy from the NHS. She feels because the NHS is so overwhelmed they aren’t interested because of her age. I hope this isn’t true but worry there is some truth in it 😞.

[JeremiahObadiah]

I have no experience of this and this is just a suggestion-could you pop into your pharmacist, taking her medications and her blood pressure readings and ask if she should have a review of her meds, if they have any recommendations/advice? The doctor should/ may take what a pharmacist suggests seriously .

[Zindolo]

I hope my reply doesn't seem rude, but after watching both of my parents age and eventually die (dad was 86, mom made it to 92), I think it's helpful to remain cognizant of the fact that eventually there really isn't much that any doctor or medication can do to prolong one's life.

[Stefos]

Thank you everyone for your replies and help, much appreciated.🙂🙏