BLOOD PRESSURE HIGHS AND LOWS

[shazstep]

Since I was in my early 30's (now 64) I have experienced high blood pressure. Just previous to my diagnosis of gca/pmr I was on 4 different tablets trying to control it. Since being on steroids I have reduced to 2 tablets. Now my blood pressure is all over the place it is between 150 to 180 of a morning and then under 110 at night. The bottom number is mostly in the 80's. Any advice on how to regulate the numbers?

[stellafmdm]

Hi shazstep, sorry to hear about your BP problems. I've had the same sometimes, and the low BP with dizziness is, for me, always due to inactivity. Can't always be helped with this rotten disease!!! xxxx

[PMRpro Ambassador]

You probably need to get your GP to request a 24 hour holter recording of your BP which gives a far more accurate image of what your BP does. It should vary through the day and fall at night - so in managing BP they have to balance that as well as just bringing it down. If you bring down the daytime level, you may bring the nightime one down too far as well. Different drugs have different effects so you need an expert to do that. And in my book - that doesn't mean a GP, though I realise that isn't always an option.

The problems just before PMR/GCA being diagnosed could well have been due to the vasculitis and swelling due to the inflammation in the arteries.

[Telian]

Like you I have a history of high BP. Since diagnosis of GCA and PMR it does tend to fluctuate. I keep a eye on mine and check it at home, not all the time mostly when it’s misbehaving. I find mine behaves well for a while then suddenly goes up and down for no apparent reason. As PMRpro suggests your GP should refer you for the monitor test when it gets this complicated. There can be a number of reasons and it’s needs to be addressed. Whilst Rheumy keep a note of your BP, if they raise concerns, as they did with me recently, they ask you to see your GP to deal with it. They did ring me at home to ensure I was following their advice and to remind me of the risk of having a stroke if I didn’t! Best wishes.

[PMRCanada]

I was diagnosed with hypertension in Feb/18 and began taking medication (with a diuretic in it) which quickly got my bp under control.

Then I was diagnosed with PMR May 1/18, and after taking pred for awhile and changing my lifestyle (losing weight), I noticed I was feeling light-headed and dizzy. After taking my bp at the local pharmacy for a week, sure enough my bp was now low. GP cut my hypertension medication in half (1/2 tablet), and it’s been steady and good ever since (mind you I only check once a week, not throughout the day).

I think bp does fluctuate daily because when I wore a 24 hour cuff, my readings were all over the place.

Perhaps check with your Dr to find the right dose to stabilize things.

Good luck,