Low blood pressure

[MrsChips]

I have GCA with Takayasu Arteritis. I am taking Clopidogrel/ Atorvastatin/ Bisoprolol/ Tocilizumab (3 monthly), yesterday my blood pressure was 92/80. It was taken at the hospital as the doctor’s surgery can’t find it, or my pulse. I emailed my Dr with the result, and she rang me today. I told her I feel fine except for when I am walking outside, when I do feel rather disoriented. She booked another blood pressure reading for next week, and said she would then write to the consultant rheumatologist. What I’m wondering is, should I contact rheumatology myself and should I be worried about this low blood pressure. Is there anything that can be done?

[FryTuck]

I also take bisoprolol as I suffer from Atrial Fibrillation caused in part by vasculitis related issues. Bisoporolol is a beta blocker and also treats high blood pressure - so as my blood pressure was not a problem I was put on a v low dose. Maybe the dose you are taking is too high and needs to be reduced - a phone call to your rheumatology consultant would be a good idea to check whether it would be wise to vary your prescription

[MrsChips in reply to FryTuck]

That sounds extremely useful. I will def ring rheumatology tomorrow. Bisoprolol was prescribed by the cardiac Dept.

[SmileySunshine]

have you got a blood pressure monitor at home? They aren’t too expensive and really handy to have.

If you get one check your BP in the morning and evening for a few days. Do it while sitting (uncrossed legs and no talking) take it three times and record best one. This will give you a much better picture of your BP.

I have TAK and can only have BP taken in right arm (left arm always lower and can’t always be found) after recent heart surgery they used my leg to take BP. So you could try that too.

[MrsChips in reply to SmileySunshine]

It’s great to hear from another TAK sufferer. How long have you had this? I was diagnosed in 2019 after a stroke. I laugh about the missing pulse and BP, when I’m at the Dr’s surgery or hospital, but, underneath I’m quite worried.

Do you know if there are any support groups anywhere. It would be so useful to be able to compare our symptoms / medication / issues.

[SmileySunshine in reply to MrsChips]

I was diagnosed over 30 years ago. (I’m 53yrs old now) I have just had my first surgery it was open heart surgery, so quite a buggy recovering well though

On Facebook there is a private group called Takayasus Arteritis and there are thousands of us!

Feel free to message with any questions.

[DawnMezza]

Hi, I also have TAK and GCA. Was diagnosed in 2021. Had a stroke, heart attack and gone partially blind in 1 eye since being diagnosed.

I had a PET scan to get the correct diagnosis. Had a few now. Mine did go into remission from all of the treatment, but it seems to be active again, which isn’t great. It’s just managing it with the correct treatment. Sometimes it has to be changed or juggled around to get the right medication/treatment and correct dosage. I guess everyone’s different, especially when it comes to TAK.