Sudden low blood pressure

[Judie P]

I had something unusual happen to me yesterday and I can't figure out why.  I went to my dentist because my permanent bridge was supposed to be put in, and the bridge was not made correctly, so the temp was put back in for now. Novacane was not used or any other chemical in the process.  However, my husband and I were quite hungry, so we went to our favorite downtown Greek restaurant for dinner.  Had a lot to eat and was quite full.

I need to add that I have been having lower back problems for some time and it is getting harder to walk.  I am hoping to gain back some of my leg and arm strength when I have my cervical surgery (probably some time in November). The weather in California has been hot, and even though we sat outside in the shade, it was still warm for me.

When we left, I got up and started walking when I suddenly felt lightheaded and weak.  It took me some time to get to the car and when I did, it was hard to get inside.  Once sitting, I felt better.  When we got home, the same thing started happening again.  I could barely get inside the house.  I took my blood pressure, which is usually normal or slightly higher (130s/70s) and it was 107/55.  That is low for me.  I could not get it any higher for about an hour.  I finally gave in and laid down.  About two hours later is was back to my normal.

Anyone out there ever have that problem?  I am thinking it was the heat.  Cervical stenosis and myelopathy causes high blood pressure, not low.  Eating has never caused it.  Maybe Sjogren's?

It was weird.
 

[SjoDry]

Yes Judie!

I had an episode on July 15,2022. Now I had previously been on high blood pressure meds for years up until this episode.. On the 15th, I went out on my deck to get some sun. I was out about an hour, got a phone call and went in. I was on the phone for a bit and ate lunch and then went back out. Within 30 mins, I suddenly got very dizzy. I came inside and stumbled once or twice. I then got very nauseous, had chest and head pain and got an upset stomach. Made it through the episode and stayed on the couch the rest of the day. I woke up the next a.m. with a horrible headache and chest pain. I finally went to the ER and ended up being admitted. My bp was very high and I was in tachycardia. They did see some changes in my ekg. I had a chemical stress test which did not show a cardiac issue.

Fast forward..every single day since the episode on July 15th, my bp has been ridiculously low. I am staying in the 80/50 range. I finally got to a Cardiologist last week. They had me walk through the halls with a pulse oximeter on. My oxygen level dropped, I started to cough and my chest began to hurt. The Cardiologist thinks I have Pulmonary Hypertension. He has ordered an echo, pulmonary function tests, a pulmonary consult and then a right heart catheterization. The RHC is a definitive test to determine if you have pulmonary hypertension. Also, what happens is if I go up or down stairs, my heartrate goes into tachycardia..that with the low blood pressure.

So to answer your question, yes..I have this happening right now. It is exhausting. I make the bed and shower and am wiped out. I am kinda functioning (or not functioning) a bit like a zombie.

Hope you get some better answers than I did.
Take care.
Sandy

[meirish]

I have no idea what this is. With heat one can always get dehydrated and not be aware of it. However, it is always wise to see a cardiologist to rule out anything that could need treatment. It seems when we get older, don't you hate that" plus have health issues we can come up with some weird situations.

Sometimes people will wait to see if the same symptoms happen again. This is an iffy thing to do a lot of the time especially with the heart. It might be that you could make an appointment with a cardiologist with the understanding that if the symptoms happen again before your appointment you will head to an ER to have testing done while having the symptoms. You could then take the results of the testing to your cardiologist when you go to the appointment.

You will have to think things over and make a decision that works for you and is safe. Take care and good luck. meirish

[Judie P]

I went to see my regular doctor for blood work after that episode.  Unfortunately, he was booked for 5 weeks, but I got to see him this past Monday.  My Vitamin B12 and D is low.  I am supposed to be taken it in liquid form every day and I was not doing that.  Pretty much not doing it at all.  I lack intrinsic factor and have pernicious anemia.  That seems to be the problem.

Now if my brain would only remember to take my vitamins.  LOL

[meirish]

Post-a-notes on the refrigerator. I should follow my own advice. lol meirish

[Scottietottie]

Hi 

Put medication alarms in your phone....

Take care - Scottie

(You just reminded me I didn't take my meds this morning! My excuse - being woken up by 7 year old grandchild - who is staying over half term - at 5.30a.m.  I am NOT a morning person)