BP: How low is too low?

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jan 12 2010

Q: What is the lowest your blood pressure can be and still be safe? Sometimes mine gets around 105/60. I have been watching my food intake now for about 3 weeks. My b.p. was about 135/84. I also walk and exercise about an hour each day. I used to take b.p . medicine (avalide) each day but wanted to get off it.

A: Blood pressure is too low when symptoms such as dizziness and feeling faint occur. The blood pressure measurement where symptoms develop varies from person to person. Age, level of fitness, medical problems and medications all influence how low a pressure your body can tolerate.

Concern about low blood pressure

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jun 09 2009

Q: I usually have low blood pressure of 90/60 mm/Hg. But after exercising it drops to 80/50 mm/Hg. Then after breakfast it returns to 90/60. Is this normal or should I be taking some medication to raise my blood pressure?

A: As long as a person in this situation feels fine before, during, and after exercise, they likely do not need to be concerned about their blood pressure. There is no set number associated with low blood pressure. Individuals develop symptoms of low blood pressure at varying pressures based on many factors such as age, physical conditioning, overall health, and drugs being taken.

Need to treat low BP?

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Apr 28 2009

Q: I am 81 years old. My BP reading is 110/55. I go for a regular fast walk for one hour at about 120 paces per minute. And then follow up with free standing exercises, for about one hour. Do I need to take any corrective medication for the lower BP reading of 55?

A: You are walking for an hour and doing free standing exercises without problem. Your blood pressure is staying within a good range. Based on this, you appear to be in good cardiovascular health. However, you should discuss your concerns with your doctor.

Low blood pressure and passing out

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Feb 04 2009

Q: My wife usually has low blood pressure, 109/78 and many times lower. This has been enough to cause her to pass out in the shower. Could the RESPeRATE device work for modulating her BP? Is there any research for this device regarding low blood pressure?

A: Syncope, or passing out, has many causes. Your wife needs to be evaluated by her physician immediately. Until the cause is determined, your wife would be wise to sit in a chair while showering. Clinical studies performed on the RESPeRATE have looked at lowering, not elevating, blood pressure. Blood pressure changes throughout the day and night based on activity, hormones, and other factors.

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jan 29 2009

Q: I am 27 years old, 5′9″ and weigh 158lbs. I recently have been having my blood pressure taken and it is always around the range of 88/58. Is this bad? What should I do?

A: Based on the information provided, you appear healthy. Both your blood pressure and weight are good. If you are eating properly and have a regular exercise program, you are doing the right things to maintain your health. For a list of appropriate medical screenings for your age, click here.

Fear of low blood pressure

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jan 19 2009

Q: When I have a blood pressure reading of 140 over 63, I’m afraid to take my Metoprolol, fearing that my low reading will go too low. What do you suggest?

A: At 140/63, your blood pressure should be treated. If you are having symptoms of too low blood pressure when taking your medication as prescribed, you need to tell your doctor. Common symptoms of low blood pressure are light headedness, dizziness, and feeling faint with standing.

Controling low blood pressure

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jan 02 2009

Q: What is the best way to control low blood pressure?

A: The most common cause of low blood pressure, especially when you stand up, is inadequate fluid intake. Most people fail to drink on a daily basis the six to eight glasses of water that are recommended. More serious low blood pressure occurs with acute blood loss.

Best way to control low bp

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jan 01 2008

Q: What is the best way to control low blood pressure?

A: The most common cause of low blood pressure, especially when you stand up, is inadequate fluid intake. Most people fail to drink on a daily basis the six to eight glasses of water that are recommended. More serious low blood pressure occurs with acute blood loss.

Sodium and low bp

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Dec 18 2007

Q: Is there any correlation between low sodium levels and low BP?

A: Acute loss of sodium can cause dehydration and low blood pressure. This is why sports drinks were developed to keep athletes hydrated because sodium is lost through sweating. Just replacing lost water is not enough.

OrthoStatic-Hypotension

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Oct 03 2007

Q: I have OrthoStatic-Hypotension. My BP is very high when I lie down, when I sit it instantly drops some, and when I stand it drops even lower. I get so dizzy that I often fall or need to lie down right away. I take many meds (i.e. Zocor, Actonel, ToprolXL, Avodart). Do you think my condition could be caused by the meds?

A: Orthostatic hypotension is a known side effect of ToprolXL. It is important to get up slowly to prevent this from occurring. As this has resulted in a fall and it is not clear that your blood pressure is in good control, you would be wise to discuss your current medication regimen with your doctor.