Low blood pressure

[islasmum]

Does anyone know how to get your blood pressure back to normal?. I've just seen the nurse and it was 90 over 65 - I've been taking two blood pressure pills, one of which I'm not taking any more, due to a very low result last thursday. I don't need to know why it's happening, I'd just like some suggestions (clean and sensible please) as to how to raise it a bit today, as I'm feeling distinctly light headed and am meant to be going out later on. Thanks very much.

[Sqad]

There is no satisfactory way to raise a low BP, the answer is to find out why the BP is low.

In your case it would seem that your dose of BP lowering drug is too high OR whether you need the drug at all.

See your GP.

[islasmum]

Thanks Sqad - I'm back the Diabetic clinic in the next few days, hopefully it might have settled down by then, how long would it normally take to get out of my system? I stopped taking the Indapamide last Friday. I'm fairly sure that the low bp is to do with my kidneys, which are failing, but I'm having treatment for that at the Renal clinic.

[Sqad]

Islasmum, in my opinion the kidney problem would have little or nothing to do with your low BP, quite the opposite........it would raise it.

Ceasing the BP tablets may well take at least a week to raise your BP.

I look forward to. The opinion at the Diabetic Clinic.

[islasmum]

Thanks very much Sqad, hopefully I'll feel better by then.

[pdq1]

Many people find that having your BP taken at the doctors surgery elevates your BP reading. They have a name for it. White coat syndrome. Maybe when you first had your readings taken you were suffering from this and didn't really need the tablets in the first place.

[Sqad]

pdq1

She is a diabetic and also attending the Renal Clinic so one can assume that the "White coat Syndrome " played little" or no part in her BP readings.

As a side issue....I am not a great fan of this syndrome,..;-)

Overdiagnosed in my opinion.

[mrs_overall]

Are you dehydrated? That can cause low BP

[islasmum]

Hi Mrs O - I don't think that I'm dehydrated, but I might be a bit, as the renal people do not want me drinking too much, so I'm having less than I would normally. I feel a bit better now - I went and had a nap instead of going out!
PDG - when I started taking blood pressure tablets I did need them, and then several years later the doctor added a second pill to take - it's only a very recent thing having low blood pressure - and I'm a firm believer in White Coat syndrome, as several times in the last year I have gone to see doctors and it has been up in the 140's - 150's, and then calmed down again when I get home. I do have my own bp meter, just haven't used it recently because I must get new batteries for it. Thank you all for your responses.

[islasmum]

sorry -pdq1

[petal54]

take it easy

[mrs_overall]

islasmum - if you are not having treatment yet for renal failure then there is no earthly reason why you should be on a fluid restriction!

[Sir Alec]

Try eating liquorice, if you like it. I've got high blood pressure and had to stop eating it as it raises BP slightly.

[Sqad]

Mrs-O but she IS having treatment for renal failure.

[mrs_overall]

Licquorice is on the banned list for renal patients

[mrs_overall]

Sqad - I need to go to Specsavers - I misread that bit. Thanks for pointing it out

[Sir Alec]

Didn't know that Mrs O. I've got a damaged kidney but have never been told not to eat or drink anything, in fact I feel quite let down by the lack of advice I've been given over the years. Everything I've found out has been by my own investigation.

[mrs_overall]

Sir Alec, you only need one functioning kidney to live a normal life. A renal diet for those with kidney failure is horrendously strict. There are certain foods that patients cannot eat and licquorice is one of them. If your other kidney is ok, then eat licquorice to your hearts content

[Sir Alec]

The damaged kidney is at 26% efficiency. The other kidney has enlarged to make up the difference. I don't eat liquorice any more as I have high BP.

[islasmum]

I've just been seeing the nurse consultant and the dietician prior going into dialysis and apparently my diet is not too bad as my potassium and sodium levels are very good! Used told to cut down on protein and try not to drink too much fluids. I've just got to be careful with what I eat- pity about the liquorice - I do like the stuff !