Questions posted in the Neurology and Neurosurgery Forum have been answered by doctors from The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.

Subject: Re: Low blood pressure and heart pumping strength
Forum: The Neurology and Neurosurgery Forum
Topic Area: Myasthenia Gravis
Posted by CCF Neurology W6 MD on October 10, 1998 at 09:58:27:
In Reply to: Low blood pressure and heart pumping strength posted by Donna Dougherty on October 10, 1998 at 09:13:46:


I know MG effects VOLUNTARY muscles but wonder if there is also some impact on heart or vascular system. I have been diagnosed with occular MG with poss. mild general effects. Sleep cures most of my problems! I have had a stretch of lack of sufficient sleep and one reaction has been low blood pressure. I am 55 and normally run about average BP with occassional borderline hypertention with higher salt intake. Lately I have had episodes of BP's such as 97/48 which make me feel very restless and wiped out. Sleep improves BP which makes me wonder about effects or heart pumping action or peripheral circulation. Any relation? I also have occasional hypogylcemic episodes.

Dear Donna,

Smooth and cardiac muscle are not affected in myasthenia gravis.
In your case with ocular MG, the disease is restricted to the eyes muscles unlike in generalized MG where limb muscles are also affected.
Improvement after a good night sleep (basically a restful period) is characteristic. I suggest that you get check up to further evaluate this blood pressure fluctiation if this interferes with your day to day activities.
Hypoglycemic episodes should also be looked at, normally we can avoid such situations because the body then uses the reserve (liver does this job)
Good luck to you.
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