Exercise test an drop in BP

[Julie]

Recently had an exercise test.  BP at end of stage I was 150/70  and dropped to 120/60 at which point they stopped the test.  Why does this happen, is it good or bad?

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

Raynaud's disease is a rheumatologic condition and beyond the scope of this forum.  It is usually not associated with heart disease.  Triscuspid regurgitation is a 'backflow of blood across the triscuspid valve and is generally considered benign.

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

Possibly.  If your doctors still need the test they may want to do a 'chemical stress test' where you don't have to exercise.

[Julie]

I have Mitral Stenosis and Aortic insufficiency, could that contribute?

[Carolyn Goddard]

I have Raynaud's disease & pretty much all the symptoms with it.  My mother was diagnosed with heart disease at 27.  I read an article that Raynaud's may be one of the warning signs of heart disease.  I asked my doctor about it & he sent me to have an echocardiogram.  Although it hasn't been read yet by a doctor, the technician doing the test picked up on the fact that I have a murmur, also diagnosed by my physician.  My doctor called it MVP without regurgitation.  The technician said it was a leaky tricuspid valve.  I have cold hands, feet, muscular pain, foot cramps, shortness of breath, dizziness & an unexplainable cough whenever I eat (Dr. prescribed upper GI for that, why I am not sure...)  All these diagnosis don't mean much too me.  Can you please translate?  Other than eating right, exercising & keeping warm, isn't there anything else that can be done?

Thanks,

Carolyn Goddard

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

There are several possible causes.  The one that doctors worry about is ischemia causing the drop thus the reason to stop the test.  Other possible causes are a mistaken reading either before or during the test, dehydration, or other causes.