low blood pressure

Posted by pat on May 30, 1999 at 11:02:01
My blood pressure is consistantly low(80/50).It seems to cause dizziness, headaches, weakness, shortness of breath, blackouts and vision problems(too much light). Is this a serious problem for a 40 year old diabetic with hepatitis C? I have not seen a doctor in 1 1/2 years because of no insurance. Is there a simple solution to this condition?

Posted by CCF CARDIO MD - MTR on May 31, 1999 at 21:34:56
Dear Pat, thank you for your question.  I understand your concern regarding seeing a physician given your lack of insurance, but you have 3 major medical problems that require regular medical attention (low BP, diabetes, and hepatitis C).  The low BP could be caused by a number of different problems and should be investigated soon since you have such severe symptoms.  My recommendation to you is to find the nearest teaching hospital that provides charity care.  Go to that hospital and arrange a visit with a good general internist.  An internist should first evaluate your low BP (and other problems) before you are considered for a cardiology referral.  
I hope you find this information useful.  Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only.  Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies. Please feel free to write back with additional questions.  Good luck!
If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter.  The Heart
Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.