lower B.P.

Dear Doctor,
I would like to ask if it is normal for blood pressure to drop  when lying on my right side? And what conditions could cause this if it is not? I tend to have low b.p. anyways, but i found it to drop into the seventies/forties in this postion. Would there be other conditions besides a dysautonomia that could be doing this? I did see a cardiologist this summer and I mentioned to him i have sometimes have palpations, and mild discomfort, but i didn't mention to him about it droping when on my side or a cough and shortness of breath sometimes, almost like a gasp . The only med i am on is avonex.
Thank you very much for your time,
AMO

[CCF-M.D.-RCJ]

AMO,

I suspect that the lowering of your blood pressure when you are on your right side is an "epi-phenomenon". This term applies to phenomenon that seem to be present because of error performed in their observation or measurement.

If you are measuring your blood pressure in your right arm while laying on your right side, then the numbers can be higher (since your arm is lower than your heart) or lower (since your arm arteries are being compressed by your body).  Your "true", central aortic blood pressure is likely unchanged.

If you are measuring your blood pressure in your left arm while laying on your right side, then the numbers could be lower from the fact that your arm is elevated above your heart.  Your "true" aortic blood pressure would remain unchanged.

Some third-term pregnant women will develop lower blood pressure when lying on their back or side by compression of the IVC (the vein that returns blood to the heart from the lower body).

Dysautonomia would be unlikely to cause this blood pressure response; in fact I have never heard of nor seen someone with this response.

Hope that helps.

[hbp702]

Do you have MS? Or is the Avonex for something else?

[karie]

What is your normal b/p?
Are you thin and in good health?
I have mvp and pvc's and have different ratings But find 90/60 and below if I am menstrating or need to eat.
Have you been real low and had the Tilt table test ?
thanks,