high blood pressure and low hemoglobin

[jmp66]

Some history:   My 74 year old mother who has been very healthy her whole life, was diagnosed as having high blood pressure (160's/90's) last year.  Prior to this, she had never had any problems with hypertension.  She has tried to control it with diet (low sodium) and has been moderately successful (BP varies: the last time she gave blood it was 125/80something, but was 160/85 at a recent doctors appointment).  At that same dr's appointment, she was found to have low hemoglobin (10).  Her doctor prescribed iron and had her do a stool sample (she has not received the results yet).  My question:  What relationship, if any, is there between high blood pressure and low hemoglobin?

[caregiver222]

Well, low hemoglobin can cause high blood pressure. The reason is this. Within the two carotid arteries in the neck are receptors that measure the unit volume of oxygen per minute going to the brain. The oxygen is transported by the red blood cells. A hemoglobin deficiency means a reduced oxygen carrying capacity. To maintain oxygenation more fluid must flow past the sensors per unit time, and this is accomploished by signals to the heart and blood vessels to increase the blood pressure.

[roys5]

my mon has low hemoglobin, she is 82. Her level is at 8.6.. What is the best recomendation you can give me??