Hypotensio

[Thornephillips]

Hi, I was a healthy young female, anout 5years ago I started feeling dizzy, lethargic, lightheaded got very tired after excercise, short of breath, increased heart rate with slight tachycardia and palpitations at times. I saw my GP and I now suffer with Hypotension usually BP around 98-108/60-70  mmg.  My GP did put me onto EFFEXOR as it does cause a raise in BP. but i still have all these symptoms.  Is there anything I can do to sort this out, as I would like to get back to normal life..  Thank you

[Cleveland Clinic]

The blood pressures you are reporting are not that low.  The symptoms which you are describing are more concerning to me.  You should have this checked out by a cardiologist.  the effexor is a poor choice without knowing what is going on.  conditions that come to mind are postrural orthostatic hypotension syndrome, aka POTS, or inappropriate sinus tachycardia, IST.  Of course, you should make sure that you are not anemic and that your thyroid function is normal.  Find a cardiologist who will help you deal with this.  

[ireneo]

Wish I could help you. All I can say is I know how you feel. My BP usually runs in the teens (eg 117) over the low 70's. Once in awhile the systolic will drop into the 90's (96-98) and I feel tired and my arms feel heavy. Fortunately for me it only lasts 6-8 hours. But it's no fun to feel so siuggish. We have things to do, places to go :-)  Actually, I think true hypotension starts at 90 systolic and lower. Still, you don't want to feel this way. Hope the good doctor has a suggestion for you.

[Thornephillips]

Thanks... My Doctors (in South africa) just said I have a slightly lower BP then normal but that there was nothing they could do about it?  When it gets hot say 30 -38 degree celsius, then I really can't do anythign??  They have done blood test, my iron was 0.1 lower then the norm and they checked Thyroid, it was fine?  So I do not know... guess just have to live with it?

Thanks anyway?

[Becca953]

I actually had a similar problem.  Discovered during hot weather when I was still breastfeeding my infant daughter.  Almost passed out from lightheaded feely.  Literally saw stars.  Turns out it was lack of fluids, not dehydration, but just not enough water.  Cut back on caffeine and increased water and bp instantly rose to more resonable level. Hope this helps.

[sugarpea013]

Hey there, I agree with the doctor. That's a perfectly healthy normal blood pressure. I have to say your symptoms sound a lot like mine. I have been diagnosed with IST and also show signs of POTS. However, my BP tends to get very low. Anywhere between 70/30 and 90/60 is where I typically run. I know upon standing it drops lower and causes my heart to speed up. Of all the meds I have tried, I can tell you honestly that WATER was the best thing to help me. I drink 3 liters of water a day. Any less than 2 and I'm feeling the same symptoms you describe. Good luck.