Is there a danger in having low blood pressure?

[Anonymous]

One thing I've always thought was tied to my low bp was feeling faint after taking aspirin or other nsai's. Anyone else experience this?

[Anonymous]

I also have low blood pressure. I did read somewhere that extremely low blood pressure can be as bad as extremely high blood pressure, but can't remember what this was related to -- maybe heart issues or overall longevity? I actually think there might be some longer term implications, other than just fainting a lot. Hmm.

[Anonymous]

My blood pressure typically runs 80 something over 50 something. Sometimes a little lower, sometimes a little higher. The only time I have really seen any concern is when my diastolic # has been in the 20's and 30's. I am not prone to fainting, but have fainted a couple of times. Like a PP said, your blood pressure typically goes down during the 1st or 2nd trimester and will typically go up towards the end of a pregnancy. I am petite and sometimes they will change the blood pressure cuff if they think the reading is wrong -- in that case they usually change to a smaller cuff and the reading can be vastly different. This is when they use machines to measure blood pressure rather than having the nurse actually listen. I have always felt that the human-in-the-loop mode is more accurate. My dad had high blood pressure so I often had to take his blood pressure.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Other than the fainting, I've had no other problems besides getting altitude sickness when I go skiing on high mountains. There's less oxygen at high altitudes, so mix that with low blood pressure, and you are going to feel dizzy or faint.

So THAT explains it!! I always get altitude sickness in the Rockies. I though it was flu the first time, and the second time I thought it was psychosomatic that I was feeling ill again. Interesting that low BP is the more likely culprit. I feel vindicated. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I experience extremely low blood pressure just before my monthly period comes. The last medical check up I had my blood pressure was 70/40. The doctor said that it was too weak her assistant had to help her out getting my BP. Any other adult female out there experience extremely low blood pressure? What does this mean

[Anonymous]

THe only time it has caused me trouble was when I was having my daughter, the anesthesiologist said "I am not approving her for a c/s with a BP of 90/48 and a pulse of 39." And I thought -- what am I supposed to do, suck the baby in? But they gave me a shot of epinephrine and I was good to go.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have always had low blood pressure, not crazy low but low enough that the nurses always smile and comment on how low it is. Usually maybe 110/90 or something? The last time I went in, my blood pressure was 100/80 (I'm estimating, but I remember that bottom number was 80). That actually got a sucking whistle from the nurse... I'm 40, 5'7 and 130 lbs. I get lightheaded a lot from standing up too quickly (normal, I'm told). My family all has high blood pressure, both sisters are actually taking meds for it but they are also 50 lbs overweight...

Is there such a thing as too low, or is that just aka "shock" or "dead"?

I've had low blood pressure for my entire life, I am 33 now. I also have anemia (iron defieciency, pernicious and hemolytic) and that can mess with my blood pressure as well. I am 5'6 and I weigh 130. My blood pressure has never been higher than 121/82 and that was when I was in hard labor with my daughter. My blood pressure is typically around 80/60. I'd check into anemia if I were you.

[Anonymous]

Mine has always been low, and I tend to faint a lot (well, more often than normal people). It's great for pregnancy though - the doctors love it when your BP stays low/normal....

Re: the fainting, I've fainted enough that I know what it feels like when I'm heading in that direction. If I start to feel it, I sit or lie down and wait for it to pass. There is a very high embarrassment factor to passing out in public places...!

[Anonymous]

I have very low blood pressure too and a similar story: anemia, fainting. I think my record was 60/40 and the nurse who took it did not give me the approving whistle: she called for backup. when I went on antidepressants in my early twenties my already low blood pressure dropped even lower, and my psychiatrist felt it was too risky and that I should either discontinue the antidepressant or go on something to raise my blood pressure. I decided to wean off the antidepressant which did resolve it.

[Anonymous]

Low BP people go into shock faster than people with regular BP in case of an emergency so doc has less time to work on you before you die.

[Anonymous]

I have low blood pressure and get dizzy or faint a lot. It must be genetic because my mother and grandmother both had it also. As a data point, all three of us are or were clinicly morbidly obese.

I've known skinny people with high bp and very fat people with low bp, so you can really assume nothing. That's why it's important to get regular screenings even if you "look" healthy!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I also have low blood pressure. I did read somewhere that extremely low blood pressure can be as bad as extremely high blood pressure, but can't remember what this was related to -- maybe heart issues or overall longevity? I actually think there might be some longer term implications, other than just fainting a lot. Hmm.

Yes, I read the same thing, but can't remember what it was either. Definitely something longer term.

[Anonymous]

Eat salt! Climb slowly (in your car, etc) at high altitudes, eat little meals often, and make sure your doctors know. I too went into shock at delivery and they wanted me to get a transfusion.
Funny, I am anemic too.

[Anonymous]

I give blood every couple months and when they read my BP before the donation it is almost always about 90/60. No problems feeling lightheaded whatsoever. (Not sure if it matters, but I am pretty tall and thin, 5'9 and 125lb).

[Anonymous]

Licorice can raise your blood pressure, just get full spectrum licorice and not DGL.