Low Blood Pressure

Today, after my walk, I checked my blood pressure at the pharmacy.  It was 78/49.  I felt light headed, which is why I checked.  

I don't think it's due to rny.  I do remember, in the early 90's, having this problem, which was the last time I weighed under 150.  It was one of the rationalizations I had for gaining weight. No more lightheadedness. I saw my gp back then.  No reason was found for the low blood pressure.  It seemed to only occur after exercise, even moderate exercise like walking. So I quit walking.  Then I gained back all the weight that I had lost that time.'

I am almost 11 months post surgery. I do not want to regain the weight.  I wish I knew what causes the low blood pressure/lightheadedness so I can fix it.  Should I be asking my gp to see a specialist?  If so, what kind?

Has anyone else experienced this?

 

I have experience with low blood pressure, could be as simple as dehydration or vitamins or as complicated as a bleed or an underlying heart issue. The lightheadedness is probably a direct result of the low bp (as i'm sure you're aware), GP will probably refer to a cardiologist if you push them. Where I live I have found it best to just go to the ER, you'll probably get to see a cardiologist much quicker (often the next day) and you'll get instant results when they run the tests. Sucks to spend several hours in the ER but you'll get peace of mind. 

Thank you for your reply iceblaze3k. I hadn't thought of cardiologist. Someone once told me it was probably a mineral, like cadmium or something. B ut I don't like messing with my levels. Sounds like bloodwork and pushing for a followup are in order. AT least I have the pharmacy print out! 25 years ago the gp spent time trying to tell me the machine I was using was probably malfunctioning.. lol

Sorry I'm late to this post. Your blood pressure reading is VERY low and I would be quite concerned. Were you/are you on blood pressure medication (for high blood pressure)? If so, you need an immediate adjustment. If not, you need to see your doctor ASAP. I also hope you're not driving with blood pressure so low - dizzy spells and driving do not mix.

I have a low pressure problem and was prescribed Midodrine a couple of years ago to raise it. Hope you get it figured out soon.

Hi Karen,

It's only low after I walk.  I am not driving when light headed.  Ironically, prior to surgery I had very high blood pressure.  I have not taken any medication for blood pressure since the day I got RNY.

I will make an appointment with my GP and bring the print out of my blood pressure to the appointment.  Thank you for your input.  I didn't know there was medication for low blood pressure too.  

I used to have high blood pressure too, prior to surgery. I didn't even know that low blood pressure and low blood pressure medication was a "thing" until a couple of years ago. Too low can be equally damaging as too high.

Are you getting enough fluids in? The combination of walking any distance and being a little dehydrated can cause this to happen as well.

I have gone back t carefully monitoring my water intake.  I think I had slacked off and was probably dehydrated.  

I've noticed dizziness when getting up from a seated position. At my one month they noted that my blood pressure was at the very low end of normal...and it's always been perfectly normal. I'm hoping it's just my body adjusting to the surgery.

Hopefully you figure how to get it back up to normal.

When I first had low blood pressure that's what the GP checked for.  Getting up suddenly can lower blood pressure.  Thank you for your well wishes.  I hope your issue is resolved to your satisfaction Incognito.