Question:
What to do for low blood pressure - 94/54?

I have lost 100 pounds since last year and have done wonderful. Prior to surgery I had elevated blood pressure but not enough to be on medication. The last few weeks I've had dizziness and lightheaddedness when raising up. I saw my surgeon for my 6 month checkup and my blood pressure was 94/54. He has sent me back to my PCP and I am waiting to hear back from him. My question - what do you do for low blood pressure? I have been very tired also (labs have been checked - waiting on results). Can low blood pressure cause this? I really feel worse after exercising. ( I have begun running) Any input is appreciated.Can this cause other problems other than light headedness?    — Denise B. (posted on March 9, 2004)

March 9, 2004
I also have very low blood pressure. My doctor has said it is normal for me. To elevate your blood pressure, drink lots of liquids and eat a bit of salt every day. A nurse also told me that drinking hot beverages will raise your blood pressure.
   — Ann H.

March 9, 2004
Add a little sodium to your diet. One easy way to do this is to have some bouillion. Dissolve a cube in hot water and drink it. I only like the beef flavor (not the chicken). This helped me when my BP was too low. Good luck! Shelley
   — Shelley.

March 9, 2004
In May I'll be three years out. I've always been tired, lightheaded and had low blood pressure since wls. It has been as low as 80/40. I've tried adding salt and drinking alot of caffine too. It has'nt raised it. And I still can't get any energy nor does the lightheadness stop. I've had lots of blood tests and have complained about this for years. No doctor seems concerned. A year ago someone emailed me privately and said that US doctors won't treat low blood pressure but they treated her when she was in Switzerland. Go figure.
   — Danmark

March 9, 2004
I, too, suffer from low blood pressure. I never had high blood pressure when I was heavy, it was almost perfect. Now my blood pressure has been as low as 70/45. I have been checked for everything, and I do mean everything, and the doctors and my surgeon all say that this is probably a normal pressure for me. They always make sure I'm urinating enough. They said that is a bad sign. Hope this helps. Stacy Wis.
   — hawk4life

March 10, 2004
You need to be checked out asap. I had similar situation when I was about 6 months out. I was severly dehydrated. My doctor found this out by taking my blood pressure lying down, sitting up then standing up. My pressure dropped as I sat up, and again when I stood up. He explained that when you are dehydrated the blood is effected also. He gave me an IV in his office. I thought I was urinating just fine, but I wasn't. Please get checked out. I got to the point of almost passing out. Pinching the skin to see if it bounces back, does not work for me. I can now tell if I need to add more water by how tired I am feeling.
   — june22