High blood pressure now low
Posted , 2 users are following.
8 years ago I was diagnosed with hypertension and tachycardia. On average my blood pressure would run about 150/100. My heart rate would run around 95-110. Then they put me on beta blockers, been taking them ever since. Usually with the beta blockers in my system my blood pressure would fluctuate greatly from being high 149/95 range to low 90/50 range. After a few years, we got it somewhat balanced out, it would kinda stay in the high normal range with beta blockers in my system. Well, as of two weeks ago roughly, my blood pressure has been getting really low, my heart rate too, and that's with a very low dose of propranolol, just 10 mg twice a day. The other night my blood pressure was 100/63 and heart rate was 42. So I've been taking less and less of my beta blocker. Now I took 10 mg yesterday morning, more than 24 hours ago. My blood pressure is currently 114/69 and my heart rate is 68. Now I know that hypertension doesn't just magically go away. Same with tachycardia. So this has me concerned and worried. Is my heart quitting? Failing? What's going on? I talked to the nurse at my cardiologists office over the phone and she spoke to him, his suggestion was to just take the beta blocker as needed at this point. So what do I do? What's going on?
0 likes, 5 replies
lily65668 Jwwood88
Posted
I'd say follow the doctor's advice and drop the beta-blocker for the time being. You don't say how old you are, which could be significant. Also, I'm wondering whether you've started taking any other meds recently that could have potentiated the beta-blocker, or whether you've made lifestyle changes that could have lowered your BP.
Jwwood88 lily65668
Posted
27 years old. Am not taking any other medications. I quit taking my klonopin as well because of this. Only changes one made to lifestyle is less salt, less sugar, and mildly more excercise. But it's now been a day and a half since I've taken any of my beta blocker and everything is still low. I just walked a couple of blocks to meet my wife and back and my blood pressure is 113/71.
lily65668 Jwwood88
Posted
113/71 is just fine after a bit of exercise. Do you think the reduction in BP could be a response to your improving your lifestyle? Especially the salt reduction, which can have near-miraculous effects in some people. Depends how recently you made the changes, of course.
As I'm sure you know, Klonopin - like all benzos - can cause BP to drop. I'm slightly worried about why you were taking it in the first place, and therefore about the consequences of stopping suddenly. If it was just for night terrors you'll probably be OK but if it was for seizures you're potentially putting yourself at risk by stopping it.
I think you should discuss this fully with the doctor(s) who prescribed both drugs.
Jwwood88 lily65668
Posted
The salt reduction has been a slow process over the past few months, what I find concerning and alarming, was the sudden reduction in blood pressure and heart rate over the past two weeks. And the fact that I haven't taken the beta blocker in almost 18 hours, yet is still low after being high for so many years. I mean maybe I'm over thinking it, i dont know. And the klonopin I take for anxiety. But I haven't taken it lately out of fear at my blood pressure and heart rate dropping even lower.
lily65668 Jwwood88
Posted
Salt reduction can be very effective indeed in reducing BP in some individuals, and could be cumulative with the other lifestyle measures you're taking. That timing you describe sounds entirely possible.
Actually I do think you're over-thinking things a bit at the moment. Don't forget that taking yourself off Klonopin is going to cause increased anxiety for a few weeks. That being said, I think you're doing the right thing in getting yourself off benzos. They're a mixed blessing in the long run.
Nothing drastic is going to happen. That's the anxiety talking. Why not let it go another month or so, then take stock of the situation and discuss it with your doctors if necessary? Personally, I'd be delighted if my pulse and BP came down to normal levels all on their own, and I wouldn't ask too many questions about it!