Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
I Am Looking For Direction For My 78 Yo Dad
Question: I am looking for direction for my 78 yo dad who over last 6 months has had 8 episodes of low blood pressure 60/40, high heart rate 180, dizziness and almost passes out. He is diabetic but does not feel like a low blood sugar event.
I witnessed this for the first time this weekend and it was really scary. His doctor thinks its a low blood pressure problem and wants him to cut his dose. I am not convinced
I witnessed this for the first time this weekend and it was really scary. His doctor thinks its a low blood pressure problem and wants him to cut his dose. I am not convinced
Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome and thank you for asking on Ask a Doctor service!
I passed carefully through your question and would explain that these episodes could also be related to a possible cardiac arrhythmia, considering the high heart rate.
For this reason, I would recommend performing a cardiac ultrasound and an ambulatory 24-48 hours ECG monitoring in order to examine his heart rhythm trends for a prolonged time and investigate for possible cardiac arrhythmia.
I would also recommend to monitor and compare his blood pressure values and heart rate values in sitting position and then in standing up position.
A drop in blood pressure values or increase in heart rate from sitting to standing up position, may indicate possible orthostatic intolerance.
In such case, a Head Up Tilt test may be needed.
You should discuss with his doctor on the above tests.
Hope to have been helpful!
Wishing good health,
Dr. Iliri
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome and thank you for asking on Ask a Doctor service!
I passed carefully through your question and would explain that these episodes could also be related to a possible cardiac arrhythmia, considering the high heart rate.
For this reason, I would recommend performing a cardiac ultrasound and an ambulatory 24-48 hours ECG monitoring in order to examine his heart rhythm trends for a prolonged time and investigate for possible cardiac arrhythmia.
I would also recommend to monitor and compare his blood pressure values and heart rate values in sitting position and then in standing up position.
A drop in blood pressure values or increase in heart rate from sitting to standing up position, may indicate possible orthostatic intolerance.
In such case, a Head Up Tilt test may be needed.
You should discuss with his doctor on the above tests.
Hope to have been helpful!
Wishing good health,
Dr. Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
