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Is A Blood Pressure Reading Of 70/30 A Cause For Concern?

Posted on Sat, 2 Jul 2016

Question: My daughters just had blood pressure of 70 over 30 and she is 37 years old. Is this an emergency thing that needs look into immediately

Answered by Dr. Shuba hariprasad (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, if the reading was taken accurately /she's symptomatic

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for your query.
I'm Dr. Shuba Hariprasad and will be answering your query today.

A blood pressure of 70/30 is Considered extremely low with cardiovascular compromise which is a medical emergency.
The Individual would show signs of shock like altered sensorium (confusion, agitation, restlessness, drowsiness), cold extremities, reduced urine output, giddiness, headache, absence of radial pulse (at the wrist)

Would you please clarify a few things for me?
- how was this reading taken and by whom?
-does she have any of the symptoms I mentioned above?
-does she have any medical conditions or on any medications?
-does she have fever or any symptoms of infection (cough, urinary symptoms, for instance)?

If the blood pressure was recorded accurately and/or if she has any of the above symptoms, please take her to the ER. She should be accompanied by someone and should not drive.

Low blood pressure can accompany severe infections, heart attacks, overdosing of medications, internal bleeding commonly.

Have her lie down, without a pillow, don't give her anything to eat or drink except for clear liquids with salt (water, strained soup).
She should have it in small sips, if required
Please get back to me with the above requested clarifications so that I may help you further.

Hope she feels better,
Regards,
Dr. Shuba Hariprasad

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina

Follow up: Dr. Shuba hariprasad (4 hours later)

She was seen in ER and by her family physician yesterday. They are supposed to set up an appointment with a cardiologist today. Somewhat dehydrated and constipated per ER. Had been playing tennis on Monday and became ill. Has had a history of anxiety but otherwise very healthy. Feeling better last evening.

Answered by Dr. Shuba hariprasad (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Please follow up with cardiologist

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for the follow up.

Dehydration can lead to hypotension (low blood pressure) but not this low.
Did they recheck her pressure in the ER? How much was it?
Am Glad that she is feeling better.
Did she feel better after being given any intravenous fluids?

Please go ahead with the cardiac consult just to be sure that everything is alright.
Keep a close eye on her till then. She should eat accompanied everywhere till her blood pressure normalizes and we figure out what's going on?

Wish you both good health.
Regards,
Dr. Shuba Hariprasad

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad