What Causes Abnormal Blood Pressure?

Posted on Mon, 24 Mar 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 24 Mar 2014 Answered on

Tue, 15 Apr 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have always been anxcious and my blood pressure was normally a bit high at times but after having the allergic reation my blood pressure has been TOO NORMAL. 107 over 65 etc. around there. And consistant. I usually get white coat syndrome and at the doctors office the other day it was 120 over 80. In addition I twisted my body a week and a half ago after missing a step while going down the basement to do laundry. I have since then had a pain on my left side to the left of my breast I think coming from my ribs. I do have fibromyalgia, multiple herniated discs and a begine tumor at T1 T2. Should I be concerned about the blood pressure. NEVER had normal blood pressure.

Answered by Dr. Jorge Brenes-Salazar (4 hours later)

Brief Answer: Vasodilator response Detailed Answer: Dear patient, Thanks for your query; it is well described that allergic reactions can lower blood pressure, mainly through the release of histamine; this however tends to be a limited phenomenon as the allergic response fades away; the reason for the lower blood pressure is dilatation of the vessels by histamine and release products that follow; we consider normal blood pressure less than 150/90 but higher than 90/60; those are the current numbers by guidelines. I encourage you to drink fluids and stay hydrated; if prescribed an antihistaminic for your allergic reaction it should be OK to take it. Hope this helps, wish you the best, Dr Brenes-Salazar MD Mayo Clinic MN Cardiology

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Jorge Brenes-Salazar (27 hours later)

Should I contact my cardiologist about this, or will it just re adjust it self? If so how much longer do you think time wise? Thanks I KNEW SOMETHING WAS ODD!!

Answered by Dr. Jorge Brenes-Salazar (19 hours later)

Brief Answer: Within days as allergic reaction resolves Detailed Answer: Thanks for the follow up question. I don't think that you need to see your cardiologist right as of now, as the allergic reaction settles down things should normalize within the next few days (3-5); if there is persistent hypotension with symptoms despite increasing fluid intake and using antihistminics, then I would consult with him/her. Best regards, Dr Brenes-Salazar MD

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Jorge Brenes-Salazar (35 minutes later)

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Jorge Brenes-Salazar (18 hours later)

Brief Answer: God Speed Detailed Answer: Best wishes

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar