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What Causes Dizziness And Tiredness After BP Medicines Intake?

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Posted on Sat, 31 May 2014
Question: I am under a cardiac doctor's care in Scottsdale, AZ. My blood pressure is controlled with a 5 mg dose of amlodipine, 5 mg of bystolic and 10 mg of ramipril. The systolic was reduced two months ago, but I am still dizzy when getting up quickly from sitting or lying down. I am very tired by mid-afternoon. This morning my systolic blood pressure readings were between 88 and 109 with diastolic between 50's and 60's, heart rate low 50's. I exercise a lot and eat well. In the last year I retired from a stressful job and got out of a stressful marriage. My question is "when is my blood pressure too low, and should I reduce my medication some more?" I see my cardiologist in 2 weeks.
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Answered by Dr. Kerry Pottinger (27 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Contact cardiologist to discuss altering meds.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for using Healthcare Magic.
Your normal daily activities are being affected by dizziness and tiredness and these are most likely secondary to your medication. The figures you mention for blood pressure and heart rate are lower than the normal average values. When you stand up, your heart is not able to send enough blood to your brain and this is the cause of your dizziness. Likewise, your muscles are not getting enough blood and therefore you feel tired.
I would suggest your medication does need adjusting. However, it would be better to discuss this with your cardiologist who knows you better and has a complete record of your health. I recommend you contact your cardiologist as he/she is likely to be able to advise over the phone which of your meds they want to reduce first. It could be the bystolic is the likely culprit but do not make adjustments until your cardiologist has assessed your situation.
I hope this is of help. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Regards,
Dr K A Pottinger,
MBChB FRCA
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

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

Pain Medicine & Palliative Care Specialist

Practicing since :1983

Answered : 1337 Questions

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What Causes Dizziness And Tiredness After BP Medicines Intake?

Brief Answer: Contact cardiologist to discuss altering meds. Detailed Answer: Hi, Thank you for using Healthcare Magic. Your normal daily activities are being affected by dizziness and tiredness and these are most likely secondary to your medication. The figures you mention for blood pressure and heart rate are lower than the normal average values. When you stand up, your heart is not able to send enough blood to your brain and this is the cause of your dizziness. Likewise, your muscles are not getting enough blood and therefore you feel tired. I would suggest your medication does need adjusting. However, it would be better to discuss this with your cardiologist who knows you better and has a complete record of your health. I recommend you contact your cardiologist as he/she is likely to be able to advise over the phone which of your meds they want to reduce first. It could be the bystolic is the likely culprit but do not make adjustments until your cardiologist has assessed your situation. I hope this is of help. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Regards, Dr K A Pottinger, MBChB FRCA