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How Can Blood Pressure Be Regulated For An Elderly Stroke Survivor With Low BP?
Hi! I have a grandmother who is 85 years old. She suffered a stroke last year and since then she is bedridden, cannot walk, cannot talk, cannot move her hands. She can only take water milk and meds thru PEG feeding tube. These past few months she got a low blood (range: 80 to 100) Her doctor discontinue taking Irbesartan or Losartan (150mg) because of her low blood pressure. What to do to regularize her blood pressure?
Since she is bed ridden, and on PEG feeding tube, there are high chances of undernutrition, hypoalbuminemia and hyponatremia. One other possibility could be adrenal insufficiency leading to hypotension. Consult a family doctor to conduct baseline blood investigations including serum albumin, electrolytes, cortisol.
At the same time, improve her diet and nutritional status. Try to include egg whites, protein powder, adequate salted foods in her diet. Efficient advice on further dietary improvement can be obtained from a Dietician. Regular monitoring of blood pressure is essential and consult a cardiologist for getting an echo done to assess the cardiac function. Avoid anti-hypertensive medications as advised.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Devi Venugopal Rita, Internal Medicine Specialist
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How Can Blood Pressure Be Regulated For An Elderly Stroke Survivor With Low BP?
Hi, Since she is bed ridden, and on PEG feeding tube, there are high chances of undernutrition, hypoalbuminemia and hyponatremia. One other possibility could be adrenal insufficiency leading to hypotension. Consult a family doctor to conduct baseline blood investigations including serum albumin, electrolytes, cortisol. At the same time, improve her diet and nutritional status. Try to include egg whites, protein powder, adequate salted foods in her diet. Efficient advice on further dietary improvement can be obtained from a Dietician. Regular monitoring of blood pressure is essential and consult a cardiologist for getting an echo done to assess the cardiac function. Avoid anti-hypertensive medications as advised. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Devi Venugopal Rita, Internal Medicine Specialist