Hypoxia and Medicine

Should I be concerned about treating my widely fluctuating blood pressure?

I have a lot of health issues already, including PTSD, chronic fatigue syndrome, and terrible insomnia that's lasted more than twelve years. My blood pressure is SO variable. I know that everyone's goes up and down, and an average is what's important, but mine is never in the middle. I'm either at about 140 / 100 or about 115 / 65 every time I take my BP, and it doesn't matter what time of day or night. I try to always take it in the same seated position, and give myself a few minutes before I take it. I get concerned about it being high, but two different doctors I mentioned this to were reluctant to put me on medication for it, because it might cause my BP at times to go so low that I'd faint or something. Hoping there are some medical professionals reading this who'd offer opinions about what this could mean for me long-term. I should also mention that I'm a 48-y-o, black female, and about 50 lbs. overweight right now. My meds, my other medical condition, and my age I know all contribute to a slow metabolism and cause me difficulty exercising. I'm on disability.

Public Comments

1. What meds are you on? There are anti-anxiety meds that can lower blood pressure, for example. Any sort of depressant (sedative) can lower your blood pressure, especially if used often or in large doses. Steroids, and NSAIDs can both increase blood pressure as well. The low blood pressure isn't nearly as big of a problem as the high blood pressure. In fact, 115/65 is in the perfectly normal range, so there's nothing bad about it. 140/100 is between stage I and II hypertension, and can stress out your body, potentially leading to atherosclerosis, hardening of the arteries. As you stretch a rubber band out farther and farther, eventually it's going to get more and more difficult to move. Control your diet to the best of your abilities - don't skimp on any necessary vitamins and nutrients, and don't starve yourself, but don't eat fried when you can have baked, for instance. Dairy, fruits, and vegetables are all really good for your heart. You may also think about lowering your salt intake, but contrary to what you usually hear, this isn't universal. Only about a third of the population responds to sodium levels. Exercise as much as you can, even if it's just walking or leisurely riding a bike. The more physical activity the better. And get regular checkups if you don't already. Physical examinations will help to control any problems better than all my advice. Sometimes, even when you do everything right, your body still get hypertensive, and a physical exam can help find any problems early. Hope this helps!