Low blood pressure?

[Libby Babe]

Hi ladies

I wonder if anyone has any ideas about this.
I have always suffered with high blood pressure and take 3 different medications to control it (including a water tablet).
I generally monitor my BP at home as it seems to be high when I go to the surgery.  However recently I am getting lower readings (today it was 109/70) compared with readings as high as 131/89 a few weeks ago.

I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in May and have been taking Metformin for this for about 8 weeks and I have also lost a stone in weight since May and wonder whether the weight loss is causing the drop in blood pressure.  I feel quite lightheaded and dizzy when I get up quickly and generally under the weather.

I have booked a phone call with the GP this afternoon to see what they suggest.

I am going on holiday in 2 weeks and need sorting out before then if I can.  Why does this always happen before going away?

[CLKD]

Hubby has white coat syndrome and takes his BP each morning before breakfast.  It is important to take it the same time daily.

Let us know what the GP decides.  It may be that you need a different doseage, this happened to M-in-L several years ago: WCS so the GP kept upping her meds when in fact she didn't require any!

[Taz2]

Metformin made my mum feel awful so could it be a side effect?

Taz x

[Joyce]

Good idea to get it checked out at your GP, especially when you are about to go on holiday.  Maybe just needing medication adjusted slightly.

[smudgesmum]

Loss of a significant amount of weight can result in lowering of blood pressure. i.e. loss of 10% body weight can result in up to 10% reduction in blood pressure.

It may mean you need to reduce blood pressure meds to compensate but you need to discuss with GP.

Hope you have a great holiday

[Libby Babe]

Hi there
Thanks for all your replies.
Taz, the metformin is giving me the runs and I am seriously thinking of going back and asking to try something else or alternatively if I can try for a while to control my blood sugar with diet alone.

The doctor phoned and has said I should half the dose of my Atenolol and see if that effects the blood pressure readings.  She agreed that it could be the weight loss that is contributing to the low blood pressure. 

I will see how I get on over the next week or so and if there is a problem she said go and see her before I go on holiday.

We are off to the Isle of Man by the way, anyone ever been?

[CLKD]

Neighbours go regularly and love it and from what I've seen on the coverage of the TT Races, it looks fabulous - are you flying or swimming 

[Libby Babe]

We're flying CLKD, from Liverpool, and it's costing a fortune so I hope it's worth it!

[CazzaT]

The owner of my hairdressers goes every year they love it. They are there at the moment. 
Hope you enjoy your hol 

Cazza xx