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Question:
Should I have an emergency drug on hand to boost my blood pressure if it falls?
I am an active (outdoor-working) healthy 5'-11", 182#,74-year old married male with 'normal' BP (last 20 years) averaging150/90, controlled by jogging (aerobic breathing) when elevated further (165/100 max, temporary). Only prescriptions are simvastatin 10mg (one year) and Avodart/Flomax for past 7 mos. to shrink a 75g prostate, showing trace cancer on 2 of 11 needle biopsies 7 months ago. Question: Some recent lightheadedness upon arising has been noticed, possibly due to the Flomax (BP usually 137/84 then). However in the past week, several successive morning-long periods of low energy, lightheadedness were accompanied by repeated 118-120/59-65 BP readings never seen before. What gives? Since many anti-hypertensive drugs can have a hypotensive side-effect plus other bad side-effects, I have avoided them in the past, resorting to diet, weight control and aerobic exercise. Should I have an emergency drug in the cabinet for a temp boost of BP if it falls below, say, 100/50 and threatens organ damage?
submitted by Everett, from Port Neches, Texas, on 11/8/09
Answer:
by Texas Heart Institute cardiologist, Guilherme V. Silva, MD
Dear Everett, The medicine Flomax can for sure cause symptoms of lightheadedness upon going from a sitting or lying position to standing. However, the symptoms of generalized weakness and lightheadedness cannot and should not be attributed to the Flomax only. A detailed evaluation with your primary care physician and cardiologist will clarify the issue. In regard to your blood pressure (BP), many patients take BP-lowering medicines without side effects. With a systolic blood pressure around 110-120 mm Hg, it is hard to attribute fatigue to those BP levels. Please make note that if your BP is getting higher than 140/90 mm Hg consistently, it needs to be treated. Hypertension (high BP) is known as one of the "silent killers", more so when it comes to stroke, for example. Once more, a follow-up visit with your PCP and cardiologist is in order now. Hope that helps.
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Updated November 2009
