ok health pros, here's one for you. I take medication for HTN, .....?I quit smoking three days ago, the withdrawal isn't pleasant but it is bearable...but, today, I passed out and have been feeling wasted all day. Checked my BP and it was 84/ 50, HR was 68. (Norm for me is 116/78 HR 90) Question is, did the medication cause the hypotension with the nicotine out of my system?
I AM a nurse, so I know part of the answer already, just thought I'd put it out there to get more info, thanks for the replies so far.
Piojita
There are many different types of medications that act in different ways to lower BP. The first medication your Dr prescribes may not work well enough or have some adverse side effects. It is important to track BP when you start taking HTN medication and note any side effects you may experience. There are many types of medications available and different combinations of medications that can tried. It is important to treat HTN as it can lead to many serious medical problems.
It is important to get your BP checked regularly so that you don't suffer from the terrible effects of long term untreated HTN, since it is very treatable and the alternatives are costly in many ways, including an untimely death.
Mark M
I'm no pro, but I have an opinion, so I'll share it!
First of all, I'm so glad to hear you are quitting smoking. It's a huge step, I'm sure, but a very important one. So kudos to you!
Now, as to the hypotension issue, I'm guessing that if you called your doctor and suggested that a) your BP is running low as you withdraw from nicotine so b) you're contemplating scaling back the HTN meds, he would have no problem with it.
You already monitor your BP regularly (apparently), so there's no reason that you can't carefully adjust your medications to keep your BP in line.
That said, fainting ain't good. If this hasn't happened to you before, you really ought to get a more complete cardio workup.
Just my 2 cents worth...
Wendy C
I am not a doctor or a nurse, but I feel this is true. As you probably are aware smoking (the nicotine) causes increased heart rate and increased blood pressure. So actually with the nicotine going out of your system now it caused your BP to start dropping and your heart rate. The same thing happened to me when I quit smoking, heart rate decreased and so did my BP.
I consulted my cardiologist and physician and they began to decrease my BP meds as they told me you should never just stop taking BP meds cold turkey. I monitored my BP with every decreased dosage they told me to do. My BP remained where it should and then I was off the BP meds.
Unfortunately, then I started to smoke again, and my BP increased and so did my heart rate, went back on BP meds again, BUT NOW, I HAVE FINALLY KICKED THE HABIT, have not been smoking for a year now and BP and heart rate is fine.
I am just talking from personal experience and I also know that nicotine does increase heart rate and blood pressure.
Terry S
Since you are a nurse, you probably know more about Hypotension than I do, but I'll give it a shot.
First, remember that a persons BP can change drastically over a short period of time, often within minutes. No single reading can indicate High or Low BP. Several readings over time must be taken before there is a need for concern. Don't be alarmed by a single reading.
Second, there are many factors that can affect your blood pressure. Some of those factors are:
- Stress (Emotional, mental and physical)
- Some medications (or combinations) can cause a rise or drop in BP
- Poor sleep habits and sleep disorders (Sleep Apnea, not enough sleep, sleep disturbances, etc.)
- Body position as the reading is taken (lying down. sitting, arm not level with heart, legs crossed, etc.)
- Also there is a condition called "White Coat Hypertension". This is when a person visits a doctor and their BP goes up. It's an example of mental stress.
- and of course smoking (or not).
- How long it's been since your last meal.
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
- Needing to go to the bathroom
This comes from the FamilyDoctor.org website: "Hypotension, or low blood pressure, happens when your systolic pressure is consistently (several blood pressure readings over several days) below 90--or 25 points below your normal reading. Hypotension can be a sign of something serious such as shock, a life threatening condition. Contact your doctor immediately if you are dizzy or fainting"
If you just started the medication, then it and quitting smoking has probably combined to cause this. It may take a little time for your body to adjust to both improvements and settle out.
If you have been on the medication for some time, then I suspect the sudden drop in BP is due to the lack of smoking (nicotine) in your system.
I have seen the same result when I don't smoke for several hours, though my BP never drops that low. But my HR varies from around 60 bpm to above 90 bpm (normally 68 to 84 bpm range) and my O2 Sat remains above 90% and is normally above 94%. I wouldn't worry about the HR at all, unless it continues to drop below 50 bpm or stays very near that for some time. As for the BP that is a concern if it remains there, but if it continues to drop I would suggest a visit to the ER is in order.
My information comes from my research and experience with 5x Bypasses in Oct. 2006, High BP (Hypertension), High Cholesterol (Hypercholesterolemia), COPD (Emphysema) and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.
I suggest the links below for more information.
orca and dolphin saver
you probably have STDS
go get a life!
Orignal From: ok health pros, here's one for you. I take medication for HTN, .....?
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