Suggest Remedies To Manage Hypertension While On Lisinopril

Posted on Thu, 13 Jul 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 13 Jul 2017 Answered on

Thu, 3 Aug 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I have been experiencing periods of low blood pressure. I was taking high blood pressure medicine, lisinopril 20mg after my husband passed away and my blood pressure went up. That brought it down to between 120/80 -110/70 for approx 1 year. I had hip replacement surgery in 2013. Because my blood pressure was so low right after surgery the doc said to quit taking the bp meds. Six months later the bp was going back up so my regular doc had me start back on them. Then I noticed I would feel dizzy out of the blue. Would take my pressure and it would be 96/60. The doc said to cut the pill down to half 10 mg 1 time daily. This has been the strength for the last 2 years approx. I quit smoking on 6/19/17 and have started noticing my bp getting low. I can tell when it it's because I can feel my heart beating. I take my pressure and it's 91/65, 87/53,. Then it goes back eventually to 105/67, 116/77, 121/77. It seems everyday around 10:00 am it gets really low 98/74, 90/59 etc. I quit taking the bp meds 7/10/17 and the bp still remains low , mainly in the mornings. This morning it was 96/51 at 8:25, 108/65 at 8:40, 110/61 at 8:55, 96/69 at 9:35, 92/63 at 10:15 and now 103/79 at 10:40. I'm 58, 196 pounds 5'7. Should I be running to the emergency room? Should I continue to monitor.? No health insurance at the moment. Any advice would be great.

Answered by Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Evaluation of hypotension

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for trusting HealthcareMagic

Hypotension is defined by blood pressure that goes below 90/60mmhg.
Hypotension can be unrelated to any health problems in most cases, especially in people above 60 thickening of blood vessels can cause a drop in blood pressure. Moreover, quitting smoking can also contribute to this.

Since you stopped lisinopril and continue to have low BP, it is unlikely that lisinopril was the cause of hypotension.

However, it is very important to rule out any health conditions causing hypotension.
Blood sugar variations including low/high blood sugar, anemia, decreased thyroid hormone levels, cardiac problems all need to be ruled out.

EKG, measurement of thyroid levels, blood sugar levels, complete blood count and hemoglobin, a complete metabolic profile is warranted at this point.

Please be advised to follow up with your primary care provider for further evaluation and management

Hope this answers your question
Please feel free to address further questions here

Regards
Dr.Lekshmi

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (1 hour later)

What is the current recommended blood pressure suppose to be. Since I just stopped the lisinopril 2 days ago wouldn't the medicine still be in my system? My blood pressure has not gone below 90/60. I ask only because I am currently without insurance and would have to use the emergency room to try and get these tests which I'm not sure if they would do them

Answered by Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up answer

Detailed Answer:
Hello again,

Normal blood pressure range is between 90/60 to 140/90.
In diabetic patients, the recommended normal range is 90/60 to 130/80.

The diastolic blood pressure is more important. When diastolic blood pressure falls below 60 mm of Hg, then it is considered hypotension. Some people can develop Hypotension symptoms like palpitation, dizziness etc without the blood pressure going below 90/60.
The effects of lisinopril last only for 2-3 days after the last dose. If you had stopped lisinopril 2 days ago, then the effects of lisinopril should disappear by tomorrow.

If you keep having symptoms of hypotension after tomorrow, you can follow up with the emergency room. The emergency room will definitely do a detailed evaluation as recurring hypotension is not something to be taken lightly. Meanwhile, continue drinking plenty of fluids. Make sure to increase the salt intake too.

Hope this answers your question
Please address further questions here

Regards
Dr.Lekshmi

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D