What Causes Dizziness And Fluctuating Blood Pressure Readings?

Posted on Fri, 25 Sep 2015

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

Fri, 25 Sep 2015 Answered on

Fri, 23 Oct 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I'm experiencing dizziness and up and down blood pressures readings. Last week I was in a mountainous area and I felt lightheaded but now I'm home and still feeling it. What could it be. it's not my heart I've checked by my readings through my pacemaker. No AFabs!

Answered by Dr. Lilit Baghdasaryan (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Need duplex ultrasound and a neurologist consultation

Detailed Answer:
Dear Sir,

It can be related either neurological problems or there can be blockaded arteries which supply blood to brain.
I would advise you to see a neurologist and have duplex ultrasound of carotid arteries.
Also, make sure, that you drink adequate quantity of water, in your age one can get dehydrated easily.

Hope I could help you

Wishing you a good health

In case of further questions don't hesitate to ask.

Regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Lilit Baghdasaryan (1 hour later)

Hello Dr. Baghdasaryan,
I appreciate your following up regarding my BP variation plus the dizziness. I am very much aware of the carotid problems and every August I have an ultrasound exam. I have only one open carotid, the right one, the left is blocked the result of open-heart surgery when I was 55. It happened without any warning and as you know once its blocked its permanent. The right one is fine. As far as neurological problems I had a stroke when I was 62 and fortunately got over that too. I do drink a lot of water, at least 40 - 48oz a day. I owned a Travel Agency and also go to my health club three days a week. In fact I was there this am from 7 -9. I took my BP at 10:40 and it was 85/50, but at 1:50pm it was 120/60. I guess I'm an enigma. Do you have any other theories? XXXXXXX XXXX
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Answered by Dr. Lilit Baghdasaryan (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Welcome back

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX XXXX,

Your blood pressure fluctuations can be a result of autonomous nervous system disorder, which can be seen in advanced age patients with previews stroke or diabetes mellitus, and some other diseases.

Dizziness can be associated both to carotid problems and blood pressure variations.
So I think it is a good idea to see a neurologist. He/she can advise some treatment which will relieve symptoms.

Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Lilit Baghdasaryan (6 days later)

Hello Dr. Baghdasaryan, Yes, the dizzy feelings are now more intermittent but I'm living with it. My primary Doctor reduced my blood pressure medicine (20-10mg). Yesterday was good, normal BP readings. Today, at the gym I felt great. Then came home and had a dizzy spell and my PB went down to 105/63. Now I'm at the computer. I run my own Travel Agency. Thank you for following up. XXXXXXX XXXX

Answered by Dr. Lilit Baghdasaryan (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Welcome back

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX XXXX,

I am so glad, that you are doing well and can manage to do so much despite some dizziness. Keep it up!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar