What Causes Dizziness When Diagnosed With Low BP?

Posted on Fri, 27 Oct 2017

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

Fri, 27 Oct 2017 Answered on

Tue, 28 Nov 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : A friend has feinting spells and use of his rt. arm and both legs. He also has low blood pressure, (he has been medication for awhile and his blood pressure is near normal, but still has symptoms.

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (51 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Welcome on HCM!

Regarding your concern, I would like to explain that considering his recent symptomatology, a careful differential diagnosis is necessary. Epilepsy, a transient ischemic attack, cardiac arrhythia and even orthostatic hypotension should be excluded consequently.

Coming to this point some medical tests should be performed as follows:

- electroencephalogram (EEG),
- head MRI,
- Holter monitoring (24 to 48 hours ECG monitoring),
- Head up tilt test

You need to discuss with your attending doctor on the above mentioned issues.

Hope to have been helpful to you!

In case of any further questions, feel free to ask me again.

Kind regards,

Dr. Iliri

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

Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (5 hours later)

What is orthostatic hypotension ?

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (25 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I would explain:

Detailed Answer:
Hi again!

Orthostatic hypotension happens when an exaggerated decrease in blood pressure values occurs while taking the upright posture from recumbent or seated position. A decrease of at least 20 mmHg in systolic blood pressure and/or 10 mmHg in diastolic blood pressure is sufficient to confirm the diagnosis.

A head up tilt test is an appropriate diagnostic test to confirm/exclude any orthostatic intolerance (orthostatic hypotension).

Hope to have clarified your question!

Regards,

Dr. Iliri

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