What Causes High Heart Rate And Low BP?

Posted on Sun, 22 Jun 2014

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

Sun, 22 Jun 2014 Answered on

Mon, 14 Jul 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : My blood pressure is 89/61 and my heart rate is 190.

I woke up because I was breathing funny and I was sweating. I have taken 2 25mg Atenolols.

Answered by Dr. Kerry Pottinger (34 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Need rapid control of your heart rate. Suggest ED.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for using Healthcare Magic. The heart rate you are experiencing is significantly high and is likely to be the reason why your blood pressure is low. This will be the cause of your abnormal breathing and your sweating. The atenolol may reduce the heart rate and improve the symptoms but you should see a doctor urgently.
Therefore, I suggest you go to the ED for assessment and definative treatment. This may involve an ECG initially followed, possibly, by further medication to sustain a lowering of your heart rate and an improvement in your blood pressure.
I hope this is of help. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Regards,
Dr K A Pottinger,
MBChB FRCA

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

Follow up: Dr. Kerry Pottinger (26 hours later)

After this incident, I had a dull ache in the back of my neck for about 2 hours. Do you think it was related?

Answered by Dr. Kerry Pottinger (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Unlikely to be related.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for this further information. I do not think this ache was related to your other symptoms. It may be related to your sleep being disturbed.
I hope you are now feeling better.
Regards,
Dr K A Pottinger

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