What Causes Low BP Despite Having Normal EKG And Stress Test Report?

Posted on Sun, 27 Mar 2016

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

Sun, 27 Mar 2016 Answered on

Wed, 1 Jun 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I am concerned. I want to know if I should be concerned about my heart. I am 47 and a woman. I recently was hospitalized after getting sick in an airport. I was nauseous, vomiting, sweating with intense indigestion pain. I had a low grade fever. I had no diarrhea. I had mild jaw pain in my left jaw only. I could not open my eyes or raise my head. The puzzling thing is that my blood pressure was actually low 96/67 and when they did an EKG at the hospital it came back normal. My white count was 22. I have a history of high cholesterol and triglycerides. I am on medication that has brought both of those down to normal. My father has had 2 heart attacks and has congestive heart failure. I dont want to over react but I dont want to ignore something if it is dangerous. I had a couple miilder episodes a year ago and took a stress test. I passed it too. I do not know whether to seek additional help or do further testing.

Answered by Dr. Priyank Mody (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
A stress thallium perfusion scan would be better alternative that routine T

Detailed Answer:
Hello , though the episode at the airport may be because of upset stomach , which may cause all the symptoms you described , considering your family history and the risk factors a cardiac evaluation is justified.
However as you did a stress test just a year before , I would reassure you that nothing significantly would be wrong . However we need ro understand that the sensitivity of the stress test ( treadmill ) is maximum 75 , so it would miss something in atleast 1 out of 4 individual and even more for posterior curving arteries , so because of the risk factors you have going for a better test like stress thallium perfusion scan or a stress echocardiography on a routine basis would be good enough .
Hoping I could resolve your doubt.
Let me know if any clarification needed and I would be happy to clarify.
Do rate for others reference.
Regards Dr Priyank Mody

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T