Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Do These BP Readings Indicate?
Question: I had an MRI recently that showed minor brain damage due to prolonged low blood pressure. I'm on Toprol 25 mgs twice a day. Nevertheless, I've been taking my BP morning and evening and it is all over the map: 190/87, 110/55, 120/70, 130/78, 186/80, 100/50, and so forth. What do you think is going on? I'm 73, just lost 30 lbs. weigh 140 after years at 174, I'm 5'4".
Brief Answer:
What is the reason for the Toprol and did you lose your 40 lbs yourself?
Detailed Answer:
Good evening and thank you for posing your questions.
Brain damage due to a low flow state or truly low blood pressure can be due to things such as dehydration (chronic), blood pressure medication overuse, alcohol toxicity, or reduced perfusion through the artery system due to important blockages that need to be identified either by an MRA or an ultrasound/doppler
As far as the weight loss is concerned you'll be happy to know that where you're at right now is at a BMI of 24 (normal)...down FROM a BMI- 30.2 (obese by classification).
My suggestion is to avoid lowering your blood pressure by any means or by using BP medications as well as determining whether or not you have significant vascular obstructions north of the carotid or basilar systems that could be contributing to what you're seeing.
I hope these answers satisfactorily addresses your question. If so, may I ask your favor of a HIGH STAR RATING with some written feedback?
Also, if there are no other questions or comments, may I ask you CLOSE THE QUERY on your end so this question can be transacted and archived for further reference by colleagues as necessary?
The query has required a total of 37 minutes of physician specific time to read, research, and compile a return envoy to the patient.
What is the reason for the Toprol and did you lose your 40 lbs yourself?
Detailed Answer:
Good evening and thank you for posing your questions.
Brain damage due to a low flow state or truly low blood pressure can be due to things such as dehydration (chronic), blood pressure medication overuse, alcohol toxicity, or reduced perfusion through the artery system due to important blockages that need to be identified either by an MRA or an ultrasound/doppler
As far as the weight loss is concerned you'll be happy to know that where you're at right now is at a BMI of 24 (normal)...down FROM a BMI- 30.2 (obese by classification).
My suggestion is to avoid lowering your blood pressure by any means or by using BP medications as well as determining whether or not you have significant vascular obstructions north of the carotid or basilar systems that could be contributing to what you're seeing.
I hope these answers satisfactorily addresses your question. If so, may I ask your favor of a HIGH STAR RATING with some written feedback?
Also, if there are no other questions or comments, may I ask you CLOSE THE QUERY on your end so this question can be transacted and archived for further reference by colleagues as necessary?
The query has required a total of 37 minutes of physician specific time to read, research, and compile a return envoy to the patient.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
