blood pressure

[MJacobson]

I was told to stop taking Triamterene, the doc thinks its lowered my blood pressure. The first time it was 120/50 and the second was in the 120 range/the 70 range. Is that too low? Then he wanted to check it when laying down and it was higher. He seemed to think that meant my blood pressure is a little low. His reasoning was that normal rates are higher when standing than laying. Is this all accurate and is this overall anything to worry about? Also, are the blood pressure machines at stores good sources for checking blood pressure? I was thinking mine wasn't a problem because it didn't look so bad at the stores.

[zuzu8]

Your systolic (top #) readings of 120 are great.

120/70 is a textbook normal and desirable blood pressure reading.

The diastolic (bottom #) reading of 50 is a little low but if it is temporary and not sustained, it shouldn't be cause for alarm.

Yes, BP lying down is usually lower than when standing.

I notice from other posts you've made on other boards that you're trying Dyazide (fixed combo drug of HCTZ and Triamterene, both are diuretics) for a vestibular disorder.
If it drops your BP too low, it could make you feel more lightheaded.

Store machines are usually not reliable (although you might get lucky and find one). If you need to track your own BP on a regular basis, it's best to buy your own home monitor. The new ones are digital, fully automatic-inflatable and very accurate.

If you continue on Triametrene (potassium-sparing diuretic), your doc should take a blood test to make sure your potassium levels aren't climbing.

zuzu xx

P.S. If the Triametrene is helping you with your vestibular disorder and you feel better on it, I would not worry about the BP readings. Low BP is something most people would be happy to have. It only becomes an issue if it causes symptoms.

[alptraum]

zuzu, what do you think about recent med articles that state that 120/80 isn't good enough, but rather 110/70? I honestly haven't looked into it very much rather than hearing it in the news a few times, so not sure of it's clinical backing or what developments gave way to this.

[zip2play]

M
It's not too low unless it makes you feel dizzy (that's FUNNY to say in your case).

Any hoo, are you getting a good response with your triamterene? I've had bouts of vertigo and constant tinnitus and HCTZ doesn't help much. I've done a lot better with meclizine when I need it.

[MJacobson]

I haven't really noticed any difference. Does it mean that its not really working if you still have the 24/7 dizziness/imbalance feeling?