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Geriatrics & Age Management
Question #12459
49 days ago
103

Why does BP drop suddenly? - #12459

Arnav

I am really worried about my dad. A few days ago, he was fine, but out of nowhere, his blood pressure dropped suddenly, like really low. He was just sitting on the couch watching TV when he got this dizzy spell and then he almost fainted! We rushed him to the doc, and they said that sometimes in older folks, blood pressure can drop unexpectedly, but I can't wrap my head around it. Why does BP drop suddenly like that? He didn’t change his meds or anything, and we thought he was managing his health ok. He does have a bit of dehydration since summer and maybe he isn't drinking enough, but could that really be it? I've heard that this can happen after meals too, but he wasn’t just eating or anything. It's just scary ya know? One minute you're fine, and the next minute, boom, you're on the floor. The doctor just said to monitor him, but I feel like there’s gotta be something more to understand. Any insights on why does BP drop suddenly like this? Should we be living in fear that it'll happen again? Thanks for any advice or experiences anyone can share!

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Doctors’ responses

Sudden drops in blood pressure, especially in older adults, can be unsettling and usually warrant investigation into various potential causes. One common reason for this is orthostatic hypotension, where the blood pressure falls quickly when a person stands up after sitting or lying down. However, since your dad experienced it while sitting, other causes might be more relevant. Dehydration, as you mentioned, can indeed be a significant factor because it reduces the volume of blood, which in turn affects blood pressure. Ensure that he’s drinking enough fluids, particularly in warmer weather. Medications that your father is taking, even if unchanged, can sometimes lead to cumulative effects over time that predispose someone to hypotension. It’s also worthwhile to monitor his salt intake; low sodium levels can lead to reduced blood pressure. Another factor to consider is heart-related issues, where the heart might be unable to pump blood effectively, leading to a decrease in circulation and blood pressure. If he has any cardiac history, that’s something that needs attention. Additionally, endocrine problems such as adrenal insufficiency can cause hypotension. Aftermeal hypotension is another possibility even though you mentioned he wasn’t eating at the time; it usually involves blood pooling in the digestive system after eating. If there’s a recurrence, it’s imperative to seek immediate medical attention to rule out serious conditions like heart attack, stroke, or internal bleeding. Keep monitoring his condition and encourage regular checkups. It might be useful to have a blood pressure monitor at home to track any patterns or triggers. Always consult with a healthcare provider if you notice a recurrence or any concerning symptoms, and consider discussing a comprehensive review of his medications and overall health with his doctor.

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