Blood Pressure Drop with Weight Loss

[Titan Tom]

So exactly one month ago today, my wife put me on a version of the 'Keto' diet. Basically, no sugar, no carbs.

I have taken this regime to heart, and have lost almost 20 lbs in the last month (from approx. 200 to 181 on my 5'9" frame), but now an issue has arisen. I have been on High Blood Pressure meds for the last 10 years or so, and have continued to faithfully take my pill every day. Starting two days ago, I have gotten light headed about 1 in the afternoon. The first thing I did was check the two most likely suspects, BP and blood glucose levels. Sugar was fine (116 two hours after lunch, and I have no Diabetes issues), but my BP was low. Pre-diet, on my meds, my BP usually ran about 115/80. Yesterday, after my second 'dizzy' spell in as many days, it was 83/53. The first day it had been 95/58. These readings were taken at approx. the same time on Saturday and Sunday, about 2 pm probably about when my BP med was really kicking in.

I know, I know, I should have visited the doctor before I started on the diet, but I didn't, and I'm going to try and get into his office today. I will also be splitting my BP pill this morning to try and reduce the post-lunch dizzy spells.

Have any of y'all experienced this during weight loss? Have you been able to completely come off your BP meds after meeting your weight loss goals?

 

[WardenRoss]

Since you asked for advice, you need to check with your doctor. He/she should have you drop by for blood pressure checks, then meet with you to evaluate the results.

I recently dropped all table sugar and changed the way I eat (no processed foods, basically). I lost over thirty pounds. I had to adjust my blood pressure meds (but only following my doctor's instructions) as my pressure immediately dropped. In my case, my pulse rate decreased significantly which affects everything.

See your doctor as there are many, many variables in each persons' physical make-up.

 

[Bakebfr480]

I think I'd seek professional help!

 

[crazyphil]

That happens to me too. It is usually because I have not been drinking
enough water.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

I was taking 5 meds to lower BP and each had an additional benefit. The worst was Clonidine! I've lost 30+ pounds this year and was getting "the light head" and such. At my June physical, he had me drop the Clonidine completely. We did a follow up visit in 30 days. My BP was up a small amount. He is satisfied and I'm still working on lowering other meds by loosing more weight!

At 8 months after my stroke, my Clonidine intake was at .2mg 3x a day. My life changes had lowered my BP enough that, if I stood too fast I would blackout and hit the flood. It was about like watching a fainting goat! I called the Doc, and we cut the clonidine to .1mg 3x and went like that for 5.5 years.

I'm one a low carb diet also, and get 20+ miles of bike riding 2 to 3 times per week. The conditions inside you are not written in stone! They can change for the better or for the worse, I have to be careful I don't over eat or pig out on comfort foods (mostly carbs) or I put on weight in one meal that takes 2 weeks to get off. I do feel better and it looks like I'll be able to pester people around here for a number of years to come!

Ivan

 

[2152hq]

See what the Doc says.
I have the same readings nearly, with the lows in the 80's/40's at times.
Normally about 105/55.,,sometimes drops into the 90's.

Dropped some weight after an unrelated issue and changed diet too along with that.
Am on other meds for a heart condition

My reg DR reduced the BP med after seeing the readings, then the Heart DR put them right back up there again when I saw him.
So far the Heart guy is winning out.

I'd take the entire BP med as one pill and not cut it up and take it in separate doses,,,but that's just my totally unprofessional medical opinion.
Maybe the Doc will say otherwise or just adj the dosage.

Let us know how this one works out as it seems to be a common condition.

....and they think all that stumbling around is 'cause we drink too much...HA!

 

[woodsltc]

I'm pretty sure you will get the BP issue regulated so I'll just skip over to congratulating you on the weight loss.

Don

 

[pharmer]

I cant relate. I take 3 meds 2x day and Im at 160/90. Without meds 200/110. Im 195# and 5'10" so Im about "average overfed American" size. If'n I had youze guys numbers I'd be down to an 81mg aspirin. Joe

 

[typetwelve]

It will 100% lower your blood pressure...and like everyone said, see the doc. I have having issues with very high blood pressure back in 2011...then again I'm 6' tall and was knocking on 300lbs. I got down to 165 by 2013 (long story, road cycling, bla, bla, bla) and I haven't had issues since, even since "bloating" back up to 190 in the years since.

 

[Titan Tom]

Just got off the phone with my Doc's office, I may be getting in to see him today. I'll let y'all know how it goes.

This has been a very easy diet to stay on, although I do realize that what I'm doing now is only for a while, then it'll be off this Keto thing, and on the next latest craze, the 'Primal' diet to help keep the weight off. I'm going to also add regular, long early AM walks to the mix, as it seems that the diet alone will need some help to get me down to my target of the 170-175 range. My goal is not so much a specific weight, but more like 'can I get off the BP meds?'.

I do appreciate y'alls input, thanks so much!

 

[Muss Muggins]

Like Grandma Muggins used to say "Eat less, move more, and if it tastes good, spit it out . . . "

 

[kwselke]

From around 2005 to 2012 I was taking two BP meds and my blood pressure was still out of control. The fact I was 6' 1 1/2" and my weight fluctuated between 255 and 290 was the real issue. My weight now fluctuates between 190 and 205. I exercise regularly. I also gave up dipping snuff. I have not taken Beta Blockers or diuretics in years and my blood pressure is no longer an issue. Not only did my lifestyle change eliminate the need for two prescription pharmaceuticals that were not working well, it improved the overall quality of my life.

If you can fix a health issue by a lifestyle change, make the change instead of popping pills.

It is easy to get used to not taking BP meds twice a day. Congratulations on your weight loss.

 

[Rule3]

So exactly one month ago today, my wife put me on a version of the 'Keto' diet.

Why not ask your Wife, she "put you on the diet"
Always seek Medical and Legal advice on the internet.

 

[JM4151]

I had the same problem, lost 30 pounds after an operation. BP was lower when it was taken after I stood up. Best to let your Dr tell you which pills to stop or reduce.