Posted by IsoM on March 20, 2002, at 0:51:51
In reply to Low blood pressure and depression, posted by Janelle on March 20, 2002, at 0:04:18
Here's a quote about a form of hypotension (low blood pressure) called "neurally mediated hypotension". It's when a person feels faint-headed from standing in one position for too long, or from working or exercising, especially on a hot day.
Quoting:
"Recurrent lightheadedness and fainting are common symptoms, as is an unusual difficulty with prolonged fatigue after a modest amount of physical activity. This post-exertional fatigue can last 24-72 hours, and interferes with many daily activities.We have also observed that chronic fatigue, muscle aches (or fibromyalgia), headaches, and mental confusion can be prominent symptoms of neurally mediated hypotension even in individuals who do not faint. The mental confusion takes the form of difficulty concentrating, staying on task, paying attention, or finding the right words. Some describe being in a mental fog. It appears that as long as the fainting reflex is activated whenever the person stands or sits upright for a period of time, then the blood pressure is improperly regulated, and these symptoms are the result. Some develop worse fatigue after such activities as reading and concentrating, and this may be due to the fact that for some, the veins of the arms and legs dilate, thereby allowing more blood to pool, rather than constricting in response to mental tasks."
This form of hyprotension can't be tested in normal conditions but a tilt table has to be used to find if one has it. If the symptoms sound right, bring it to your doctor's attention & ask for such a test.
I don't know if you're taking any medications for depression but many ADs can lower blood pressure too, especially when bending over or lying down & then standing up fairly quickly.
poster:IsoM
thread:98953
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020318/msgs/98962.html