Expert: Domenic Sica - 10/1/2009

Question
Hello! Thank you in advance for your answer. I had a blood pressure question, though it is having to do with low blood pressure instead of hypertension. I hope this is alright, as you seemed very appropriate and I imagine you would know the answer. I am 25, 6'5" and 200lbs. I recently found a sphygmomanometer and have been keeping track of my blood pressure daily. I have found that is is consistently around 85/55. I would like to know if this low reading is unhealthy in the long run, or something I should not worry about. I am rarely fatigued, though occasionally I am dizzy when standing up, but I have never blacked out. Sometimes, at any hour, I will have a seemingly insatiable craving for sugar, even if I have recently eaten, for a few minutes which is similar to some people I know who have low blood sugar, if this has anything to do with it. I know that I have always had an irregular heartbeat as well.
Please let me know what you think, any input would be greatly valued. Thank you again!
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Tim

Answer
This is a very low blood pressure for a person your size; however, it can be in a normal range for you.  I think a good history and physical examination by your physician is in order. In such an exam it would be useful to determine if the blood pressure is low in both arms, whether there is a specific heart rate abnormality, and if your blood pressure falls excessively in going from the lying to the standing position. The sugar craving is not likely to have any relationship to your blood pressure.

Regards,

Domenic Sica, M.D.