What do my blood pressure readings indicate?
Patient: I am 73 years old woman, my blood pressure today was 122/70. About a month ago, I was 140/90 and was put on a blood pressure pill and a week ago on a small diuretic. Since starting to take the diuretic, my body temperature has been 95.7 to 97.5. Been very weak. My doctor feels I picked up a bug and just coincidence since just starting the diurectic. Should I be concerned over the lower blood pressure, lower body temp., weakness etc.? Doctor: Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic. I can understand your concern. Blood pressure of 122/70 mmhg is not considered as low. It is normal blood pressure. In my opinion, your low temperature and weakness are mostly due to diuretic drug. Diuretic causes excessive urination. So this can cause low sodium level. And this can cause weakness and lower body temperature. So if you are maintaining normal blood pressure without diuretic drug then ask your doctor to stop diuretic drug and continue blood pressure pill only. No need to take diuretic if you are achieving 122/70 mmhg of blood pressure with pressure pill only. You will mostly improve after stopping diuretic drug. So discuss all these with your doctor and plan accordingly. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.