What's causing my low blood pressure? I see a cardiologist tomorrow.

Hi . It is good that you are going to see a cardiologist. There are numerous potential cardiovascular issues that can be related to RA and being proactive about heart health is definitely a good idea. I need to note that we are not medical professionals and, for your protection cannot offer diagnostic opinions over the internet. Inflammation is generally linked to higher blood pressure. Some RA drugs may lower blood pressure. That said, there are numerous potential other causes of low blood pressure which your doctor will need to discuss. Have you had specific symptoms related to low blood pressure or does it just show up in testing? Hoping your appointment goes well tomorrow and you get some answers to your questions. Please feel free, if you like, to keep us posted on how you are doing. Best, Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)

Thanks for your answer and advise. It has been happening for months. Just the last two months it's more often. I do have symptoms. Dizziness, light headed, can't hear, feeling as if someone is pouring cold water over my head slowly and must sit before I fall or faint. I'm fine when I wake, I even sit, wait to get up before I walk. Doesn't work, as soon as I get to the kitchen I get all those symptoms and I take my blood pressure. 66/44 was yesterday and today's. Pulse was 112.
So I go tomorrow to see what's going on and I'll let you know! Have a great evening.

I would also love to hear what Dr says. I have the same problem, with somewhat different symptoms. I, too, get dizzy but also my muscles feel like I have no energy to move/walk, like someone drained all my blood. I also went to a cardiologist, who gave me a stress test and a ct scan on my heart to check for blockages. Sadly, he found one. A 25-49% blockage in an artery of soft plaque. That’s not the cause of the low bp though. His diagnosis was “natural low blood pressure”. I do have under active thyroid also, but this is controlled with medication. He said to eat protein, add salt to my diet and drink electrolytes. So, I’d be very interested what the cardiologist has to say.