Low blood pressure OK in healthy person

Dear Dr. Gott: I am a 50-year-old female. This past year, I started menopause. My blood pressure has dropped. It is now 98/69, which is lower than my normal 120/80. My physician says, “Yeah! That’s good.”

I am concerned. Can there be a problem with blood pressure being too low? I am otherwise healthy and take no medications.

Dear Reader: Low blood pressure (below 100/50) in a 50-year-old person who has no symptoms (dizziness, faintness, weakness) is very healthful and is an appropriate goal.

In contrast, a sick person with low blood pressure needs immediate attention because the hypotension may reflect a serious condition, such as bloodstream infection, intestinal bleeding, cancer, heart disease and many other afflictions.

In the absence of any demonstrable disease or the symptoms I mentioned, you should suffer no negative consequences from your low blood pressure.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Menopause.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

Dear Dr. Gott: I read the letter in your column from the lady who was taking a beta blocker to control her blood pressure.

I am 52 years old, and I also take medication to control my blood pressure. Last year my physician put me on a beta blocker for this problem.

It took me quite a few months to realize that this medication was not for me. I was becoming more depressed every day. I also wanted to sleep every chance I got.

My physician changed my medication, and I was full of energy and living a real life once again.

Dear Reader: Any antihypertension drug carries the risk of side effects, many of which are dangerous. Your doctor was absolutely correct in substituting another drug.