Blood Pressure question for Dr's here or anyone who may know???Update pg 2

[TheLionKing]

"Lessening the heart's workload" is not completely accurate.

The inferior vena cava typically has a pressure of 2 - 8 mm of Hg. Arterial blood pressure is that typical number you see such as 120/80 mm of Hg and the mean blood pressure is around 90 mm of Hg. The fetus pressing against the IVC can compress the IVC thus impeding blood flow from returning to the right side of the heart from the lower body.

Decreased venous return may result in inadequate filling of the heart lowering the cardiac output and thus blood flow to the body and also the fetus. The most outward sign of this could be lowered blood preessure.

By laying on the left side, this puts less pressure on the IVC, the blood can more easily return to the heart and filling of the heart is normal resulting in a good cardiac output.

I will post a test on this tomorrow.

 

[BethR]

And aren't YOU the informed one TLK!

 

[TheLionKing]

I just wanted to add that I realize people here want to be helpful to their friends here on the DIS, but some of the advice on this thread was a bit alarming.

If you feel you have a serious health related question, I would always suggest talking to your doctor or his/her representative first and then ask for other people's experiences here on the DIS with the caveat (warning) that people are individuals and we do not know the specifics of your medical history nor do you know the specifics of the posters medical history so any advice given here may not be applicable to your situation.

Even my advice is usually discussed in generalities and I usually will always add that the person should contact their doctor since they will have access to your full medical background.

I spend an hour with each new patient I see to get a full history. You shouldn't expect people here on the DIS to give accurate advice every time. However, they will certainly give moral support which is always good medical therapy.

This is my personal opinion and I speak for none of the other physicians who visit this board.

 

[caitycaity]

good advice tlk.

 

[TheLionKing]

Thanks Caity

 

[Deb in IA]

I, for one, second that, Lion King.

I would also add that on an Internet bulletin board, we do not have the luxury of actually SEEING, TOUCHING, and EXAMINING someone.

I may be old-fashioned, but I still strongly believe that a good PHYSICAL EXAMINATION of a patient will tell you much more than all the bandwidth in the world . . .

 

[TheLionKing]

Thank you for your additional comments, Deb.

BTW, I do also examine my patients, too.

 

[Serena]

I know I appreciate all the advice you doctors do give out. I totally understand that it has to be general advice, but I wouldn't expect anything else from someone typing words on a message board.

 

[glo]

Update....


I love Dr.'s...my friend could not get to the Dr. yesterday, she called this morning and no appointments available today, and the Dr. will be gone til Tuesday after today. She told the recpetionist her new pressure readings ( 150/100 and 146/100 ) and they said she would have the Dr. call back. That was at 9 am, and it is 11:15 and nothing. She is worried, because the school nurse even told her to go to the Dr. because it has not gone down, and seems to be climbing....

I hate it when this happens. She does not feel like this is an emergency to go to the ER, but is scared to go through the weekend. I have been trying to calm her.

Thanks everyone that responded. I know that these are all opinions and only a Dr. that examines you can be the most reliable diagnosis, and so does she.

Wish her luck

 

[Towncrier]

My BP was in the 140/100 range for quite a while when I first started treatments. It tried a couple of different medications before my BP finally dropped into a more acceptible range.

DISCLAIMER: I am not a doctor, but I don't believe that your friend's BP warrants a trip to the ER.

 

[Galahad]

Originally posted by Deb in IA
I, for one, second that, Lion King.

I would also add that on an Internet bulletin board, we do not have the luxury of actually SEEING, TOUCHING, and EXAMINING someone.

I may be old-fashioned, but I still strongly believe that a good PHYSICAL EXAMINATION of a patient will tell you much more than all the bandwidth in the world . . .

DW is still looking for a way to do a cervix check over the web.

 

[wvjules]

Galahad, me too!

My BP is usually high 90's over high 50's, and I'm a smoker!?!?!?