Pathological low blood pressure

I noticed that one of the contra indications of CPAP is pathologically low blood pressure.

Mine is always really very low generally hovers around 90/60 but will often drop to around 87/54.

Just wondering if all capap is contraindicated or just auto pap.

Has anybody come across this? Or has any information regarding cpap and blood pressure?

Thanks

This should be discussed with your cardiologist and sleep doctor.

Just wondering if the higher blood pressure you had without cpap was due to untreated sleep apnea, and that treating it revealed an existing issue with low blood pressure? What has your doctor said about your low pressures or are you taking your BP at home or on a machine at a pharmacy? Those pressure are low enough that I'd want my doctor involved.

Hi - I'm not sure I know what you're referring to... Cpap is noted for bringing down BP that is too high, but that doesn't mean it will necessarily lower it to dangerous levels for people who normally have lower BP to begin with... as I do (similar #'s), and I've been on Cpap for over 7 yrs with no problem... so do talk to your doctor and see if it matters to you.

My doctor is only interested in high blood pressure and says low blood pressure is always good, provided it is asymptomatic.

I have had low blood pressure all my life and do not normally mention it to docs as over the years I always get the same response which is 'don't worry about it'.

Blood pressure taken in docs offices and pharmacy.

Not mentioned it to sleep doc.cos he never asked and I do not have a cardiologist.

Thanks

How low is your low blood pressure?
Has it changed any since starting cpap therapy?

I vote you talk to your doctor.
His/her opinion trumps the opinions of strangers on the internet.
Especially since we are unfamiliar with your case.

sleepinglass wrote:I noticed that one of the contra indications of CPAP is pathologically low blood pressure.

When you said "I noticed" I took it as you saying it was your experience. Now wondering if that's something you read somewhere. If so, where ?

kteague wrote:When you said "I noticed" I took it as you saying it was your experience. Now wondering if that's something you read somewhere. If so, where ?

Found when doing a search on Google for "Pathological low blood pressure"... It's in ResMed's documentation for the S8 Escape, it might be in their other documentation as well (?)

From S8 Escape User Guide:

Contraindications
The S8 Escape II is not a life support device and may stop operating during power
failure or certain fault conditions. It should not be used by patients who are
dependent on continuous therapy.
Positive airway pressure therapy may be contraindicated in some patients with
the following pre-existing conditions:
• severe bullous lung disease
• pneumothorax
• pathologically low blood pressure
• dehydration
• cerebrospinal fluid leak, recent cranial surgery, or trauma.

I wonder if this would qualify? No, that's not me... It's my WIFE ! Poor dear. No, she's not that bad all the time, but does have pathologically low blood pressure ... next stop Mayo...

There are people who just have a nice low blood pressure which is normal for them.
Then there are people who have a really low blood pressure from other medical causes.
If OP has a nice low blood pressure because it is normal for her and using cpap hasn't caused any unusual further reductions in BP then there is unlikely to be any problem. Normally people who have a pathological low blood pressure will have problems prior to cpap therapy that manifests itself without cpap. Just like the other contraindications for cpap therapy.

So how low is low? I used to see 90/60 all the time when I was younger. It was my normal. Wish I could see it now
When in doubt...ask a physician if there is any cause for worry.
I suspect OP just happens to be one of those lucky people who have had nice low blood pressure all their life and there are no problems with it and no symptoms with it and no contraindications for cpap therapy.

Low blood pressure can be due to lots of exercise or sports in youth. My mother always had it and was complimented for it. She used to play soccer and do lots of cycling when she was young. It seems to make your heart more efficient.

This is the best information to keep in mind:
http://www.medicinenet.com/low_blood_pr ... rticle.htm

Unlike high blood pressure, low blood pressure is defined primarily by signs and symptoms of low blood flow and not by a specific blood pressure number. Some individuals routinely may have blood pressures of 90/50 with no symptoms and therefore do not have low blood pressure. However, others who normally have higher blood pressures may develop symptoms of low blood pressure if their blood pressure drops to 100/60.

Low blood pressure itself isn't necessarily a problem as the consensus here tends to agree, but one should look also at the difference between the two numbers... the pulse pressure. If the difference is in the 30's or 40's and no symptoms you probably have good "perfusion" (blood pushed through the capillaries and tissues and the brain) but if you are in the 20's or 10's, it's best to see a doctor, likely a cardiologist. If you have low pulse pressure and a high heart rate as a norm, particularly when standing, go faster to the cardiologist. So, 90/50 is not too bad, you might want to ask about it at your next dr's visit.

P.S. The picture I posted above warrants a trip to Urgent Care or ER.

Thank you all for your thoughts and suggestions.

I just noticed it in the literature of my bipap machine that one on the contra indications was 'pathologically low blood pressure' as highlighted by Maxdarkside.

On researching further I have found that blood pressure below 90/60 is considered hypotension.

Mine has always been on the low side and will often drop below the above figures, through out the day.

I have no idea if my blood pressure has gone any lower since on cpap.

I was just wondering if others on the forum had similarly low pressure and if they found that they had experienced any negative side effects from it as a result of being on pap therapy.

Any doc I have encountered has never shown even the slightest interest in my informing them of my low blood pressure.

Thank you for the question sleepingyglass! I never read User Manuals, but I just saw that in my CPAP literature too & was a bit disturbed. Also special thanks to MaxDarkside for the excellent reply, pugsy's was informative as well.