What to expect from a GP consultation for low blood pressure

The doctor may ask whether symptoms occur after standing, eating, exercise, illness, or taking a medicine. Tell them about blurred vision, weakness, nausea, falls, palpitations, thirst, bleeding, and recent vomiting or diarrhoea. Low blood pressure can be harmless when it causes no symptoms, but dizziness or fainting can signal dehydration, medication effects, heart problems, or another illness.

Blood pressure may be checked while you are resting and again after standing. The GP may also assess your pulse, heart, hydration, neurological function, and balance. Tests are selected according to your history rather than automatically ordered for everyone.

Bring every prescribed medicine, supplement, and home blood-pressure reading, including the time and position used. Rise slowly, sit down if light-headed, and avoid driving while faint or unsteady. Do not stop blood-pressure or other prescribed medicine without advice. Your plan might include reviewing medicines, treating dehydration or another cause, arranging tests, or scheduling follow-up.

Get urgent help after a faint with injury, ongoing confusion, severe chest pain, marked breathlessness, a fast or irregular heartbeat with weakness, black stools, heavy bleeding, or inability to keep fluids down. Seek prompt assessment for repeated fainting or dizziness that is worsening.

Could any of my medicines be lowering my blood pressure? Should I record readings lying down and standing? What should I do if I feel faint, and when should we review the plan?