How do you treat a person with low blood pressure and vasoconstriction?

[nimowns]

Is a vasodilator (diovan, etc) the safest drug to use? I believe they also reduce blood pressure but not as much as alpha or beta blockers? Any info appreciated.

 

[noo]

well.... a sudden fall of blood pressure is linked to vasodilatation, not to vasoconstriction! So a vasodilatator (for which diovan, aka valsartan, is a pretty bad example...) is absolutely contraindicated!!
You also have to see that you're not mistaking apples with pears...
There are alpha-1, beta 1 and beta-2 blockers. Alpha-1 receptors are found in cells of the smooth musculature, which manage the vasotonus, and a-1 blockers (e.g. Urapidil) are indicated in a acute arterial hypertension. Beta-1 receptors also have adrogenic effects on the vasculature (effected by Adrenaline & Noradrenaline). b-1 blockers are also used in the treatment of hypertension, but more as long time-treatment. Beta-2 receptors chiefly come into play in the bronchial musculature; b2-blockers are common as asthma-sprays...
AND there is Diovan, aka Valsartan, which is is an AT1-antagonist. The AT1-receptors are found in a completely other system (renin-angiotensin-aldosteron-system) than the alpha- and beta-receptors (adrogenic system), and they're also seen in another pharmacological aspect, as at1-antagonists, as well as ACE-inhibitors, are only use in the long-time treatment of arterial hypertension or chronic heart failure.
So, if you have a person with acute hypotension, what most likely is caused by vasodilatation, you should NOT give him anything that causes more vasodilatation! Just see that that person lies, with the legs raised up, so that the blood can stream back to the heart -> brain... if he feels better, its not a bad idea to let him drink some water

 

[nimowns]

I know this is what one would think. However, I have low blood pressure and signs and symptoms of vasoconstriction during/after methamphetamine use. (cold hands and feet, random tingling in face and hands...hot shower usually helps). If you have any ideas what may be causing these symptoms other than vasoconstriction please share. However, I know for a FACT my blood pressure is low during methamphetamine use because I have checked it multiple times on multiple different occasions. My blood pressure is in the normal range while sober.

I appreciate a response though..had been sitting here a few days without one. I'd love to hear anyone else's thoughts on the matter.

 

[mecaib]

It's amazing what you can find with Google

Your cold hands might be caused by:

an overactive autonomic nervous system
http://www.ithaca.edu/faculty/nquarrie/coldhands.html

hypothyroidism
http://thyroid.about.com/od/relatedconditions1/a/raynauds.htm

Your tingling face and hands might be caused by:

MS, Peripheral Neuropathy malfunction or Benign Faciculation Syndrome
http://forums.wrongdiagnosis.com/showthread.php?t=16096

It's easy to get worried about these things.

I'm voting for an overactive autonomic nervous system as a cause for your symptoms. I've felt a tingling/cold sensation from using meth in the past, which is why I can't tolerate it now. I would get a tingling/cold sensation from my elbows down to my hands. My blood pressure is normally very low.

I suggest you find a better stimulant :D

 

[nimowns]

Thanks for the info! After looking at those pages I agree, autonomic nervous system. I thought this was too buried by now to ever get a reply

 

[mecaib]

You're welcome!

Another time I noticed those symptoms was during a deep breathing exercise. Very similar effect in the hands and arms. Maybe you could try to regulate your breathing and see what happens

 

[AnimeGrl]

It's amazing what you can find with Google

Your cold hands might be caused by:

an overactive autonomic nervous system
http://www.ithaca.edu/faculty/nquarrie/coldhands.html

I'm voting for an overactive autonomic nervous system as a cause for your symptoms. I've felt a tingling/cold sensation from using meth in the past, which is why I can't tolerate it now. I would get a tingling/cold sensation from my elbows down to my hands. My blood pressure is normally very low.

I second. A stimulant is all about activation of the sympathetic side of the autonomic nervous system. To put this in simple terms, think of our evolutionary ancestors. You're walking through the jungle/forest/tundra, and the alligator/bear/polar bear jumps out at you (ok, not that many hiding places on the tundra, but go with it...). Where do you want your circulation, in the visceral organs or in the extremities? Me, I'd want the parts of me that are responsible for moving my sorry a$$ outta there - legs, heart, brain - to get all the oxygen (blood) they needed, and right quick. Fun facts, our palms sweat when we are nervous (activation of the sympathetic nervous system) because when we were quadrupeds, the moisture gave us more traction, and nerves tend to make the bowel hyperactive because anything that's crapping itself does not look fun to eat to aforementioned alligator/bear/polar bear. The body is a pretty cool thing.