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A MyAmyloidosisTeam Member asked a question 💭
Waikoloa, HI
August 21
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MyAmyloidosisTeam

Dizziness with amyloidosis is often linked to orthostatic hypotension — a sudden drop in blood pressure when you stand up. This happens because amyloidosis can damage the nerves that help regulate blood pressure automatically.

In cardiac amyloidosis specifically, the heart's lower chambers can stiffen over time, limiting Show Full Answer

Dizziness with amyloidosis is often linked to orthostatic hypotension — a sudden drop in blood pressure when you stand up. This happens because amyloidosis can damage the nerves that help regulate blood pressure automatically.

In cardiac amyloidosis specifically, the heart's lower chambers can stiffen over time, limiting how much blood is pumped out with each heartbeat. This can also contribute to feeling dizzy or lightheaded.

Other triggers can include:
- Dehydration
- Adjusting to new medications
- Eating a large meal
- Physical exertion or showering There are several practical steps that may help manage dizziness:

- Stay hydrated — drink plenty of fluids throughout the day
- Rise slowly — pause before walking after standing up, giving your body time to adjust
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals — this helps prevent sudden blood pressure drops
- Ask about compression stockings — these can improve circulation
- Ask your doctor about medications — options like midodrine can help manage low blood pressure

As one MyAmyloidosisTeam member shared, staying well hydrated and taking prescribed medication helped them control it fairly well — though it does require staying on top of it.

Always let your doctor know when dizziness occurs and what triggers it, as they may need to adjust your treatment plan.

August 21
A MyAmyloidosisTeam Member

I take my BP twice a day and when I’m dizzy add a mid day. My BP is generally low since diagnosis avg 105 / 63. Initially it was much lower but it seems to be higher in recent weeks like 114 / 78 which is good. May explain why my dizziness has improved some.

August 28
A MyAmyloidosisTeam Member

Low bp?

August 28
A MyAmyloidosisTeam Member

Doug
I struggle with dizziness on some days. It seems worse when I take lasix. I cope with it by changing positions slowly. I’m on a low sodium diet which may also contribute so I cheat a little on days I struggle with dizziness to see if a boost in sodium may help. Cheating to me is maybe a few chips or a Gatorade. I also track my food to see if any connections may exist. Good luck.

August 28
A MyAmyloidosisTeam Member

In my eight years with this disease, dizziness and/or fatigue have been constant companions. Yes, low blood pressure can be an issue. I have found that I have needed to adjust or discontinue medications. I no longer take gabapentin. I have reduced the amount of diuretic as it created the 'hydration chase'. I keep a pitcher of electrolyte drink in the fridge and drink at least one - 2qts a day and take barely enough diuretic to prevent fluid build up - under Dr supervision. Doing this has also reduced the frequency and severity of 'pressurized' head pain. I still sometimes feel dizzy. I sleep a lot. But I am finding a balance I can live with.

August 22

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A MyAmyloidosisTeam Member asked a question 💭
Alamogordo, NM