How can I lower my heart rate?

How can I raise my blood pressure and lower my heart rate?

• My heart rate is currently 146 and my BP is at 89/66. I am feeling very dizzy, light headed, and nauseous. What can I do to raise my BP and lower my heart rate? I know that salt will help with the BP, but that would probably make my heart rate worse. Please help.

• Answer:

  If you're just sitting down (and didn't just exercise and you ate something today) and your pulse is 145 with dizziness, nausea and lightheadedness...CALL your DR. immediately (if he doesn't have someone covering for him or call you back, go to a nearby hospital or walk-in center..it could be any no. of things causing it, most not serious, but it's better to be safe than sorry). There are ways to reduce your pulse over the long run (proper diet, exercise, eliminating caffeine, eliminating stress, meditation, drinking more water, etc.). However, exercise and diet won't help at the moment (exercise will only make it worse right now). If that is your pulse now and you didn't exercise, just Call your DR., drink small sips of water and take it easy. Have you been diagnosed with tachycardia? If you have been and it happens from time to time and does pass eventually, you can help slow it by bearing down -- pushing down like you're having a baby or going to the bathroom (there is also another method but it must be done properly -- involves the carotid -- I will let your dr. explain that one). The low blood pressure can be a result of your high pulse, dehydration or lack of salt. Again over the long run, you can raise it with electrolyte intake and fluids, if you're a little dehydrated, BUT treatment of low bp is determined by the cause of it (some drs. may prescribe a medication if it is too low).. Again, tho, 89/66 is not all that low, especially if taken on at home machine. BUT do contact your Dr. ASAP regarding that high pulse.