Research Brief
A newly published study suggests that abnormalities of blood pressure variability could be used to objectively diagnose chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).
Researchers took continuous blood pressure measurements in people with ME/CFS and healthy controls while participants were at risk and then upon standing. They say heart-rate variability was significantly higher at rest in ME/CFS, and markers of parasympathetic nervous system activity were reduced.
Also, the blood pressure change upon standing was lower in ME/CFS than in controls. This finding is consistent with the theory that a symptom called orthostatic intolerance (dizziness upon standing) is linked to irregular blood-pressure changes.
Results also showed an imbalance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
Importance as a Possible Biomarker
ME/CFS is currently hard to diagnose and has no universal and universally accepted biomarkers. The condition is considered both underdiagnosed and frequently misdiagnosed.
Blood-pressure monitoring is relatively simple and non-invasive. Medical facilities are all ready equipped to perform it and familiar with how it's done. That's a major advantage when it comes to a new diagnostic procedure.
However, don't expect this method to become standard overnight. A few doctors may experiment with it, but until we have more studies to validate this one, it won't be widely adopted.
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When my ME/CFS was at its worst my blood pressure used to be about 90/60 and my resting heart rate was always over 100 bpm. By taking supplements and over-the-counter medications that raised my dopamine levels my blood pressure is now about 135//85 (which I know some people would consider borderline high blood pressure), but my resting heart rate is now about 75 to 80 bpm and I feel sooooo much better. My blood pressure went up and my heart rate went down by increasing dopamine levels and I now feel more normal; seemed to calm down my entire system.
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The definition of high blood pressure has been expanded several times over the years. Normal is now not. What was classified as normal or high-normal blood pressure (a systolic pressure of 120-139 mm Hg and diastolic pressure of 80-89 mm Hg) is now categorized as prehypertension. So, I am not too concerned, that my blood pressure went up.
Aiming for blood pressure targets lower than 140/90 mmHg is not beneficial
http://summaries.cochrane.org/CD004349/aiming-for-blood-pressure-targets-lower-than-14090-mmhg-is-not-beneficial
I have had CFS since 2004. All the usual symptoms including feeling like I will pass out if I stand too long and sometimes even when sitting upright too long. Two weeks ago I was hauled into the ER via ambulance after passing out while just sitting in my easy chair. My wife looked over and realized I was not breathing and blue around the lips and face. She had gotten me breathing again by the time medical aid had arrived. I spent the next 24 hours in the hospital. My blood pressure had dropped to 70/45. After all the usual tests, EKG, Doppler image of my carotid arteries, blood test and brain MRI I was sent home with a diagnosis of syncope and bradycardia. In other words you passed out and your blood pressure dropped, follow up with your family doctor in a week or two. They absolutely ignored my wife’s observation that I had stopped breathing. When she informed them of my CFS diagnosis and mentioned how well orthostatic intolerance is documented in the research on CFS it was met with the usual eye rolling smirk. So here I am two weeks later wondering when or if the next episode will occur and hoping I’m not alone when it happens. I also wonder if I had laid in that chair and not been revived if my autopsy would have any reference to CFS, I really doubt it. I have since noted in my trust that I would like to have my cadaver donated for CFS research if at all possible. I thought I had experienced the worst of the medical system before this. Thanks for the great work in passing along this very important research.
Hi , Just thought I would let you into my world with my 2 daughters here: Several chronic illnesses are related to or part of the disorder dysautonomia. It is a DYSfunction of the AUTONOMIC nervous system, ie the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems.) The article and the comments thus far are all referring to the symptoms of dysautonomia. My older daughter was first diagnosed at the age of 11 with fibromyalgia, but then at the age of 12 1/2 was diagnosed with dysautonomia.My younger daughter who is 10 was diagnosed at age 9. Basically your body’s autopilot is not working correctly. Her particular dyautonomia is called POTS–you may or may not haveheard about these disorders. POTS stands for postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. There are so many symptoms associated with dysautonomia, too many too list here–the biggies are: presyncope or syncope (feeling like you will pass out or you actually do), fibromyalgia type pain,headaches or migrianes, bladder issues, breathing issues, fatigue, Gastro Intestinal issues, body temperature problems, drop in blood pressure when standing and increase in heart rate when standing. Autonomic lab testing will confirm the diagnoses–usually you need to see a neurologist, some neurologists specialize in the autonomic nervous system, so they are the most knowledgeable about these disorders. I have been to conferences on dysautonomia, and they are finding more and more links with dysautonomia and migraines, gastro intestinal problems, fibro, ME/CFS/diabetes, etc….
Dear Dave, I highly recommend you get a second opinion. If you have bradycardia, you may need a pacemaker. I wish you compassionate, competent health care professionals on your healing journey. Blessings.
my situation is different with my flare-ups my b/p goes higher 160/98 or higher, Iam not considered hyperstensive according to test results, but the situation it’s always the same. Just the last week I had to spent 24 hours under observation in the hospital due to elevated B/P, after pain is under control my B/P comes down withouth any blood pressure medication. My doctor told me how impotant is to monitor my pain to prevent unwanted outcomes.
My blood pressure was 92/58mmHg when sitting, and dropped even further when standing, causing me to feel faint. It was only after a 100% private medical doctor in the UK performed autonomic nervous system tests that the cause of the problem was found. Nothing wrong with my heart, no problems with my adrenal glands, but a failure to constrict peripheral blood vessels when I stood up, causing blood to pool in my legs, hence a risk of fainting.
This explains why caffeine can help some people, as it increases the heart rate and force of contraction, but perhaps significantly it causes peripheral blood vessels to constrict. The important element to remember is not to take caffeine too late in the day, as it can cause problems sleeping.
I had seriously high blood pressure for years before I got CFS w/Fibro, and I still have it. That is one symptom I don’t have.
I have heard there are 4 or 6 variations in CFS, and the blood pressure test probably wouldn’t help detect mine.