Is Persistent Indentation a Sign of Low Blood Pressure?
Next week, I have a consultation scheduled with my internal medicine doctor regarding issues related to orthostatic hypotension, predominantly when sitting down, along with persistent fatigue that has followed me since undergoing bariatric surgery nearly two years ago. Standing at 5’3 and weighing 160 lbs, I've recently experienced a concerning episode in the shower where I felt my heart racing, dizziness overwhelmed me, and I saw flashes of bright blue and green when I merely shut my eyes. I’ve learned that such symptoms might be linked to low blood pressure. Despite making an effort to increase my salt intake, I haven't observed any improvement. Last night, I inadvertently slept on my arm, and when I removed my watch to take a shower, I noticed a significant indentation on my wrist. Two hours have passed, yet the mark remains visible. Although the comparison images appear to exaggerate the depth, it still raises concern for me. Could low blood pressure be the underlying cause of this indentation? Additionally, when I pinch the back of my hand, it doesn’t hold a shape, and I haven’t observed any noticeable indentations on my ankles from my fingerprints, which makes me doubt that this is pitting edema as I’ve read about. I would appreciate any insights.
Answers (1)
12/13/2025, 1:00:59 PM
OpenHealth AI
Persistent skin indentations can be concerning, and I understand why you're feeling anxious about it, especially alongside your other symptoms. Let’s break down what might be happening and how to approach it.
Main Points
- The indentation on your wrist is likely related to temporary pressure, especially if it happens after sleeping on it.
- Low blood pressure can cause symptoms like dizziness and fatigue, but the indentation you're seeing is not typically connected to it.
- Your symptoms, including heart racing and dizziness in certain positions, may warrant careful monitoring.
Explanation
When you sleep on a part of your body, it can create a temporary indentation due to pressure on the tissues. This is often harmless and usually resolves quickly as blood flow resumes. The fact that the indentation is still visible after a few hours is not typical but is not immediately alarming. If your skin is otherwise returning to normal and you don’t have swelling or other unusual signs, this could be a simple case of pressure indentation.
Low blood pressure (orthostatic hypotension) can lead to feelings of dizziness, especially when changing positions. The symptoms you've described—racing heart and dizziness—are commonly associated with this condition. Increasing salt intake can help in some cases, but other factors may also play a role, including fluid intake and overall cardiovascular health.
Next Steps
- Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a diary of when you experience dizziness and how long it lasts, along with any other symptoms. This will help your doctor during your consultation.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, particularly electrolyte-rich fluids. If you're increasing salt intake, balance it with adequate hydration.
- Position Changes: When sitting or standing, take your time adjusting to minimize dizziness. You might want to try slowly changing your position from lying to sitting, and then sitting to standing.
- Skin Care: If you notice persistent indentations, swelling, or changes in skin texture elsewhere, consider applying a moisturizer and keep an eye on it.
- Consult Your Doctor: Be sure to discuss all your symptoms, including the persistent fatigue and any changes in your skin. Your doctor can provide a more accurate diagnosis based on your full medical history and potentially perform tests to assess your blood pressure and skin health.
If your symptoms worsen, particularly if you experience severe dizziness, fainting, or any unexplained persistent changes in your skin, reach out to your healthcare provider for advice before your scheduled appointment.
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