When your blood pressure is lower than what’s considered normal, it’s called hypotension. High blood pressure, sometimes known as hypertension, is the polar opposite.
The force of blood against the blood vessel walls is known as blood pressure, or BP. The heart pumps blood throughout the entire body.
Two separate numbers are used to calculate blood pressure.
Systolic pressure is the first or top number. This is the pressure that the heart is under while it is beating.
Diastolic pressure is the second or bottom number. It’s the pressure that builds up in the intervals between heartbeats. The pressure in the diastole is usually lower than the pressure in the systole.
Both are measured in mercury millimetres (mm Hg).
Blood pressure should be around 120/80 mm Hg in a healthy person. Regardless of your overall health, it’s not uncommon for the figures to change somewhat throughout the day.
Hypotension is defined as a blood pressure reading of less than 90/60 mm Hg, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood InstituteTrusted Source.
Your blood pressure normally changes throughout the day to ensure that every area of your body, including the brain, heart, and lungs, gets enough blood and oxygen.
Your blood pressure is constantly adjusted and balanced by your body. Your blood pressure may be affected by your body position. For example, if you suddenly stand up, it may plummet for a brief moment. When you’re resting or sleeping, your blood pressure drops as well.
As a result, low blood pressure may not be cause for concern, nor may it be accompanied by any other alarming symptoms.
Low blood pressure, on the other hand, can be caused by a variety of medical disorders. This might result in a lack of blood and oxygen in certain areas of the body. Raising blood pressure is easier when the underlying issue is treated.
Low blood pressure symptoms
The following are some of the signs and symptoms of low blood pressure:
- eyesight problems
- confusion
- depression
- dizziness
- fainting \sfatigue
- I’m cold and thirsty, and I’m having trouble concentrating.
- nausea
- breathing that is quick and shallow
- sweating
Medication-induced low blood pressure, shock, or stroke
Low blood pressure is a side effect of some drugs. These include medications for high blood pressure and various ailments, such as:
- alpha-blockers
- Blockers of the angiotensin II receptor
- Inhibitors of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)
- beta-blockers are a type of medication that prevents the body (Tenormin, Inderal, Innopran XL)
- Calcium channel blockers are drugs that prevent calcium channels from opening.
- water tablets or diuretics (Lasix, Maxzide, Microzide)
- medications to treat erectile dysfunction (Revatio, Viagra, Adcirca, Cialis)
- Tricyclic antidepressants nitrates Parkinson’s disease drugs such as Mirapex and levodopa nitrates nitrates nitrates nitrates nitrates nitrates nitrates (Silenor, Tofranil)
Shock
Shock is a potentially fatal disorder. It can happen as a result of a variety of emergency situations. These are some of them:
- a coronary artery occlusion or a stroke
- burns or major injury
- a serious infection
- response to allergen
- clot in the blood
Low blood pressure is a symptom of shock, but it can simply be a symptom of low blood pressure. Blood transfusions or intravenous fluids may be used to raise blood pressure.
Raising blood pressure is frequently aided by treating the source of the shock.
In anaphylactic shock, for example, an injection of epinephrine (EpiPen) can help fast elevate blood pressure. If you have a severe allergic response to peanuts, bee stings, or other allergies, this can save your life.
It’s critical to keep the individual experiencing shock warm and monitor them until medical help arrives in a first-aid emergency. As quickly as possible, dial 911 or local emergency services.
With emergency assistance on the way, the next step is to raise the person’s legs 6-12 feet off the ground with whatever you have on hand. Cover the person with a blanket or coat to keep them warm. In a pinch, newspapers can be used.
Stroke
Stroke is the top cause of death in the United States. It’s also a leading cause of long-term and significant impairment.
Stroke is frequently caused by high blood pressure. To avoid strokes and prevent them from occuring again, it’s critical to keep blood pressure under control.
However, some medical research suggests that keeping blood pressure high after a stroke may actually help avoid brain damageTrusted Source. This lowers the chances of death and disability.
The American Stroke Association is a non-profit organisation dedicated to preventing and treating
Blood pressure should be kept higher than normal for up to 72 hours following a stroke, according to Trusted Source. This may aid in the better infusion of blood to the brain and its recovery from the stroke.
How can I raise my blood pressure if I have a low blood pressure?
Making an appointment with your doctor is the first step if you have hypotension. To get to the source of the problem, your doctor may adjust your prescription or propose particular lifestyle modifications after evaluating your medical history, lifestyle, and other factors.
It’s critical not to stop taking any medications or modify their dosages without first consulting a doctor. Dietary or other changes have the same effect.
1. Make sure you get enough water.
Low blood pressure can occur as a result of dehydration. Even mild dehydration might cause hypotension in some persons.
You can also become dehydrated if you lose too much water. Vomiting, severe diarrhoea, fever, physical exertion, and excessive perspiration can all cause this.
Dehydration can also be caused by medications like diuretics. Using a portable water bottle encourages you to drink more water. Set an alarm or set a timer to remind you to drink.
2. Consume a well-balanced diet
If you don’t obtain enough nutrition, you may get low blood pressure and other adverse effects.
Anemia is caused by a lack of vitamin B12, folic acid, and iron. This problem occurs when your body is unable to produce enough blood, resulting in low blood pressure.
Your doctor may advise you to make dietary modifications and supplement your diet.
3. Eat more frequent yet smaller meals
After a large lunch, you may experience low blood pressure, which is more frequent in older persons. After you eat, blood travels to your digestive tract, causing this. Normally, your heart rate rises to assist keep your blood pressure in check.
Smaller meals can help to prevent low blood pressure. Limiting carbs can also help keep blood pressure in check after a meal. Here are some more ideas for things to eat and eating habits to develop.
4. Drink in moderation or not at all.
Dehydration can occur as a result of consuming alcohol. It can also cause low blood pressure by interfering with medicines.
5. Consume extra salt
Sodium aids in the elevation of blood pressure. It can, however, cause dangerously high blood pressure. It can potentially cause heart problems. Consult your doctor to determine how much is appropriate for you.
Table salt can be added to full, unprocessed foods. This helps you keep track of how much salt you consume. Salty meals that have been refined and processed should be avoided.
6. Monitor your blood sugar levels.
Low blood pressure can be caused by diabetes and high blood sugar levels. Diuresis caused by elevated blood sugar levels might cause volume depletion. When your body tries to remove glucose through increased urination, this is what happens.
To check your blood sugar levels throughout the day, consider using a home monitor. Consult your doctor to determine the optimal food, exercise, and medication regimen for maintaining blood sugar balance.
7. Have your thyroid examined.
Thyroid problems are very prevalent. When you don’t create enough thyroid hormones, you get hypothyroidism. Low blood pressure can result as a result of this.
Hypothyroidism can be diagnosed with a simple blood test. To assist enhance your thyroid function, you may need medication and a new diet plan.
Compression stockings should be worn at all times.
Blood can pool in your legs if you wear elastic stockings or socks. This aids in the relief of orthostatic or postural hypotension, which is low blood pressure caused by excessive standing, laying, or sitting.
Compression braces may be required for those who are on bed rest to help pump blood from their legs. In older persons, orthostatic hypotension is more common. It affects as many as 11% of middle-aged people and 30% of elderly adults.
9. Take drugs as prescribed.
Low blood pressure can be treated with drugs prescribed by your doctor. These medications aid in the treatment of orthostatic hypotension:
Fludrocortisone is a drug that helps to increase blood volume.
midodrine (Orvaten), a blood pressure-raising drug that works by narrowing blood arteries.
Other drugs may be used to boost blood pressure if someone’s BP is dangerously low due to sepsis. These are some of them:
- epinephrine
- norepinephrine
- phenylephrine
- vasopressin
- analogues
- alpha-adrenoceptor
- agonists
10. Infections should be treated
Low blood pressure can be caused by a variety of dangerous bacterial, viral, and fungal illnesses. A blood test can tell your doctor if you have an infection. Antibiotics and antiviral medicines are given intravenously.
Low blood pressure has underlying reasons.
Low blood pressure can be caused by a variety of factors. Some of them are only transitory and can be readily remedied. Low blood pressure might potentially indicate a health problem or an emergency situation. It’s possible that treatment is required.
Low blood pressure can be caused by a variety of medical issues. These are some of them:
- Addison’s disease is a condition that affects the adrenal glands (low adrenal hormones)
- anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction (a serious allergic reaction)
- anaemia
- a loss of blood
- bradycardia is a condition in which a person’s heart (low heart rate)
- dehydration
- diabetes or hypoglycemia
- heart failure or a heart attack
- an issue with the heart valve
- hypothyroidism is a condition that affects the thyroid gland (low thyroid hormone)
- failure of the liver
- parathyroid dysfunction
- pregnancy
- septic shock is a term used to describe when a person (the result of a serious infection)
- Trauma or a head injury can cause orthostatic hypotension or postural low blood pressure.
Blood pressure can be helped by diagnosing and treating certain diseases. Simple tests, such as the ones below, may be suggested by your doctor.
- Hormone levels, blood sugar levels, and virus levels are all checked through blood testing.
- to assess cardiac rhythm and function with an electrocardiogram (ECG) or a Holter monitor
- an echocardiography to examine the health of your heart
- a stress test to verify your heart’s health while activity
- A tilt table test to screen for low blood pressure caused by changes in body posture, the Valsalva manoeuvre, and a breathing test to rule out nervous system causes of low blood pressure.
Low blood pressure management
Low blood pressure isn’t anything to be concerned about every now and then.
Any symptoms you’re experiencing should be reported to your doctor. Keep track of your symptoms and what you were doing when they first appeared in a notebook.
This can help your doctor figure out what’s causing your low blood pressure, especially if you’ve tried changing your food and lifestyle but your BP still isn’t where it should be.
Recognizing and avoiding triggers
Recognize your triggers and symptoms. If you’re dizzy or lightheaded, lay down or put your head down. These signs and symptoms normally go away fast. Children and teenagers with low blood pressure as a result of their body position usually outgrow it.
If you have orthostatic hypotension, stay away from symptom triggers including excessive standing.
Situations that are emotionally draining
Low blood pressure can also be caused by Trusted Source, and while this can’t always be avoided, it’s useful to be aware of how stress and other circumstances might cause your blood pressure to decrease. It’s also plausible that low blood pressure contributes to depression.
Takeaway
Your blood pressure normally changes throughout the day to ensure that every area of your body, including the brain, heart, and lungs, gets enough blood and oxygen. It may drop if you suddenly stand up, and it usually drops while you sleep or rest.
Low blood pressure, or hypotension, isn’t always a cause for alarm. Hypotension can be caused by a variety of medical disorders, so talk to your doctor about any symptoms you’re having.
