What Can Be Done For Low Blood Pressure

Medication Used To Treat Low Blood Pressure

In cases of more severe or recurrent symptoms of low blood pressure, doctors may prescribe drugs to stabilize the system. These may include:

Fludrocortisone: It is a steroid that is prescribed when the body is unable to produce enough by itself, and is often prescribed in conjunction with other steroids such as hydrocortisone. It reduces inflammation in the body and causes the body to retain more sodium. It may cause some water retention, but this is not a cause for concern since it is necessary to build blood pressure. To maintain the sodium-potassium balance, a doctor might recommend consumption of potassium-rich foods such as apricot, bananas, spinach and broccoli while on this prescription. Once the effects of low blood pressure are no longer witnessed, you may be asked to discontinue the steroid, while maintaining lifestyle and diet changes.

Midodrine: A counter to blood vessel dilation, midodrine is a what is called a vasopressor and constricts small blood vessels to increase blood pressure. It is usually prescribed in cases of postural hypotension and the dosage is gradually increased over time to prevent side effects.

Should I See A Doctor If I Have Low Blood Pressure

However, if you notice that the blood pressure drops below the normal blood pressure reading of 120/80mmhg and your body is exhibiting one of these symptoms at the time, consult a doctor immediately as negligence in this could cause anaphylactic shocks, heart strokes, and temporary or permanent brain damage.

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Primary High Blood Pressure

While the specific cause of primary high blood pressure remains unknown, there is compelling evidence to suggest that a number of risk factors increase your chances of developing the condition.

These risk factors include:

• age – the risk of developing high blood pressure increases as you get older
• a family history of high blood pressure – the condition seems to run in families
• being of Afro-Caribbean or South Asian origin
• high-fat diet
• high amount of salt in your diet
• lack of exercise
• excessive alcohol consumption
• stress

A number of health conditions, such as diabetes and kidney disease, have also been linked to an increase risk of developing primary high blood pressure.

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Be Careful With Supplements Or Natural Remedies

There are no special pills, vitamins or drinks that can substitute for prescription medications and lifestyle modifications. Talk to your healthcare provider before taking any over-the-counter drug or supplement that claims to lower your blood pressure. They may not work as advertised and/or interfere with other medications. In fact, some can even raise your blood pressure.

Eat Garlic Or Take Garlic Extract Supplements

Fresh garlic or garlic extract are both widely used to lower blood pressure.

A meta-analysis found that for people with high blood pressure, garlic supplements reduced their systolic blood pressure by up to about 5 mm Hg and reduced their diastolic blood pressure as much as 2.5 mm Hg .

According to a 2009 clinical study, a time-release garlic extract preparation may have a greater effect on blood pressure than regular garlic powder tablets .

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Low Blood Pressure When You Stand Up

Sometimes, changes in your posture can cause your blood pressure to drop, for example, going from sitting or lying down to standing up. You might feel the symptoms listed above when you stand up, such as feeling dizzy or faint. They will pass quickly as your body adjusts, but can put you at risk of falls.

This is called postural hypotension or orthostatic hypotension. Its caused by changes to your arteries which happen as you get older and if youre taking medications to lower your blood pressure.

The animation below provides information on the causes, symptoms and potential interventions related to orthostatic hypotension.

This film was produced by Newcastle University for work completed by Dr James Frith, supported by the NIHR Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre.

Home Remedies To Treat Low Blood Pressure Naturally

Some people naturally have low blood pressure. This generally doesnt cause any symptoms and should not be a cause for worry. Remember, low blood pressure requires treatment only when its causing symptoms that affect your normal life. If your low blood pressure is caused by an underlying condition, your doctor may initiate treatment for it. And in some cases, medication may be prescribed for your condition. However, the symptoms of low blood pressure can usually be treated with home remedies and lifestyle changes. Here are some measures you can try.

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Low Blood Pressure: What Is It

Low blood pressure could include feelings of nausea, dizziness or nothing at all.

In some people, low blood pressure can occur naturally and with no symptoms. In others, however, low blood pressure symptoms could be pointing towards a more serious problem. With that said, it makes sense to know what kind of signs your body could be giving you.

Home Remedies And Lifestyle

If your blood pressure is on the low side, making certain changes to your lifestyle can help you raise your blood pressure to healthy levels.

These changes may include:

• Avoid sitting up or standing up quickly: Instead, do it slowly. You can also try moving your legs a bit before trying to sit or stand up to get the blood flowing.
• Avoid standing for long periods of time if possible: This is particularly important if you have neurally mediated hypotension.
• Avoid crossing your legs while sitting: In some cases, this can prevent blood from flowing up and away from your legs.
• Wear compression stockings: The stockings will apply pressure to your legs, helping blood move better. You should consult your doctor before you start to wear compression stockings as a form of treatment.

If you have postural hypotension, also described as orthostatic hypotension, your blood pressure can drop when you get up to sit from a lying position or stand from a lying or sitting position. Always remembering to make slow adjustments in your body position can help.

It’s also important to be careful to avoid falls. Consider having a walker near your bed as you get used to those first steps in the morning.

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Cut Down On Rapidly Digested Carbs

Foods like white rice, white bread, sugary drinks, and potatoes are quickly digested and passed from your stomach to your small intestine. This leads to postprandial hypotension. So cutting back on foods like this and adding more foods that are slowly digested for instance, protein, beans, and whole grains can help prevent your blood pressure from dipping too low after a meal.11

Does High Blood Pressure Increase Heart Rate

Heart rate and blood pressure do not necessarily increase at the same rate. A rising heart rate does not cause your blood pressure to increase at the same rate. Even though your heart is beating more times a minute, healthy blood vessels dilate to allow more blood to flow through more easily. When you exercise, your heart speeds up so more blood can reach your muscles. It may be possible for your heart rate to double safely, while your blood pressure may respond by only increasing a modest amount.

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Managing Low Blood Pressure

Having low blood pressure once in a while isnt likely a cause for concern.

Tell your doctor about any related symptoms. Keep a journal of your symptoms and what you were doing when they began.

This can help your doctor diagnose the cause of your low blood pressure, especially if youve tried making changes to your diet and lifestyle and still arent seeing your BP at a healthy level.

What Is Low Blood Pressure

Low blood pressure occurs when blood pressure drops below the normal range. Doctors generally define low blood pressure as 90/60 mm Hg or below, commonly said as 90 over 60 Usually, doctors only treat hypotension if it is severe enough to cause symptoms.

Low blood pressure can be temporary, or it can be a chronic condition. The main types of hypotension are:

• Orthostatic hypotension: People with orthostatic hypotension feel faint or lightheaded when they stand up or change position suddenly.
• Postprandial hypotension: This condition causes people to feel lightheaded or dizzy after eating a meal because their blood pressure drops suddenly.
• Neurally mediated hypotension: People with this disorder feel faint, dizzy, and nauseous after exercising or standing for a long time.
• Severe hypotension linked to shock: Shock is the most extreme form of hypotension. When a person is in shock, blood pressure drops to dangerously low levels, and the brain and organs cant get enough blood to function.

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Symptoms Of Low Blood Pressure

Most doctors will only consider chronically low blood pressure as dangerous if it causes noticeable signs and symptoms, such as:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Fainting
• Dehydration and unusual thirst
• Dehydration can sometimes cause blood pressure to drop. However, dehydration does not always cause low blood pressure. Fever, vomiting, severe diarrhea, overuse of diuretics and strenuous exercise can all lead to dehydration, a potentially serious condition in which your body loses more water than you take in. Even mild dehydration can cause weakness, dizziness and fatigue.
• Lack of concentration
• Depression

Prevention And Management Of Low Diastolic Blood Pressure

There are some things you can do to help prevent and manage low diastolic pressure:

• Try to keep your salt intake to between 1.5 and 4 grams per day. An ideal number is about 3.5 grams. Read food labels to avoid added salt in your diet.
• Eat a heart-healthy diet. This diet includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. For protein, stick to lean meats and fish. Avoid fatty foods.
• Drink enough fluids and avoid alcohol, which can increase your risk of dehydration.
• Stay physically active and start an exercise program. Ask your doctor what type and amount of exercise is safe for you.
• Maintain a moderate weight. If youre overweight, your doctor can help you create a safe weight loss plan.
• If you smoke, quit. Quitting can be difficult, so consider reaching out for support.

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Low Blood Pressure Definition And Facts

• Low blood pressure, also called hypotension, is blood pressure low enough that the flow of blood to the organs of the body is inadequate and symptoms and/or signs of low blood flow develop.
• Low pressure alone, without symptoms or signs, usually is not unhealthy.
• The symptoms of low blood pressure include lightheadedness, dizziness, and fainting. These symptoms are most prominent when individuals go from the lying or sitting position to the standing position .
• Low blood pressure that causes an inadequate flow of blood to the body’s organs can cause strokes, heart attacks, and kidney failure. The most severe form is shock.
• Common causes of low blood pressure include a reduced volume of blood, heart disease, and medications.
• The cause of low blood pressure can be determined with blood tests, radiologic studies, and cardiac testing to look for heart failure and arrhythmias.
• Treatment of low blood pressure is determined by the cause of the low pressure.

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When To Contact A Medical Professional

If low blood pressure causes a person to pass out , seek treatment right away. Or call 911 or the local emergency number. If the person is not breathing or has no pulse, begin CPR.

• Black or maroon stools

Hypotension Blood pressure – low Postprandial hypotension Orthostatic hypotension Neurally mediated hypotension NMH

About Low Blood Pressure

The heart pumps a constant supply of blood around the body. The blood flows through different networks in the body, for example, arteries, veins and capillaries. Blood pressure is a measure of the force of the blood on the walls of the arteries as the blood flows through them.

It’s measured in millimetres of mercury and recorded as two measurements:

• systolic pressure the pressure when your heart beats and squeezes blood into your arteries
• diastolic pressure the pressure when your heart rests between beats

For example, if your systolic blood pressure is 120mmHg and your diastolic blood pressure is 80mmHg, your blood pressure is 120 over 80, which is commonly written as 120/80.

Normal blood pressure is between 90/60 and 140/90. If you have a sustained reading of 140/90 or more, you have high blood pressure . This puts you at greater risk of developing serious health conditions, such as heart attack or stroke.

People with a blood pressure reading under 90/60 are usually regarded as having low blood pressure.

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Treatment For Low Blood Pressure

Your GP will go through some simple things you can do to help yourself see the section on self-help above for more information. They may also suggest you increase the salt in your diet. Don’t do this unless your doctor suggests it, as it may affect other health conditions you have.

Your GP may also suggest you wear compression stockings if you have postural hypotension . These can help stop blood from pooling in your legs.

What Can I Do For Myself

There are other things you can do for yourself to help with your symptoms.

• Wear supportive elastic stockings . They put extra pressure on your legs which helps to improve circulation and raise your blood pressure. For some people this can be enough, but speak to your GP first because they arent suitable for everyone.
• Stand up slowly from sitting or lying down. You can try other simple movements to get the blood flowing before you stand up, such as straightening and bending your legs.
• Avoid standing for long periods of time.
• Drink enough water throughout the day, around 2 litres, so you dont get dehydrated.
• Eat little and often throughout the day. This avoids low blood pressure after eating.

Read more about how .

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Changing The Volume Of Blood

The higher the volume of blood in the arteries, the higher the blood pressureâas long as the width of the arteries remains constant. The volume of blood in the arteries is affected by

• How much fluid is in the body

• Whether very small arteries leak fluid

• How much fluid the kidneys remove from the blood to excrete in the urine

• Certain drugs, particularly diuretics

How To Check Your Blood Pressure

You can check your blood pressure:

• at home yourself using a home blood pressure monitor – talk to your GP about home monitors

Low blood pressure is a measurement of 90/60mmHg or lower.

The first number is the highest pressure when your heart beats and pumps blood around your body. The second number is the lowest pressure when your heart relaxes between beats.

See a GP if you have low blood pressure and keep getting symptoms such as dizziness.

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What Causes Low Blood Pressure

Some people have a blood pressure level that is naturally low. That is, there is no specific cause or reason why. It can be the result of a healthy lifestyle and being fit and active, and your genes may play a role.

Your blood pressure varies throughout the day. It might drop when youve just eaten while your blood is carried to your gut, if youve been standing up for a long time, if youre dehydrated, and if the temperature is warm.

There are a number of other possible causes of low blood pressure:

MedicationsLow blood pressure, and low blood pressure when you stand up, can be caused by medications. These include , antidepressants and beta blockers, which are used to treat heart problems.

Health problemsLow blood pressure can also be caused by an illness or health problem.

Q How Do I Know If I Have Low Blood Pressure

If you suffer from any of the symptoms of low blood pressure as listed above, such as frequent palpitations, irregular breathing, instances of loss of consciousness, skin that is often cold and clammy to the touch, you may be suffering from low blood pressure. It is best to check with your doctor before implementing any low blood pressure diet or lifestyle change.

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Q What Can Cause Low Blood Pressure

Your blood pressure can vary throughout the day. It depends on your body position, breathing patterns, stress levels, physical activities, medications, what you eat or drink, and the time. Some of the main medical conditions that can cause low blood pressure are:

• Pregnancy
• Nutrition deficiency in the diet
• Certain antidepressants

Effective Home Remedies For Low Blood Pressure

• NDTV Food

While you may have heard of hypertension or high blood pressure, suffering from low blood pressure can be as dangerous as well. An optimal blood pressure reading is less than 120mm Hg and above 80 mm Hg. The first number indicates the systolic pressure or the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats and fills with them with blood. The second number represents the diastolic pressure which is the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats. Low blood pressure or hypotension may cause inadequate blood flow to the heart, brain, and other vital organs. A sudden drop in blood pressure often occurs when someone suddenly rises from a lying down or sitting position. This is called postural hypo-tension and may cause light-headedness and dizziness. There are some home remedies for low blood pressure that you can employ in order to deal with the symptoms of erratic blood pressure. But if youve been feeling the following symptoms for a while, consult your doctor and get your blood pressure measured

• Fatigue
• Loss of consciousness
• Blurry vision

Once your doctor confirms that your blood pressure is low, follow his advice and take medication if required. A healthy low blood pressure diet is important for low blood pressure treatment. Along with that, heres more homely help. Your diet plays a crucial role in maintaining your blood pressure.

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