Types Of Low Blood Pressure
Medical professionals distinguish between three different types of hypotension. The most common type is primary hypotension . Other examples are secondary and ortho static hypotension.
- Primary hypotension: describes the most common form and usually occurs without a clear cause.
- Secondary hypotension: mostly occurs as a result of an underlying disease such as an underactive thyroid or various heart diseases.
- Orthostasis hypotension: occurs due to volume shift. for example, when you get up quickly from lying down.
Q What Can I Do To Prevent Low Blood Pressure
How Is Low Blood Pressure Diagnosed
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and take your blood pressure by placing a blood pressure cuff around your upper arm. The cuff will tighten on your arm, and the monitor will measure your systolic and diastolic pressure. A blood pressure reading of 90/60 mm Hg is considered low blood pressure.
Low blood pressure may be a sign of an underlying condition, so your doctor will try to determine what caused your blood pressure to drop. Depending on your medical history and symptoms, your doctor may also check your heart using an echocardiogram, electrocardiogram, or stress test. Your doctor may also perform blood tests to check for:
- Hormonal imbalances.
Read Also: Blood Pressure Effect
Lifestyle And Home Remedies
Depending on the reason for your low blood pressure, you might be able to reduce or prevent symptoms.
- Drink more water, less alcohol. Alcohol is dehydrating and can lower blood pressure, even if you drink in moderation. Water, on the other hand, fights dehydration and increases blood volume.
-
Pay attention to your body positions. Gently move from a prone or squatting to a standing position. Don’t sit with your legs crossed.
If you begin to get symptoms while standing, cross your thighs in a scissors fashion and squeeze, or put one foot on a ledge or chair and lean as far forward as possible. These moves encourage blood flow from your legs to your heart.
-
Eat small, low-carb meals. To help prevent blood pressure from dropping sharply after meals, eat small portions several times a day and limit high-carbohydrate foods such as potatoes, rice, pasta and bread.
Your doctor also might recommend drinking one or two strong cups of caffeinated coffee or tea with breakfast. Don’t drink caffeine throughout the day because you will become less sensitive to caffeine, and caffeine can cause dehydration.
- Exercise regularly. Aim for 30 to 60 minutes a day of exercise that raises your heart rate and resistance exercises two or three days a week. Avoid exercising in hot, humid conditions.
Low Diastolic Pressure: No Symptoms
“When your systolic blood pressure gets too low, it can manifest as lightheadedness, fainting, and weakness. But low diastolic pressure by itself doesn’t have any symptoms,” says Dr. Paul Conlin, professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and chief of medicine at the VA Boston Healthcare System.
One of the new studies, which analyzed the medical records of more than 11,000 adults over a period of three decades, found that people who had low diastolic blood pressure were twice as likely to have subtle evidence of heart damage compared with people whose diastolic blood pressure was 80 to 89 mm Hg. Low diastolic values were also linked to a higher risk of heart disease and death from any cause. The findings appeared in the Aug. 30, 2016, Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
Another study, published in The Lancet, involved more than 22,000 people with heart disease, whom researchers grouped according to their blood pressure readings. People with well-controlled blood pressure values were considered the reference group.
Not surprisingly, people with high systolic blood pressure were more likely to experience heart attacks or strokes, be hospitalized with heart failure, or to die compared with people in the reference group. But the same was true for heart attacks, heart failure, and death in people with low blood pressure .
Also Check: Reversing Pulmonary Hypertension
Low Blood Pressure Symptoms
Low blood pressure is manifested by various symptoms. They can vary in degree, but also be part of another problem, so it is important to give consideration as well as seeking professional medical advice. Low blood pressure symptoms include:
- Tiredness and constant fatigue
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Having you the feeling you’re going to faint or in some cases even fainting
- Reduced concentration
- Pallid skin color
You are probably wondering how to raise low blood pressure because you have experienced a drop in yours. If this blood pressure drop is due to cardiac problems you will be able to feel the beating of your heart intensely. However, if the pressure drops due to something like internal bleeding, you will see different symptoms such as blood in your stool. When it is due to an infection, a high fever above 38 degrees may develop. If you experience low blood pressure, you should be attentive to any other symptoms and consult your doctor as soon as possible.
How Much Salt Is Too Much
Though it depends on each individuals health, Dr. Patel generally recommends the following daily salt consumptions depending on your blood pressure reading:
- At least 6 grams for individuals with low blood pressure
- Around 4 grams for individuals with normal blood pressure
- Less than 2 grams for individuals with high blood pressure
Read Also: Medicine To Lower Blood Pressure
Diagnosing The Cause Of Low Blood Pressure
The first key to know how to raise low blood pressure is to detect what causes the problem in the first place. This is something which should only be done by a doctor as they will not only be able to determine major illnesses or underlying conditions, but advise on the most effective course of treatment. The best medical professional to see will be an arterial hypotension specialist as they should have the most comprehensive knowledge on the subject.
However, raising low blood pressure is also about stopping certain actions which might lower blood pressure. This is why we have some general recommendations to help keep a healthy blood pressure level until a specialist can make confirmation of a diagnosis. Until then, keeping an eye on the symptoms and making sure you are not in need of emergency care is important. If you are, then you will need to see a doctor right away.
Boost Your B12 Intake
Vitamin B12 performs a critical role in helping the body produce healthy red blood cells. Lack of this important vitamin can result in anemia, which lowers blood pressure and can result in excessive bleeding as well as organ and nerve damage. Foods that are rich in vitamin B12 include eggs, chicken, fish like salmon and tuna, and low-fat dairy products.
Read Also: Side Effects Of Blood Pressure
Baroreceptor Signals Sent To The Kidneys
Kidneys participate in blood pressure control by regulating urine production. When kidneys pull more water out of the blood, blood pressure decreases. When the kidneys decrease urine output, water remains in the blood and blood pressure increases. The action of the kidneys on blood pressure is slow — acting over hours to days — compared to baroreceptor control and other systems that influence blood pressure very quickly.
Baroreceptor Signals Sent To The Arteries
Baroreceptors communicate directly with arteries when blood pressure is too high or too low to bring it into a more appropriate level. Baroreceptors tell arteries to constrict when blood pressure is too low to help raise blood pressure. Baroreceptors tell arteries to relax when blood pressure is too high to help lower blood pressure.
Also Check: Can You Have Heart Problems With Normal Blood Pressure
When To See A Doctor
If you have signs or symptoms of shock, seek emergency medical help.
If you have consistently low blood pressure readings but feel fine, your doctor will likely just monitor you during routine exams.
Even occasional dizziness or lightheadedness may be a relatively minor problem the result of mild dehydration from too much time in the sun or a hot tub, for example. Still, it’s important to see your doctor if you have signs or symptoms of low blood pressure because they can point to more-serious problems. It can be helpful to keep a record of your symptoms, when they occur and what you’re doing at the time.
Causes Of Diastolic Hypotension By Itself
There are three known causes of isolated diastolic hypotension:
Medications
- Alpha-blocker medications. These blood pressure medications work by causing your blood vessels to open up . Because they lower diastolic pressure more than systolic pressure, they may cause isolated diastolic hypotension. Common brand names include Minipress and Cardura.
Lifestyle
- Aging. As we age, we lose the elasticity of our arteries. For some older adults, arteries may become too stiff to spring back between heartbeats, causing diastolic blood pressure to be low.
- Too much salt in your diet. Dietary salt can decrease elasticity of your blood vessels. If you take in too much salt, you may increase your risk of low diastolic blood pressure.
Don’t Miss: Does Spicy Food Increase Blood Pressure
How To Increase Blood Volume
can cause hypotension by literally shrinking the volume of blood circulating throughout your body. Even losing a small percentage of your blood volume to dehydration can cause blood pressure to dip temporarily. due to physical activity, excessive sun exposure, , and all can cause dehydration that provokes a hypotensive episode.
You can address this type of low blood pressure by:
-
Drinking extra water. Make a conscious effort to consume more water until your hypotensive symptoms subside. Be careful not to drink large quantities of water within a short period of time, as this can induce a life-threatening medical condition called water intoxication. The recommended amount of water for an average person aged 8 years and older is 64 ounces a day, but you should drink water as necessary, preferably before you are thirsty.
-
Drinking an electrolyte replacement beverage . These beverages contain vital minerals that enable your cells to better take in and retain the water you need to rehydrate.
-
Eating a few salty meals or snacks. Salt helps your body retain fluid, so consuming some salty snacks or adding a little salt to a few meals in succession should correct any blood volume deficiency causing you to experience hypotensive symptoms. Eat a small handful of chips after exercising or a long hike to replenish your sodium.
What To Do If You Experience A Sudden Drop In Blood Pressure
A single low blood pressure reading is no cause to be concerned unless you experience other symptoms.
A sudden drop in blood pressure as little as a drop from 120 to 100 in your systolic number can be dangerous if it triggers dizziness and fainting. Such symptoms can be a sign of an underlying problem that may need medical attention.
You should keep a record of your activities and when symptoms happen to discuss them with your doctor. If you experience any low blood pressure symptoms related to shock, you should seek immediate medical attention.
Recommended Reading: Is Claritin Safe For High Blood Pressure
What Are The Side Effects Of The Treatment For Low Blood Pressure
There are no side effects for the lifestyle and dietary changes that can treat hypotension.
The medications used to treat hypotension have several side effects, some of which may be serious. Fludrocortisone can make certain infections worse, so its essential to discuss this medication with your doctor. The most common side effects from fludrocortisone are:
- Increased risk of infection.
The most common side effects from midodrine are:
- Numbness or tingling.
- Goosebumps and chills.
Is 100 Over 50 Good Blood Pressure
What is dangerous blood pressure 100 over 50. Generally low pressure less dangerous than high. At low pressure reduces the risk of stroke and kidney disease. However, low blood pressure is dangerous because it decreases the blood flow to the brain and heart, and this can lead to dizziness and loss of consciousness.
Also Check: Pain And High Blood Pressure
List Of Food & Home Remedies For Hypotension
Licorice root: The licorice root is responsible for the healthy functioning of the kidneys. It helps excellent against chronic fatigue and gives a lot of energy. The licorice root can found in herbal liqueurs, cough syrups, and special teas.
Chocolate: Chocolate contains substance theobromine, which improves the heart rate and increases blood pressure. However, the dark chocolate variant should use, since it contains more cocoa and less sugar.
Salt: While most people have to pay attention to their salt consumption, hypotonic people are welcome to add more salt. The salt increases the sodium content in the blood, which is essential for blood pressure.
Spices: You may be wondering which spices can raise blood pressure? Spices such as rosemary, ginger, pepper, and chili warm you from the inside and stimulate the metabolism and increase blood pressure due to their aromatic substances. Alternatively, rosemary and ginger can also consume as a tea.
Is Low Blood Pressure Bad For Your Health
Lower blood pressure is associated with a lower risk of conditions like heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. Those who exercise regularly, athletes, non-smokers, and those who maintain an optimal body weight experience lower blood pressures. Lower blood pressure is a good thing as long as it doesn’t cause symptoms that could damage organs and tissues of the body.
You May Like: Can Apple Watch Test Blood Pressure
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.
When Should You Call Your Doctor About Low Blood Pressure
If you have recurring dizziness or fainting, or other symptoms of low blood pressure, you should visit your doctor. Sudden drops in blood pressure can be dangerous. It is important for your doctor to determine why your blood pressure is dropping and treat the cause.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 10/08/2019.
References
Also Check: Symptom Of High Blood Pressure
Should A Person Only Rely On Eating Salty Foods To Raise Low Blood Pressure
Eating too much of these highly-processed, super salty or fatty foods can be harmful to your health over time, cautions Dr. Patel. Instead of relying on these foods to add salt into your diet, he advocates for the purchasing of salt tablets.
But there are plenty of other ways to raise your blood pressure other than just salt, he says. Other methods include:
- Drinking more fluids
- Limiting or avoiding your alcohol intake
- Exercising
- Eating smaller meals
Low Blood Pressure Also Known As Hypotension Is When You Have A Blood Pressure Level That Is Below The Normal Range
If your blood pressure is naturally low, this probably wont cause you any problems and wont need treating. In fact, the lower your blood pressure, the lower your risk of heart disease and stroke.
Low blood pressure can sometimes be caused by medications or can be a sign of another health problem. This can sometimes cause problems such as falls, fainting and feeling dizzy, so it might need looking into and treating. Speak to your doctor or nurse if youre worried about low blood pressure.
Plus, take a look at the animation below on how to manage low blood pressure when you stand up.
Read Also: Claritin Raise Blood Pressure
Eat Smaller And More Frequent Meals
A sudden drop in blood pressure after eating larger, heavier meals is known as postprandial hypotension, common in older adults. After a large meal, blood indeed rushes to the intestine to help in proper digestion. As a result of this additional blood demand of the intestine, blood flow to other parts of the body will decrease and cause a drastic drop in blood pressure.
Eating small healthy meals frequently throughout the day may help prevent triggering postprandial hypotension. Also, consider reducing your carbohydrate intake because high-carbohydrate meals are thought to influence the BP decrease.
Foods To Raise Blood Pressure
It is important to increase the intake of fruits and vegetables to improve the state of your blood pressure. These foods contain beneficial nutrients and vitamins, but also help to keep you hydrated. If your blood pressure has dropped due to an iron deficiencysuch as anemia you should increase your intake of lean red meats and legumes like lentils, chickpeas and beans.
While too much sodium will have a detrimental effect on your blood pressure, it can help raise it when low. Eating salty snacks such as peanuts or chips can help give you a quick spike in blood pressure levels. One home remedy for raising low blood pressure is to drink an isotonic drink which will help raise your sodium levels with healthy salts. However, be careful not to drink too much of them or it can raise your blood pressure to unhealthy levels.
These recommendations and homemade remedies can help you avoid drops in blood pressure and improve your circulation. However none of them are a replacement for a doctor’s advice. Consult a doctor to ascertain the right reasons behind your low blood pressure and they will best be able to help you with your problem. They may also be able to see if this is an underlying condition which requires some more aggressive treatment or lifestyles changes.
Go to the doctor to find the underlying cause especially if you also have the following symptoms:
Don’t Miss: Can Low Blood Pressure Cause Heart Attack