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What Helps Low Blood Pressure

Effective Home Remedies To Treat Low Blood Pressure

Study: Breathing exercises can help lower blood pressure

High blood pressure is cut out to be a villain, but did you know low blood pressure can be troublesome too? If your blood pressure is below 90/60 mmHg, its considered to be low.1 If blood pressure dips too low, it can reduce the amount of blood that flows to your brain and other organs. This can lead to symptoms like dizziness, fainting, nausea, blurred vision, and palpitations.

Low blood pressure comes in more than one form. For instance, some people experience low blood pressure when they change position for example, when they stand up . You could also experience the symptoms after you have a meal or when you stand for long periods of time .2

About Low Blood Pressure

Your blood pressure is a measure of the force that your blood puts on the walls of your arteries as it’s pumped around your body. Youll see blood pressure shown as two numbers such as 120/80mmHg. The first number is the highest pressure when your heart contracts this is your systolic blood pressure. The second number is the pressure when your heart is fully relaxed this is your diastolic blood pressure. The letters mmHg stand for millimetres of mercury, which is the unit used to measure blood pressure.

Theres no set level at which your blood pressure is said to be too low its different for everyone. You might have a blood pressure thats naturally lower than average but if it doesnt cause you any problems, it wont be classed as low blood pressure. Your blood pressure is usually only considered to be too low if its causing symptoms.

Can You Be Healthy And Have Low Blood Pressure

According to Luke Laffin MD, a preventive cardiologist at the Cleveland Clinic, There are many normal reasons for lower blood pressure, including younger age and small stature. Some people just have a genetic predisposition to low blood pressure.

Generally, if there are no symptoms, low blood pressure is not considered a problem. Though some people do naturally have blood pressure that tends to be on the low side and have no symptoms.

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All Natural Peanut Butter

All natural peanut butter is made with one ingredient, peanuts. Numerous studies have shown nut consumption is associated with a lower risk of high blood pressure.

In one study 54 men with high cholesterol lowered their risk of high cholesterol due to a reduction in blood pressure after consuming peanut supplements for four weeks 48.

Its a great source of protein and healthy fat. Peanut butter provides fatty acids, magnesium, fiber, potassium and many bioactive components which can all contribute to reducing blood pressure. Peanut butter contains high percentages of the following:

  • Niacin
  • Selenium
  • Copper

All natural peanut butter is made of peanuts, and thats it. Some all natural brands try to sneak in some ingredients other than peanuts. Read the label and make sure youre not buying one with added ingredients.

Unnatural peanut butters contain added sugar, hydrogenated oils and more sodium.

What Can I Do For Myself

9 Foods That Lower Blood Pressure

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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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.

Diagnosis Of Low Blood Pressure

Your GP will ask about your symptoms and examine you. Theyll measure your blood pressure using either an automated digital device or a manual device. To find out more about how blood pressure is measured, see our animation at the top of this page, Having your blood pressure taken, in the introduction above.

If you have symptoms of postural hypotension , your GP may also measure the change in your blood pressure while youre sitting and then standing. If its much lower when you stand up compared with when youre sitting down, this suggests you have postural hypotension.

Your GP may also recommend that you have some blood tests to check your general health and an electrocardiogram to check the electrical activity of your heart. They may also ask you to have an echocardiogram if they need to check for any underlying problems affecting your heart.

If your symptoms need further investigation, your doctor may recommend that you have a tilt test. The test involves being slowly tilted from lying down to an upright position on a table as your blood pressure, heart rate and rhythm are monitored. For more information, see our FAQ: What happens in a tilt test? below.

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What Is A Healthy Blood Pressure

You will be familiar with the way in which blood pressure gets recorded in the form of two numbers written in a ratio. The upper figure is the systolic blood pressure while the lower figure represents diastolic pressure.A healthy persons blood pressure should be below 120 : 80 for a normal adult. If a persons blood pressure is higher than 140 : 90, it is regarded as high.

There are numerous risk factors for high blood pressure including a poor diet, stress, smoking, lack of exercise and genetic factors. Fortunately, a number of these factors can be controlled by simple lifestyle changes like losing weight, exercising and quitting the cigarettes.

What Are The Side Effects Of The Treatment For Low Blood Pressure

Exercises to Lower 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.

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Tips For Avoiding Low Blood Pressure

Talk to your healthcare provider or a dietitian about healthy foods to include on your shopping list. There are ways you can modify daily behaviors that may help as well.

If you suspect you may have anemia, be sure to visit your healthcare provider for testing to pinpoint the type of anemia and the best treatment options.

Here are a few other changes you can make to your diet to help raise your blood pressure:

  • Eat small meals more frequently. Large meals may cause more dramatic drops in blood pressure, as your body works harder to digest larger meals.
  • Drink more water and limit alcohol. Dehydration lowers blood pressure.

In addition to altering your diet, you may also be able to raise your blood pressure by making these lifestyle changes:

  • If you exercise outdoors in extreme heat, take frequent breaks and be sure to increase hydration efforts.
  • Avoiding spending long amounts of time in saunas, hot tubs, and steam rooms which can cause dehydration.
  • Change body positions slowly.
  • Avoid prolonged bed rest.
  • Wear compression stockings, which help blood move back upward from your legs and feet. You can purchase them online.

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

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Decrease Your Salt Intake

Salt is the enemy of high blood pressure, says Dr. Desai. When you eat too much salt, it increases the amount of fluid that enters the bloodstream and arteries from the surrounding tissue, which raises the pressure in the arteries.

While you may not have to remove salt from your diet completely, avoid foods very high in salt like chips, french fries, salted nuts, soups, store-bought salad dressings, processed foods and cheese.

What Heart Problem Causes Low Blood Pressure

Foods That Help Lower Blood Pressure Naturally!

Low blood pressure is a very serious condition that can lead to sudden unexpected casualties. People with low blood pressure are always at the risk of dizziness, fainting, and extreme conditions may even pose a threat to life.

Curing the condition immediately is very important, and there are many remedies for it. With such remedies, you can cure the condition easily as well as treat the underlying heart condition.

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What Can I Do If I Find Out My Blood Pressure Is Dangerously High

Normally, high blood pressure, sometimes called the silent killer, has few symptoms. But sometimes, a patient may be prompted to check their blood pressure because of troubling symptoms like headache, chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, and loss of balance. These may be signs of dangerously high blood pressure, also known as a hypertensive crisiswhen your first blood pressure number is greater than 180 or your second number is greater than 120.

In this scenario, do NOT try to lower your blood pressure on your own. A hypertensive crisis is an emergency situation that can end in death, so someone nearby should call 9-1-1 immediately. Emergency personnel will begin the process of lowering your blood pressure in the ambulance while on the way to the hospital. Even then, they will follow guidelines on how quickly they can safely lower your blood pressure and will monitor your blood pressure closely.

How Can You Prevent Low Blood Pressure

You may be able to prevent hypotension by making changes to your lifestyle and diet, such as:

  • Eating fewer carbohydrates and choosing small, healthy meals.
  • Staying hydrated and avoiding alcoholic drinks.
  • Rising slowly when youve been sitting or lying down.
  • Taking a few deep breaths before you change position.
  • Wearing compression stockings.

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Lifestyle Changes For Low Bp

Eat small meals frequently Consuming smaller and more frequent meals has been known to help with hypotension. This is because smaller and frequent meals reduce the gap between each meal and also keep you filled with the right nutrients, thereby reducing the chances of low blood pressure, as compared to larger and heavier meals.

Increase salt intake A sure shot low BP treatment at home is to increase your salt intake. Salt contains sodium and for people with blood pressure problems, higher sodium intake can be a good solution. Thus, consuming more salt can help raise your blood pressure.

Wear compression stockings The role of compression stockings is to decrease the amount of blood to be constricted to your lower legs and help it to be distributed throughout the body. They can also help to reduce the pressure and pain arising out of varicose veins. You can easily buy them for yourself online.

Dont get up or move around quickly Any sudden or rapid movements can cause problems for someone with low blood pressure. For example, sitting up or standing up quickly can make you feel lightheaded, dizzy, or can even cause you to faint.

Avoid alcohol Alcohol can cause your blood pressure to fall so if you already have low blood pressure, you should avoid any sort of alcoholic beverages.

Drink plenty of water Water helps increase the volume of blood as well as reduce any chances of dehydration. Both of these can help in increasing your blood pressure.

If You Notice A Sudden Decline In Blood Pressure

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A single lower-than-normal reading is not cause for alarm, unless you are experiencing any other symptoms or problems. If you experience any dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea or other symptoms, its a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider. To help with your diagnosis, keep a record of your symptoms and activities at the time they occurred.

Is low blood pressure related to low heart rate? Find out.

Written by American Heart Association editorial staff and reviewed by science and medicine advisers. See our editorial policies and staff.

Last Reviewed: Oct 31, 2016

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First Why Is Your Blood Pressure High

Its natural to experience short-term spikes in blood pressure, like during exercise or after a cup of coffee. But over time, if your heart consistently pumps out more blood than usual or your blood vessels become stiffer, your blood pressure can stay high, which may lead to hypertension. Many things can cause this to happen, including eating too much salt, being overweight, or even taking certain medications that can cause high blood pressure as a side effect.

You might know that a blood pressure reading has two numbers . The American Heart Association describes normal blood pressure as a first number of 120 or less and a second number of 80 or less.

Eat More Foods High In Magnesium

A small study in the International Journal of Hypertension found magnesium supplementation can reduce blood pressure in small amountsNguyen H, Odelola OA, Rangaswami J, Amanullah A. A Review of Nutritional Factors in Hypertension Management. International Journal of Hypertension. 2013 698940. . Talk to your doctor before taking magnesium supplements, especially if you have kidney disease. You can also safely incorporate high-magnesium foods into your diet. Dr. Desai recommends foods like leafy green vegetables and unsalted almonds.

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What Can You Do To Help Relieve Symptoms Of Low Blood Pressure

Depending on the type of low blood pressure you have, you may be able to relieve some of your symptoms by:

  • Eating a healthy diet with fewer carbohydrates and smaller meals.
  • Drinking more water and avoiding alcohol.
  • Getting up slowly after youve been sitting or lying down.
  • Focusing on breathing a few times before you change position.
  • Wearing compression stockings.

Low Blood Pressure Also Known As Hypotension Is When You Have A Blood Pressure Level That Is Below The Normal Range

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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.

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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

Organic Grass Fed Lean Beef

Past studies have shown the DASH diet with plant based protein sources decreases blood pressure. One study examined the affects of the Dash diet with lean beef as the protein source. The results showed a reduction in blood pressure and hardened arteries 38.

Another study compared the consumption of red meats and blood pressure. The women who consumed the leaner red meat experienced a 32% lower risk of elevated BP compared to the ones who consumed the higher fat red meat 39.

Therefore, its best to stick with lean, organic beef. Beef contains potassium, magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids. It also contains C0Q10 which is beneficial for heart health. In addition to protein, lean beef contains high percentages of the following:

  • B12
  • Vitamin K

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How Can I Lower My Blood Pressure Naturally Over Time

Now that weve discussed why theres no fail-proof, safe, and fast way to lower blood pressure, remember, there are still many ways to lower your blood pressure over time. Here are some simple recommendations:

  • Exercise most days of the week. Exercise is the most effective way to lower your blood pressure. Being physically active at least 30 minutes a day most days of the week goes a long way toward keeping or getting your blood pressure under control.

  • Consume a low-sodium diet. Too much sodium causes blood pressure to rise. The AHA recommends keeping your daily sodium intake to less than 2 grams, but keeping it less than 1.5 grams is even better! The DASH diet provides a low-sodium eating plan for you to use as an example.

  • Limit alcohol intake to no more than 1 to 2 drinks per day. Drinking more than average1 drink for women and 2 drinks for mencan cause your blood pressure to rise. Plus, alcohol can cause you to pack on the pounds, which can also lead to an increase in blood pressure.

  • Make stress reduction a priority. Stressful situations can cause your blood pressure to go up temporarily. But if you continue to be stressed, your blood pressure can remain high. Find calming activities you can do every day to help you relieve stress. Coloring, walking outside, listening to relaxing music, and even taking a warm bath can help you keep you lower your stress levels.

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