Any reading below 90 mmHg over 60 mmHg is considered low blood pressure. Medical experts use millimeters of mercury (mmHg) to measure blood pressure or hypotension.
If low blood pressure is not accompanied by any symptoms, it is not a problem. On the other hand, signs of low blood pressure may indicate that the organs are not receiving enough blood.
Low blood pressure can affect anyone. Risk factors for hypotension are:
| Risk Factors | Examples |
|---|---|
| Age | Adults older than 65 |
| Children and younger adults (Neurally mediated | |
| hypotension) | |
| Medications | Certain blood pressure drugs |
| (e.g., some blood pressure medications) | |
| Certain Diseases | Parkinson’s disease |
| Diabetes | |
| Some heart conditions |
Types of Low Blood Pressure
- Orthostatic Hypotension is a condition in which a sudden drop in blood pressure occurs after lying down or standing from a sitting position. It may be caused by certain medical conditions, pregnancy, dehydration, or long-term bed rest. This type of low blood pressure is typical because it results from changes in posture; therefore, postural hypotension is another term for this condition.
- Postprandial Hypotension In this condition, blood pressure drops 1 to 2 hours after eating. It mostly occurs in older adults, especially those with autonomic nervous system disease or high blood pressure. Drinking more water, eating small, low-carbohydrate meals, and avoiding alcohol may help prevent this type of low blood pressure issue.
- Neurally Mediated Hypotension In this condition, blood pressure drops after standing for an extended period. It is most likely to affect young adults and children and could be the result of a breakdown in communication between the heart and brain.
- Multiple System Atrophy with Orthostatic Hypotension This is an uncommon illness that affects the neurological system, which regulates involuntary processes including breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion. It is sometimes referred to as Shy-Drager syndrome and is associated with remarkably increased blood pressure when lying down.
Symptoms for low blood pressure
Low blood pressure symptoms are:
- Hazy or dimmed vision
- Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
- Losing consciousness
- Tiredness
- difficulty focusing
- vomiting
The state known as shock can result from extremely low blood pressure. Shock symptoms include:
- Diminished skin tone (pallor)
- Shallow, rapid breathing
- Weak and quick heartbeat
- Sweaty, cold skin
- Disbelief, particularly in the elderly
Causes
Throughout the day, blood pressure fluctuates based on:
- Stress
- Medicines
- Physical state
- Posture of the body
- Inhaling (breathing)
- Food and beverages
The quantity of blood the heart pumps and the degree of artery resistance to blood flow both affect blood pressure. The unit of measurement for blood pressure is millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). There are two numbers on it:
Systolic pressure: The pressure in the arteries during a heartbeat is shown by the first (upper) number.
Diastolic pressure: The pressure in the arteries during the heart’s interval between beats is represented by the second (bottom) number.
The following medical conditions can result in low blood pressure:
- Dehydration: This is a typical reason for low blood pressure. Blood pressure drops when the body loses more fluids than it can absorb, resulting in a fall in blood volume. Dehydration can be brought on by several things, including heavy perspiration, vomiting, diarrhea, not drinking enough fluids, and taking certain drugs like diuretics.
- Heart Problems: Low blood pressure can also be caused by problems with the heart. The heart’s capacity to pump blood effectively can be hampered by conditions including bradycardia (slow heart rate), issues with the heart valves, heart attacks, or heart failure. As a result, blood pressure might drop.
- Pregnancy: Blood vessels enlarge quickly due to changes that occur during pregnancy. Blood pressure may decrease as a result of the alterations. Pregnancy-related low blood pressure is frequent throughout the first 24 weeks. After giving birth, blood pressure typically returns to pre-pregnancy levels.
- Heart and heart valve conditions: Low blood pressure can be brought on by heart attacks, heart failure, heart valve disease, and bradycardia, which is an abnormally low heart rate.
- Diseases linked to hormones (endocrine disorders): Blood pressure might decline as a result of ailments like Addison’s disease or parathyroid or adrenal gland disorders. Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, and occasionally diabetes can also drop blood pressure.
When to visit a physician
If you experience shock or signs of extremely low blood pressure, get emergency medical attention.
The majority of medical professionals only view low blood pressure as a problem when it results in symptoms. Minor vertigo or lightheadedness can occasionally be brought on by a variety of factors, including excessive sun exposure or hot tub use. Seeing a medical professional is crucial to receiving an accurate diagnosis. If your blood pressure is regularly low but you feel OK, your doctor might just keep an eye on you when you get regular checks. Keeping a journal of your symptoms, including when they happen and what you’re doing, can be beneficial.
Treatments for Low Blood Pressure
| Homemade Treatment | Description |
|---|---|
| Increase Salt Intake | Because salt, or sodium, can occasionally and severely raise blood pressure, experts normally advise decreasing salt intake. However it may be advantageous for those who have low blood pressure. However, heart failure can result from an excess of salt, particularly in older persons. Therefore, before adding more salt, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional. |
| Increase Water Intake | – Increasing the amount of water Helps increase blood volume, preventing dehydration. Although consuming enough water is good for overall health. – Drinking enough water is crucial for curing hypotension. – It efficiently helps to keep blood pressure levels stable. |
| Wear Compression Stockings | These elastic stockings, also known as support stockings, are frequently used to reduce varicose vein pain and edoema. They enhance the heart’s blood flow from the legs. Certain individuals find that elastic belly binders are more tolerable than compression stockings. |
| Medications | These elastic stockings, also known as support stockings, are frequently used to reduce varicose vein pain and edema. They enhance the heart’s blood flow from the legs. Certain individuals find that elastic belly binders are more tolerable than compression stockings. |
Homemade treatment for low blood pressure | And some lifestyle changes
You can effectively control low blood pressure symptoms and enhance your overall quality of life by adopting lifestyle modifications and home remedies into your daily routine. But before making big dietary or fitness changes, it’s imperative to speak with a doctor, particularly if you have underlying medical concerns or are on medication for other ailments. It is possible to control low blood pressure and experience better well-being with the right care and attention.
- Exercise Frequently: regular exercise will help control blood pressure and enhance circulation. Make an effort to engage in moderate activity for at least half an hour every day, concentrating on low-impact activities like swimming, cycling, or walking.
- Avoid Extended Sitting or Standing: Extended standing or sitting might cause blood to pool in the legs, which lowers blood pressure. Don’t stand or sit still for extended periods; instead, take pauses to walk around.
- Boost Your Potassium Intake Through Diet: Foods high in potassium, such as spinach, potatoes, oranges, and bananas, can help control blood pressure. Include these foods in your diet to help cardiovascular health and keep potassium levels at their ideal range.
- Herbal Treatments: Herbs such as ginseng, ginger, and licorice root have long been used to treat low blood pressure symptoms. Herbal treatments may interfere with drugs or worsen underlying medical conditions, so it’s imperative to speak with a healthcare provider before using them.
- Deep Breathing Exercises: The autonomic nervous system, which controls blood pressure, can be stimulated by engaging in deep breathing exercises. For several minutes, breathe deeply and slowly through your mouth and nose to help lower blood pressure and induce relaxation.
Also, read | an effective guide on headaches.
Hope this helps! :)
NOTE: Kindly consult a doctor first before following any of the given advice.
How do you fix low blood pressure?
Try these easy methods to treat hypotension or low blood pressure:
Slightly increase salt consumption, but first see a physician.
Drink adequate water to stay hydrated.
Eat often and in small amounts to avoid blood pressure dips.
Steer clear of prolonged sitting or standing.
To increase blood flow, put on compression stockings.
Take up moderate activity regularly.
Take into account, under medical supervision, medicines for orthostatic hypotension.
For individualized guidance and treatment choices, always seek the opinion of a healthcare expert.
What not to eat when BP is low?
It is important to be mindful of certain foods and beverages such as fast food, packaged snacks, sugary treats, Alcohol, processed meats, canned soups, salty snacks, Fried Foods, and excess caffeine to prevent sudden or miserable low blood pressure
What foods are good for low blood pressure?
Yes, of course. Bananas do indeed provide some benefits for people who have hypotension, or low blood pressure. Potassium, which is abundant in bananas and essential for controlling blood pressure, is a mineral. Low blood pressure symptoms can be avoided or lessened with the help of potassium, which balances the sodium levels in your body.
It’s crucial to remember, though, that although bananas can be a beneficial addition to a low-blood pressure diet, they shouldn’t be used as the only treatment. Maintaining a well-balanced diet, as advised by a healthcare provider, is crucial. This includes a range of foods high in potassium as well as other lifestyle modifications and home cures.
Which fruit is best for low BP?
As I have already mentioned in the article that potassium-rich diet can help with low blood pressure so a banana is the best fruit for low BP because a banana is a rich source of potassium.
Is banana good for low BP?
Yes, of course. Bananas do indeed provide some benefits for people who have hypotension, or low blood pressure. Potassium, which is abundant in bananas and essential for controlling blood pressure, is a mineral. Low blood pressure symptoms can be avoided or lessened with the help of potassium, which balances the sodium levels in your body.
It’s crucial to remember, that bananas can be a beneficial addition to a low-blood pressure diet, they shouldn’t be used as the only treatment. Maintaining a well-balanced diet, as advised by a doctor, is crucial. This includes a range of foods high in potassium as well as other lifestyle modifications and home cures.