To identify the presence of low blood pressure, also known as hypotension, your doctor does a thorough physical exam and asks about your medical history. This test will involve measuring your blood pressure. Additional tests may be performed to determine the underlying factors that contribute to the development of hypotension. Many people don't know what to do if they have low blood pressure.
Therefore, in this article we are going to tell you what to do if you have low blood pressure and what aspects you should take into account.
Treatment of low blood pressure
Treatment is usually unnecessary for people with low blood pressure (hypotension) who experience no symptoms or mild symptoms. Should symptoms arise due to low blood pressure, the appropriate course of treatment will be determined by the underlying cause. For example, if a medication is responsible for lowering blood pressure, the doctor may suggest modifying or stopping the medication, or adjusting the dosage. It is essential to consult your doctor before making any changes to your medication regimen.
In cases where the cause of low blood pressure is uncertain or if no specific treatment is available, the goal is to raise blood pressure and relieve symptoms. There are several methods to achieve this, depending on factors such as age, general health, and the specific type of low blood pressure.
What to do if you have low blood pressure
These are some of the recommended guidelines to do if you have low blood pressure:
- Increase your salt intake. It is a common recommendation from experts to restrict the amount of salt in the diet because of its potential to raise blood pressure, sometimes significantly. However, in situations where blood pressure is low, this may be beneficial. However, it is essential to exercise caution as excessive sodium intake can lead to heart failure, especially among older people. Therefore, it is essential to seek the guidance of a health professional before making any adjustments to your salt intake.
- Increase your water intake It is crucial for maintaining adequate hydration and preventing low blood pressure. Adequate fluid consumption helps increase blood volume and combat the risk of dehydration, making it an essential aspect of hypotension treatment.
- To relieve the discomfort and swelling associated with varicose veins, wear compression stockings, also known as support stockings. These elastic garments promote blood circulation from the legs to the heart. Alternatively, some people may find elastic abdominal binders more tolerable than compression stockings.
- There a wide range of medications which can be used to address the problem of orthostatic hypotension, which is characterized by low blood pressure when standing. One such medication is fludrocortisone, which works by increasing blood volume. Typically, fludrocortisone is prescribed specifically for the treatment of orthostatic hypotension.
- In the case of chronic orthostatic hypotension, a condition characterized by prolonged low blood pressure when standing, doctors can prescribe midodrine (Orvaten) to increase blood pressure levels. By decreasing the ability of blood vessels to dilate, this medication effectively raises blood pressure.
Blood pressure measurement
Blood pressure measurement is normally done in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Typically, low blood pressure or hypotension is characterized by a measurement of less than 90 mmHg for systolic pressure and 60 mmHg for diastolic pressure. However, doctors typically consider low blood pressure a concern only when it is accompanied by notable symptoms.
If there are no symptoms, low blood pressure should not be a cause for concern. However, if symptoms arise, it could indicate that the organs are not receiving an adequate blood supply.
Prolonged occurrence of this can have serious repercussions, which may include:
- Shock
- Stroke
- Heart attack
- Kidney dysfunction
Most people who experience low blood pressure do not require medical interventions or medications to increase their blood pressure. There are numerous natural methods and lifestyle adjustments that can effectively raise low blood pressure, including the following:
- Refrain from consuming alcoholic beverages. People with low blood pressure should avoid excessive alcohol consumption as it has the potential to lower blood pressure levels even further. Additionally, it is recommended to consult with a medical professional regarding the use of medications.
- Do not cross your legs while sitting. This could pose a potential problem for people who already suffer from high blood pressure. In terms of effortlessly raising blood pressure, people experiencing symptoms of low blood pressure may benefit from simply crossing their legs.
- Opt for smaller, more regular meals throughout the day. Low blood pressure can be improved by consuming smaller portions at regular intervals throughout the day.
- Avoid sudden changes and movements: People with low blood pressure may experience lightheadedness, dizziness, or even fainting when they sit down or stand up abruptly. When faced with such situations, it is important to keep in mind that the heart may not adequately circulate blood throughout the body in a timely manner in response to sudden changes in position or altitude.
The presence of symptoms is the determining factor in determining whether low blood pressure is considered problematic. In the absence of symptoms, low blood pressure should be considered an indicator of excellent health. Being aware of the symptoms and being able to identify them is crucial for people to be able to effectively address any problems caused by low blood pressure.
As you can see, there are some natural remedies and changes in lifestyle habits to deal with the symptoms of low blood pressure and reduce them. I hope that with this information you can learn more about what to do if you have low blood pressure.