What Is Low Blood Pressure/hypotension?

Low blood pressure or hypotension is when the systolic and diastolic pressure falls below 90 and 60 millimetres of mercury (mm Hg). Blood pressure is usually measured in millimetres of mercury; normal blood pressure is slightly less than 120/80 mm Hg.

To have low blood pressure is not always a concern; however, chronic hypotension can cause a lack of blood flow to the brain, causing dizziness, blackouts or loss of consciousness, and may even be life-threatening in severe cases.

Low blood pressure is often a symptom of a different concern, such as plaque build-up, a heart disorder, or ageing-related medical conditions. It is necessary to pay attention to signs of low blood pressure in its initial stages.

Types Of Low Blood Pressure

Hypotension is classified into a few major types, which may entail different low blood pressure treatments by doctors. These include:

Postural hypotension

This kind of drop in blood pressure is also termed orthostatic hypotension and is diagnosed if there is an abnormal lowering of blood pressure when standing up suddenly. If a person who is lying or sitting down stands up and the heart is unable to adjust the flow of blood to suit the posture, it can result in a lack of adequate blood supply to the brain, causing symptoms of low blood pressure such as dizziness or even loss of consciousness.

Usage of certain drugs, both prescription and recreational, as well as an underlying medical condition such as heart or liver disease, causes the heart and the endocrine system to be affected and thus unable to immediately compensate for the downward movement of the blood when standing up.

Neurocardiogenic syncope

Loss of consciousness, concussion and otherwise fainting due to an acute drop in blood pressure can occur due to the brain and the heart not receiving the correct signals from the nervous system, causing blood vessels to become incapable of dilating or constricting to maintain blood pressure. It is also known as neurally mediated hypotension or vaso-vagal syncope.

Postprandial hypotension

'Prandial' refers to the consumption of food, and sometimes, eating a large meal can cause low blood pressure since the blood flow to the digestive system increases at this time, causing blood vessels to be dilated. Ordinarily, the heart would pump more blood to maintain the blood pressure, but in people with symptoms of low blood pressure, this does not happen. Instead, they experience fatigue and dizziness.

What Causes Low Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is one of the vital signs calculated to determine individual health, along with pulse rate, rate of respiration, and body temperature. The pressure is generated as the heart contracts and expands while purifying the blood and exchanging the gases it carries.

A network of blood vessels carries the blood to and from the heart to the rest of the body. If the volume of blood being pumped becomes low for specific reasons, it causes hypotension, resulting in inadequate oxygen and nutrition. Even as the signs of low blood pressure are not always obvious, many otherwise healthy people can have hypotension because of this. Several medical reasons lead to low blood pressure, including:

Pregnancy:

Fluctuations in blood pressure are not abnormal during pregnancy since the body's circulatory system expands and changes the production of certain hormones. Low blood pressure is common during this time. It returns to normal soon after delivery but may require medical attention if it causes more severe symptoms.

Heart disease:

A healthy heart can offset any drop in blood pressure by pumping an additional amount once it receives a signal from the brain. Heart attacks, arterial blockage in the heart or heart valve concerns render the heart incapable of supplying a more constant blood flow and may cause low blood pressure.

Hormonal imbalance:

The endocrine system affects several signalling mechanisms in a healthy body, and an imbalance in its production of hormones can cause a drop in blood pressure. Thyroid and insulin conditions are often cited as causes of low blood pressure.

Anaemia:

A lack of nutrients such as vitamin B-12, iron, omega 2 &3 fatty acids, and folate in the body results in a drop in the production of red blood cells, affecting the blood's ability to carry sufficient oxygen. A low blood pressure diet is often prescribed to counter any symptoms and works effectively.

Kidney disease:

The kidneys maintain a sufficient balance of nutrients and water to aid blood flow. However, kidney disease resulting in either dehydration or overhydration can lead to an imbalance of electrolytes and constriction of blood vessels, causing impediments to blood flow.

Septicemia:

A rare but recognised cause of low blood pressure is shock arising from severe infection and results from the infection entering the bloodstream.

Anaphylaxis:

A severe reaction to an allergen can also cause symptoms of low blood pressure by causing the heart to beat irregularly and impeding blood flow.

Medication side effects:

Some medicines for heart conditions, hypertension, or depression can dilate blood vessels, resulting in sudden drops in blood pressure. The effects of low blood pressure may be more evident only in some instances where patients may have other compounding medical conditions. More often, the lowered pressure is a mild side effect of the medication and not much cause for concern.

Symptoms Of Low Blood Pressure

Unless acute, the effects of low blood pressure do not manifest as symptoms in many individuals. Chronic sufferers of low blood pressure would need to seek medical consultation if they experience:

Lightheadedness or dizziness
Nausea
Chronic fatigue
Cold, sweaty skin
Palpitations
Shallow and rapid breathing
Confusion or mental fog
Loss of consciousness, concussion
Weak pulse

Are You At Risk?

Some people become more prone to low blood pressure due to a few factors such as age, ongoing medication, certain heart or neurological diseases or medical procedures. If symptoms of low blood pressure remain recurring despite care at home or a change in diet, this may be due to the following:

Ageing-related complications:

It is generally understood that the heart, nervous, and endocrine systems become weaker with age, and if this affects vitality in the body, several effects of low blood pressure may be witnessed. These need to be heightened consideration if the individual has a history of heart, kidney, or liver ailments or shows signs of Parkinson's disease.

Medications:

Prescriptions for hypertension and heart disease that include alpha or beta-blockers or a combination such as carvedilol, antidepressant drugs, or drugs for erectile dysfunction can cause low blood pressure. If you have been prescribed any such medication, it is best to remain aware of any apparent symptoms of low blood pressure that may be indicative of chronic hypotension.

Underlying medical conditions:

Heart disease, neurological disease or damage, liver disease, and renal dysfunction can all affect the efficient flow of blood through the body. If you are a patient of these diseases, it is best to look for relevant symptoms.

Diagnosis Of Low Blood Pressure

A familiar instrument for diagnosing low blood pressure is a sphygmomanometer, which has an inflatable cuff around your forearm while sitting and supported. This cuff is worn at the heart level and must be the right size since a large or too small cuff would result in the wrong measurement.

Inflation and deflation cause the blood vessels to constrict and relax in conjunction. A doctor uses a stethoscope near the crook of your elbow to determine when the blood flow is constricted and when it starts. The pressure diagnosed at these two times is what is noted as your blood pressure.

The pulse rate is also an important indicator of any abnormalities in blood pressure, and a doctor may repeatedly measure your pulse in addition to measuring blood pressure. A rapid, shallow beating of the pulse may indicate the inability of the heart to pump adequate blood through the body. Sometimes, an electrocardiogram may also be used to measure the heart rate accurately, or a blood sugar test may be prescribed to determine any symptoms or effects of low blood pressure. A "tilt-table test" that simulates a change in posture while lying on a table may also be prescribed to check for orthostatic hypotension.

Diagnosis depends on the outcome of these tests and is relatively simple. Medical history is also considered when determining whether a person has signs of low blood pressure or a more short-term incident.

Treatment Of Low Blood Pressure

Low blood pressure is usually easy to treat unless accompanied by other conditions and does not require much medication. A low blood pressure diet may often be prescribed, or a lifestyle change may become necessary. Common recommendations include:

Increased intake of water: Dehydration can cause an electrolyte imbalance, resulting in signs of low blood pressure, and adequate hydration is important, especially in high-temperature situations, during fevers, or dysentery.
Increased sodium in diet: Salted nuts, cheeses, and cured fish and meats are high in sodium and would help stabilise blood pressure if it is very low. However, care must be taken to do it appropriately and maintain a balance.
Limiting alcohol consumption: Alcohol consumption can cause fluctuation in heart rate, and determining its consumption for some time will help alleviate symptoms of low blood pressure in otherwise healthy individuals.
Exercise: Light exercises that do not involve much strain on the body help improve blood circulation and keep the heart healthy. In cases of low blood pressure, it is important to be aware of its symptoms, such as palpitations and cold skin, so that exercising does not aggravate the condition.
Care during changes to posture: Postural hypotension can be alleviated with mindfulness when standing up from a sitting or lying position. Avoiding sudden jerks allows the body to recover from the blood pooling downward due to gravity and keeps the pressure steady. Getting up slowly, turning towards the side before getting out of bed, and sleeping at an elevated angle are commonly recommended to correct low blood pressure.
Small, frequent meals with fewer carbohydrates: Another low blood pressure diet tip is increasing the number and frequency of meals but cutting back on meal size. It stabilises metabolism and helps alleviate symptoms of low blood pressure.
Ceasing any aggravating medication: If the intake of certain medicines causes dips in blood pressure, your doctor may recommend a substitute for the drug or even stop its consumption until the pressure is stabilised.

Medication Used To Treat Low Blood Pressure

In cases of more severe or recurrent symptoms of low blood pressure, doctors may prescribe drugs to stabilise 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 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. A doctor might recommend consuming potassium-rich foods such as apricots, bananas, spinach, and broccoli while taking this prescription to maintain the sodium-potassium balance. 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 vasopressor. It constricts small blood vessels to increase blood pressure. It is usually prescribed in cases of postural (orthostatic) hypotension, and the dosage is gradually increased over time to prevent side effects.

Diet And Nutrition For Low Blood Pressure

A balanced meal with complex carbohydrates, fish, lean meat, fruits, and cooked vegetables goes a long way in preventing hypotension. Changing meal patterns to make them more frequent and less heavy also prevents and addresses postprandial fatigue and hypotension.

On diagnosis of a dip in BP, a low blood pressure diet that supplies adequate sodium and potassium while maintaining blood sugar levels is generally recommended for patients. Increased consumption of non-alcoholic beverages helps maintain insufficient hydration and is recommended. Increasing salt quantities or adding soy sauce to everyday cooking is a simple change that combats the effects of low blood pressure and may be suggested by your doctor.

Exercise For Low Blood Pressure

Everyday exercise, such as a 30-minute walk or light running, can improve circulation and alleviate any existing symptoms of low blood pressure. If you are already a patient of hypotension, it is best to go with a companion in case episodes of blurry vision, giddiness, or fainting happen during these times.

It is necessary to avoid undue stress on the body and sudden, jerky movements through heavy lifting and other strenuous exercises to smooth the flow of movement. Discipline and consistency regarding exercise aid the underlying causes of low blood pressure while alleviating its symptoms.

Low Bp Faqs: All Your Concerns Addressed

Q1. How do I know if I have low blood pressure?
A1. If you suffer from any of the symptoms of low blood pressure listed above, such as frequent palpitations, irregular breathing, instances of loss of consciousness, and skin that is often cold and clammy to the touch, you may suffer from low blood pressure. Before implementing any low blood pressure diet or lifestyle change, it is best to check with your doctor.

Q2. What can happen to me if I have low blood pressure?
A2. The effects of low blood pressure are several, and chronic hypotension may result in the blood being unable to transport enough oxygen to the brain or other parts of the body, causing numbness and, in severe cases, stroke, loss of consciousness, concussion, coma, shock or death.

Q3. What can I do to prevent low blood pressure?
A3. Consciousness towards diet and lifestyle can go a long way towards prevention. Mindfulness towards bodily movement also helps reduce giddiness due to postural hypotension. If hypotension is suspected due to medication, it is best to get a recommendation from your doctor regarding substitutes to prevent the effects of low blood pressure, such as weakness and fatigue.

Q4. Should I stop arginine supplementation if I suspect low blood pressure?
A4. Arginine is recommended to increase blood flow, especially in clogged arteries, and helps the kidney expel waste. A doctor's approval is suggested to either start or stop arginine supplementation to prevent unwarranted stress to the body.

Q5. How do I care for someone with chronic hypotension?
A5. Supervision during exercise and following a low blood pressure diet would be helpful to a patient with low blood pressure. It is generally suitable to have them follow a more disciplined lifestyle with smaller meals and a certain amount of daily exercise.

Q6. What can cause low blood pressure?
A6. 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 leading medical conditions that can cause low blood pressure are:

Pregnancy
Heart problems
Endocrine problems
Excessive blood loss
Dehydration
Septicemia
Intense allergic reaction
Nutrition deficiency in the diet
Certain antidepressants

Q7. What should you eat when experiencing low blood pressure?
A7. Along with constantly monitoring your symptoms and managing your blood pressure, here are some useful diet tips that will help you raise your blood pressure:

Drinking plenty of fluids- hydration is key, and dehydration can severely affect blood volume.
Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially after a workout.
Vitamin B12- lack of vitamin B12 can lead to anemia. So, you must consume foods like eggs, cereals, and beef to avoid a dip in your blood pressure.
Folate- folate helps keep blood pressure levels steady, and foods like asparagus, liver, and garbanzo beans are rich in folate.
Salt- Salty foods are known to increase blood pressure, and you can eat food like smoked fish, cottage cheese, canned soup, and olives.
Caffeine- Caffeinated tea and coffee can spike your blood pressure by stimulating the cardiovascular system and boosting your rate.

Q8. How does it feel when your blood pressure is low?
A8. When there is a dip in your blood pressure, you will experience the following symptoms:

Dizziness
Feeling lightheaded
Fainting
Excessive thirst, which usually is a signal that your body is dehydrated
Trouble focusing or concentrating on daily tasks
Blurry vision
Pale, cold, and clammy skin
Shallow breathing
Lethargy
Depression

If you're experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, then you have to visit your doctor as soon as possible.

Q9. Is 90 over 60 normal blood pressure levels?
A9. normal blood pressure levels for young and healthy adults generally fall between 90/60 and 120/80. If the reading shows 140/90, you're experiencing high blood pressure, and anything at 90/60 or below is considered low. If your reading is consistently 90/60 or less, you need to seek medical attention immediately.

Q10. How do you raise your blood pressure instantly?
A10. Depending on your lifestyle and diet, your doctor will tell you to implement the following changes to raise your blood pressure quickly:

Consume a diet that is high in sodium
Drink non-alcoholic fluids to keep yourself hydrated, especially during warmer months
Reduce alcohol intake
Ensure that your doctor evaluates your prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines; this will help them understand the symptoms
Have a consistent exercise routine
Avoid heavy lifting
Keep your head elevated while sleeping; you can do so by sleeping on two pillows
Avoid staying seated for long periods
It's best to bathe in lukewarm water as prolonged exposure to hot water can cause low blood pressure

Q11. Can stress cause low blood pressure?
A11. Yes, it can. When low blood pressure occurs, it can cause hypotension, and it has many triggers, including emotional stress, anxiety, insecurity, mental distress, and pain (which can lead to fainting episodes). Anxiety episodes can cause a slip in blood pressure levels, and when left unchecked, it can lead to panic attacks in some patients.

Q12. Does low blood pressure make you tired?
A12. Fatigue and lethargy are significant symptoms of low blood pressure. Feeling very tired even after a good night's sleep, which lasted 8 to 9 hours, indicates low blood pressure. Other key symptoms include blurry vision, headaches, nausea, feeling weak, and shallow breathing patterns.

Q13. What's the best treatment for low blood pressure?
A13. For our current lifestyle, the best treatment for low blood pressure would have to be relaxing your mind and body. Usually, low blood pressure is triggered by exhaustion, physical stress, and anxiety, so the best way to stop your pressure from dipping would be to practice meditation and yoga, get uninterrupted sleep, stop smoking, drink plenty of water, work out regularly, and increasing your salt intake.