NH cares

Low Blood Pressure:

Low blood pressure or hypotension is a condition where the systolic and diastolic pressure falls below 90 and 60 (mm Hg) respectively. Blood pressure is usually measured in millimetres of mercury, and normal blood pressure is usually 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.

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

Blood pressure is one of the vital signs that are calculated to determine individual health, along with pulse rate, rate of respiration, and body temperature. It is the pressure 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, and if the volume of blood being pumped becomes low due to certain reasons, it causes hypotension resulting in a lack of adequate 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. There are several medical reasons that lead to low blood pressure including:

Pregnancy:

Fluctuations in blood pressure is not abnormal during pregnancies since the body's circulatory system undergoes expansion and there are changes to the production of certain hormones, and low blood pressure is common at 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 is capable of offsetting 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 of 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 in a majority of cases.

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 impediment to blood flow.

Septicemia:

A rare but recognized 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 the flow of blood.

Medication side effects:

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

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 change in diet or you, this may be due to:

Aging-related complications:

It is generally understood that the heart as well as the 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 have 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 obvious 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 play a part in affecting the efficient flow of blood through the body. It is best to keep an eye out for relevant symptoms if you are a patient of these diseases.

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

Increased intake of water: Dehydration can cause an electrolyte imbalance resulting in signs of low blood pressure, and care towards adequate hydration would be 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 content, and would help stabilize blood pressure in case it is very low. Care must be taken to not overdo it, however, and for a balance to be maintained.

Limiting alcohol consumption: Alcohol consumption can cause fluctuation in heart rate and limiting its consumption for some time will help alleviate symptoms of low blood pressure in otherwise healthy individuals.

Exercise: Light exercises not involving much strain to the body help improve circulation of blood throughout, 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 towards standing up from a sitting or lying position. Avoiding sudden jerks would allow the body some time to recover from the blood pooling downward due to gravity, and keep 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. This stabilizes metabolism and would help with alleviation of symptoms of low blood pressure.

Ceasing any aggravating medication:If intake of certain medication is seen to cause dips in blood pressure, your doctor may recommend a substitute for the drug, or even stopping its consumption till pressure is stabilized.

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 prevent as well as address 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 adequate hydration and is recommended. Increasing salt quantities or addition of soy sauce in everyday cooking is a simple change that combats effects of low blood pressure and may be suggested by your doctor.

Q.  How do I know if I have low blood pressure?

1. If you suffer from any of the symptoms of low blood pressure as listed above, such as frequent palpitations, irregular breathing, instances of loss of consciousness, skin that is often cold and clammy to the touch, you may be suffering from low blood pressure. It is best to check with your doctor before implementing any low blood pressure diet or lifestyle change.

Q.  What can happen to me if I have low blood pressure?

1. 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 to other parts of the body causing numbness, and in severe cases, stroke, loss of consciousness, concussion, coma, shock or death.

Q.  What can I do to prevent low blood pressure?

1. Consciousness towards diet and lifestyle can go a long way towards prevention. Mindfulness towards bodily movement would help reduce instances of giddiness due to postural hypotension as well. If hypotension is suspected due to medication, it is best to get a recommendation from your doctor regarding substitutes to prevent effects of low blood pressure such as weakness and fatigue.

Q.  Should I stop arginine supplementation if I suspect low blood pressure?

1. Arginine is recommended to increase blood flow, especially in case of clogged arteries and helps the kidney with expelling waste out of the body. To either start or stop arginine supplementation, a doctor's approval is suggested in order to prevent unwarranted stress to the body.

Q.  How do I care for someone with chronic hypotension?

1. 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.

Q.   What can cause low blood pressure?

1. 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 main 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

Q.   What should you eat when experiencing low blood pressure?

1. 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 through the day, especially after a workout session.
• Vitamin B12- lack of vitamin B12 can lead to anemia. So, you have to consume foods like eggs, cereals, and beef to avoid a dip in your blood pressure.
• Folate- folate helps keep blood pressure levels at a steady level, 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 giving your rate a boost.

Q.   How does it feel when your blood pressure is low?

1. 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.

Q.   Is 90 over 60 normal blood pressure levels?

1. Generally, normal blood pressure levels for young and healthy adults fall between 90/60 and 120/80. If the reading shows 140/90, then you’re experiencing high blood pressure, and anything at 90/60 or below is considered low blood pressure. If you’re reading is consistently 90/60 or less, then you need to seek medical attention right away.

Q.   How to raise your blood pressure instantly?

1. 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, 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

Q.   Can stress cause low blood pressure?

1. 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, when left unchecked it can lead to panic attacks in some patients.

Q.   Does low blood pressure make you tired?

1. Fatigue and lethargy are some of the major symptoms of low blood pressure. When you feel very tired even after a good night’s sleep, which lasted for 8 to 9 hours, then it’s a major indication of low blood pressure. Other key symptoms include blurry vision, headaches, nausea, feeling weak, and shallow breathing patterns.

Q.   What’s the best treatment for low blood pressure?

1. 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, yoga, uninterrupted sleep, stop smoking, drinking plenty of water, working out regularly, and increasing your salt intake.