Dr Tariq Jagnarine
Low blood pressure can cause dizziness, fainting, and other symptoms. Lifestyle changes, such as drinking plenty of fluids, wearing compression stockings, and eating more salt, may help raise blood pressure. In some situations, natural solutions can raise low blood pressure and relieve some of the symptoms that accompany it. In other cases, intervention in the form of medications and therapies may be necessary to raise blood pressure to a healthy level.
Healthcare professionals measure blood pressure using millimetres of mercury (mmHg). Low blood pressure or hypotension is any reading lower than 90 mmHg over 60 mmHg. However, most doctors will only describe low blood pressure as a problem if a person has the symptoms of low blood pressure. Low blood pressure is not a concern if there are no symptoms present. However, when low blood pressure causes symptoms, it can be a sign that not enough blood is getting to the organs. If this happens for too long, it can cause serious consequences.
CAUSES
There are several potential causes of low blood pressure. In some cases, treating the underlying cause may help to increase a person’s low blood pressure. Some of the most common causes include:
* Nutritional deficiencies
* Prolonged bed rest
* Pregnancy
* Medications
* Severe infections
* Allergic reactions
* Fall in blood volume
* Heart issues
* Shock
* Stroke
* Kidney failure
However, low blood pressure can indicate good health if a person is not experiencing any symptoms.
SYMPTOMS
Some people with low blood pressure have no symptoms. In these people, low blood pressure is generally not dangerous or concerning. However, even showing one or two symptoms may signal a problem. Low blood pressure can cause the following:
* Dizziness
* Fainting
* Inability to concentrate
* Blurry or distorted vision
* Nausea
* Fatigue
Some people may have symptoms of low blood pressure only when standing. Usually, this is not dangerous unless positional changes cause a person’s blood pressure to drop rapidly, which may lead to fainting.
Symptoms of shock
In more extreme cases, low blood pressure may lead to shock. Shock is a serious medical emergency caused by reduced blood flow throughout the body. It can damage the organs at a cellular level. The symptoms of shock include the following: rapid or shallow breathing, clammy skin, confusion or disorientation, rapid heartbeat, and weak pulse. People experiencing symptoms of shock need urgent medical attention.
NATURAL REMEDIES
Many people with low blood pressure do not need medications or other medical interventions to raise blood pressure. Healthcare professionals may suggest natural ways and lifestyle changes to raise low blood pressure, including the following options.
* Eat more salt.
Contrary to popular advice, low-sodium diets are not suitable for everyone with blood pressure problems. People with low blood pressure should consider increasing their sodium intake moderately to help raise blood pressure. A healthcare professional can help someone ensure they are getting the right amount of salt. People could include the following salty foods in their diet: olives, bacon, pickles, soy sauce, condiments, such as mustard or ketchup.
However, people should be careful not to consume too much salt, which can increase the risk of high blood pressure. People can check food packaging labels to monitor how much salt they consume.
* Avoid alcoholic beverages.
Alcohol can lower blood pressure up to 12 hours after consumption, so people with low blood pressure should avoid drinking excessive amounts of alcohol.
* Discuss medications with a doctor.
Low blood pressure can be a side effect of a variety of medications, including beta-blockers, tricyclic antidepressants, and narcotics.
If symptoms of low blood pressure begin after starting a new medication, people should discuss the symptoms with their doctor.
* Cross legs while sitting.
Crossing the legs while sitting can increase blood pressure. For people with high blood pressure, this can be a problem. For people with low blood pressure symptoms, crossing their legs may help increase blood pressure with minimal effort.
* Drink water.
Drinking more water can help increase blood volume, which can alleviate one of the potential causes of low blood pressure. It can also help people avoid dehydration.
* Eat small meals frequently.
Eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day may help with low blood pressure. This is because the smaller meals help prevent a drop in blood pressure associated with eating larger, heavier meals.
* Wear compression stockings.
Compression stockings help reduce the amount of blood that gets caught in the lower legs and feet, shifting it elsewhere. Compression stockings may also help relieve pressure and pain that occurs with varicose veins.
* Avoid sudden position changes.
Sitting up or standing up rapidly can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure. This may lead to feelings of light-headedness, dizziness, or potential faint in people with low blood pressure.
Healthcare professionals may refer to this drop in blood pressure as postural hypotension or orthostatic hypotension. In these cases, the heart has not pumped enough blood through the body quickly enough to account for the sudden change in position or elevation.
* Raise the head when sleeping.
Sleeping with extra pillows to elevate the head will help prevent sudden position changes but may also promote blood flow.
* Lower shower temperatures.
Taking hot showers and baths or being in a hot environment may worsen the symptoms of orthostatic hypotension for some people.
* Lower body strength training.
A 2022 article suggests that lower body strength training and moderate exercise may benefit people with orthostatic hypotension by increasing plasma volume. Low-stress exercise options may include rowing, cycling, swimming, in cool temperatures, hiking with a walking stick.
* Eat a balanced diet.
If someone has low blood pressure due to nutritional deficiencies, eating a balanced diet to address those deficiencies may help to increase their blood pressure. For example, deficiencies in folic acid and vitamin B-12 can cause anaemia, which may contribute to low blood pressure levels.
* Be aware of symptoms.
Low blood pressure is only a concern if symptoms exist. If there are no symptoms present, doctors may take low blood pressure as a sign of good health. A person needs to understand the symptoms and learn what to look out for if their low blood pressure starts to cause problems.
WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR
Doctors typically agree that low blood pressure is only an issue if symptoms exist. Someone with low blood pressure should be aware of possible symptoms and what medications may cause a further drop in their blood pressure when they start taking them. Experiencing symptoms of low blood pressure can also indicate an underlying condition that may require diagnosis and treatment.
Anyone experiencing signs and symptoms of shock needs to seek immediate medical attention, as shock is a life-threatening medical emergency.
Unlike high blood pressure, which doctors associate with many potential health problems, low blood pressure is often considered a marker of good health. However, a person should be aware of the signs and symptoms of low blood pressure and talk with a doctor if low blood pressure is causing problems for them.
