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By Kate Halim
Low blood pressure or hypotension is when your blood pressure is lower than what’s considered normal. The opposite is high blood pressure also known as hypertension.
Dr Gabriel Omoniaye said that blood pressure or BP is the force of blood against the blood vessel walls. He added that blood is pumped throughout the entire body by the heart and it is measured with two different numbers.
He said: “The first or top number is called systolic pressure. This is the pressure while the heart is beating. The second or bottom number is called diastolic pressure. It’s the pressure while the heart rests between beats. Diastolic pressure is typically lower than systolic pressure. Both are measured in millimetres of mercury (mm Hg).”
According to him, “a typical, healthy blood pressure is about 120/80 mm Hg and it is not uncommon for the numbers to fluctuate slightly once in a while regardless of one’s overall health.”
Omonaiye defined hypotension, outlined the symptoms, diagnosis, and lifestyle changes people should make to cope with high blood pressure.
Hypotension at a glance
Hypotension is when your blood pressure is lower than 90/60 mm Hg. Low blood pressure may not be a cause for concern or come with any other worrisome symptoms. On the other hand, some health conditions can result in low blood pressure. This can lead to too little blood and oxygen in some parts of the body. Therefore, treating these underlying conditions helps to raise blood pressure.
Hypotension or low blood pressure isn’t automatically a cause for concern. Some health conditions lead to hypotension and this is not good for one’s health. So, it is important to talk with your doctor about any symptoms you may be experiencing so that adequate diagnosis and treatment can take place.
Symptoms of low blood pressure
To help make sure every part of your body, including the brain, heart and lungs is getting plenty of blood and oxygen, your blood pressure naturally changes throughout the day. It may dip if you stand up suddenly, and it typically decreases during periods of sleep or rest.
Your body constantly adjusts and balances your blood pressure. The position of your body may impact your blood pressure. For example, if you stand up suddenly, it may drop for an instant. Your blood pressure also lowers when you are resting or asleep. The symptoms of low blood pressure vary from person to person. They may include blurred vision, dizziness, being cold, fainting, fatigue, confusion, depression, nausea, inability to concentrate, rapid shallow breathing and sweating too much.
How to raise low blood pressure
If you are dealing with hypotension, the first step is making an appointment with your doctor. After discussing your medical history, lifestyle, and other factors, your doctor may change your medication or suggest certain lifestyle changes to get to the root of the issue.
It’s important not to stop taking any medications or change dosages without talking to a healthcare professional first. The same is true of dietary or other changes. You can also make lifestyle changes like the ones listed below:
One: Drink plenty of water
Dehydration can sometimes lead to low blood pressure. Some people may have hypotension even with mild dehydration. You can also get dehydrated by losing water too quickly. This can happen through vomiting, severe diarrhoea, fever, strenuous exercise, and excess sweating. Drink more water by using a portable water bottle. Use an alarm or timer to remind you to take a sip.
Two: Eat a balanced diet
Low blood pressure and other side effects may occur if you are not getting enough nutrients. Low levels of vitamin B12, folic acid, and iron can cause anaemia. This condition happens when your body can’t make enough blood and can cause low blood pressure.b Your doctor may recommend changes to your daily diet and taking supplements.
Three: Eat smaller meals
You can get low blood pressure after eating a big meal, although this is more common in older adults. This happens because blood flows to your digestive tract after you eat. Normally, your heart rate increases to help balance blood pressure. You can prevent low blood pressure by eating smaller meals. Also, limiting your carbohydrates can help keep blood pressure more stable after eating. Avoid consuming too much white carbohydrates such as rice and bread, and avoid processed foods too.
Four: Limit or avoid alcohol
Drinking alcohol can lead to dehydration. It can also interact with medications and cause low blood pressure.
Five: Eat more salt
Sodium helps to raise blood pressure. However, it can raise blood pressure too much and this can lead to heart disease. Ask your doctor how much salt is right for you.
Add table salt to whole, unprocessed foods. This helps to control how much salt you’re eating. Avoid refined and processed salty foods.
Six: Check your blood sugar
Diabetes and high blood sugar levels may lead to low blood pressure. Volume depletion can occur from the diuresis that follows high blood sugar levels. This is when your body tries to expel glucose via increased urination.
Consider using a home monitor to check your blood sugar levels throughout the day. See your doctor to find out the best diet, exercise, and medication plan to help balance blood sugar levels.
Seven: Get your thyroid checked
Thyroid conditions are common. Hypothyroidism occurs when you don’t produce enough thyroid hormones. This can lead to low blood pressure. A simple blood test can determine whether you have hypothyroidism. You may need medication and a new nutrition plan to help boost your thyroid function.
Eight: Wear compression stockings
Elastic stockings or socks can help prevent blood from pooling in your legs. This helps to relieve orthostatic or postural hypotension which is low blood pressure due to standing, laying down, or sitting too much. People who are on bed rest may need compression braces to help pump blood from the legs.
Nine: Take medications
Your doctor may prescribe medications to help treat low blood pressure. These drugs help to treat orthostatic hypotension. If someone’s BP is dangerously low from sepsis, other medications may be used to raise blood pressure.
Ten: Treat infections
Some serious bacterial, viral, and fungal infections can cause low blood pressure. Your doctor can find out if you have an infection with a blood test. Treatment includes IV antibiotics and antiviral drugs.
Eleven: Pay attention to body positions
Gently move from lying flat or squatting to a standing position. Don’t sit with legs crossed. If symptoms of low blood pressure begin while standing, cross the thighs like a pair of scissors and squeeze. You can also put one foot on a ledge or chair and lean as far forward as possible. These moves encourage blood flow from the legs to the heart.
Twelve: Exercise regularly
As a general goal, aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every day. Avoid exercising in hot, humid conditions. Wear appropriate clothing while exercising. Don’t forget to stay hydrated while you are burning calories.
Underlying causes of low blood pressure
There are several causes of low blood pressure. Some are temporary and can be easily fixed. Low blood pressure may also be a sign of a health issue or emergency condition. This will require treatment.
Several health conditions can cause low blood pressure. These include Addison’s disease (low adrenal hormones), anaemia, blood loss, bradycardia (low heart rate) dehydration, anaphylaxis (serious allergic reaction), and diabetes or low blood sugar.
Other health conditions that can trigger low blood pressure are pregnancy, liver failure, hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone), a heart valve problem, parathyroid disease, septic shock, orthostatic hypotension or postural low blood pressure as well as trauma or head injury.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosing and treating these conditions can help balance blood pressure. Your doctor may recommend simple tests such as:
1. Blood tests to check hormone levels, blood sugar levels, and for infections.
2. An electrocardiogram (ECG) or Holter monitor to check heart rhythm and function.
3. An echocardiogram to check your heart health.
4. An exercise stress test to check your heart health.
5. A tilt table test to check low blood pressure due to changes in body position.
6. The Valsalva manoeuvre which is a breathing test to check for nervous system causes of low blood pressure.
Managing low blood pressure
Having low blood pressure once in a while isn’t likely a cause for concern. Tell your doctor about any related symptoms. Keep a journal of your symptoms and what you were doing when they began. This can help your doctor diagnose the cause of your low blood pressure, especially if you have tried making changes to your diet and lifestyle and still aren’t seeing your BP at a healthy level.
Recognise your triggers
Learn to recognise triggers and symptoms. Put your head down or lay down if you feel dizzy or lightheaded. These symptoms usually pass quickly. Children and teens who have low blood pressure due to body positions typically grow out of it. If you have orthostatic hypotension, avoid symptom triggers such as standing too much.
Avoid getting upset
Emotionally upsetting situations can also lead to low blood pressure, and although these can’t always be avoided, it’s helpful to be aware of how stress and other factors may cause your blood pressure to drop. It’s possible too that having low blood pressure may lead to depression.
