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What is low Blood Pressure ?
Around 10% of people in the world are suffering from Low BP. It is more common in the elderly, patients with other comorbidities, and females. Low blood pressure might seem desirable, and for some people, it causes no problems. However, for many people, abnormally low blood pressure (hypotension) can cause dizziness and fainting. In severe cases, low blood pressure can be life-threatening.
What is Normal Blood Pressure range ?
Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of arteries. It is recorded as two numbers: systolic (top number) and diastolic (bottom number). The systolic pressure is the pressure when the heart contracts and pushes blood out. The diastolic pressure is the pressure when the heart relaxes and fills with blood. A blood pressure is said to be in normal range between 120-140 mm Hg systolic and between 80- 90 mm Hg diastolic.
Low BP Range
A blood pressure reading lower than 90 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) for the top number (systolic) or 60 mm Hg for the bottom number (diastolic) is generally considered low blood pressure.
What are low BP symptoms?
For some people, low blood pressure signals an underlying problem, especially when it drops suddenly or is accompanied by signs and symptoms such as:
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Fainting or near fainting
Fatigue
Nausea or vomiting
Blurred vision
Confusion or difficulty concentrating
Rapid or shallow breathing
Cold, clammy skin
Pale skin
Weakness
What is Shock ?
Extreme hypotension can result in this life-threatening condition.
Signs and symptoms include:
Confusion, especially in older people
Cold, clammy, pale skin
Rapid, shallow breathing
Weak and rapid pulse
How is low BP diagnosed?
The causes of low blood pressure can range from dehydration to serious medical disorders. It's important to find out what's causing your low blood pressure so that it can be treated.
The goal in testing for low blood pressure is to find the cause. Besides taking your medical history, doing a physical exam, and measuring your blood pressure, your doctor might recommend the following tests:
1. Blood tests
These can provide information about your overall health as well as whether you have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), high blood sugar (hyperglycemia or diabetes), or a low red blood cell count (anemia), all of which can cause lower than normal blood pressure.
2. Electrocardiogram (ECG)
During this painless, noninvasive test, soft, sticky patches (electrodes) are attached to the skin of your chest, arms, and legs. The patches detect your heart's electrical signals while a machine records them on graph paper or displays them on a screen. An ECG, which can be performed in your doctor's office, detects irregularities in your heart rhythm, structural problems in your heart, and problems with the supply of blood and oxygen to your heart muscle. It can also tell if you're having a heart attack or have had one in the past.
3. Tilt table test
If you have low blood pressure on standing or from faulty brain signals (neurally mediated hypotension), a tilt table test can evaluate how your body reacts to changes in position. During the test, you lie on a table that's tilted to raise the upper part of your body, which simulates the movement from a horizontal to a standing position.
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What are the treatment for low BP?
Low blood pressure that either doesn't cause signs or symptoms or causes only mild symptoms rarely requires treatment.
If you have low BP symptoms, then the treatment will depend upon the cause. For instance, when a medication causes low blood pressure,low BP treatment usually involves changing or stopping the medication or lowering the dose.
If it's not clear what's causing low blood pressure or no treatment exists, the goal is to raise your blood pressure and reduce signs and symptoms. Depending on your age, health, and the type of low blood pressure you have, you can do this in several ways:
Use more salt. Experts usually recommend limiting salt in your diet because sodium can raise blood pressure, sometimes dramatically. For people with low blood pressure, that can be a good thing. But because excess sodium can lead to heart failure, especially in older adults, it's important to check with your doctor before increasing the salt in your diet.
Increase Nuts & caffeine intake. Munch on healthy nuts like walnuts, almonds, and pistachios. Tea & coffee intake can increase BP modestly.
Drink more water. Fluids increase blood volume and help prevent dehydration, both of which are important in treating hypotension.
Wear compression stockings. The elastic stockings commonly used to relieve the pain and swelling of varicose veins can help reduce the pooling of blood in your legs. Some people tolerate elastic abdominal binders better than they do compression stockings.
5. Lifestyle changes: Making certain lifestyle changes can help manage low blood pressure, including , eating small, frequent meals, avoiding standing or sitting for long periods, and avoiding hot showers or baths.
6. Treating underlying conditions: If low blood pressure is caused by an underlying condition, such as heart disease or anemia, treating the underlying condition may help manage low blood pressure.
7. Medications. Several low BP remedies can be used to treat low blood pressure that occurs when you stand up (orthostatic hypotension). For example, the drug fludrocortisone, which boosts your blood volume, is often used to treat this form of low blood pressure. Doctors often use the drug midodrine to raise standing blood pressure levels in people with chronic orthostatic hypotension. It works by restricting the ability of your blood vessels to expand, which raises blood pressure.
WARNING:DO NOT TAKE THESE MEDICATIONS WITHOUT YOUR DOCTORS ADVICE.
Do's And Dont's While Following Diet Plan for Low Blood Pressure
To control lower blood pressure, you can start making some simple changes in your lifestyles and food habits which are mentioned below, along with the diet plan for low BP patients mentioned above:
Do's:
To help prevent blood pressure from dropping sharply after meals, eat a moderate size healthy meal.
Caffeine-containing drinks such as coffee or tea with meals may help temporarily raise your blood pressure.
Add nutrient-rich, complex carbohydrate foods in your diet chart or plan, such as Brown rice, grains (quinoa, buckwheat, and whole-wheat), fruits (apples, berries, and bananas, but avoid canned fruits), vegetables (broccoli, leafy greens, and carrots), nuts, and beans.
Increased intake of sodium salt (not Himalayan rock or sea salt, but table salt) can help people with low BP.
Increased fluid intake increases the volume of the blood in the body, additionally helps prevent dehydration.
Wear compression stockings, which help blood move throughout your body.
Don't':
Consume too many high-carbohydrate foods such as potatoes, rice, pasta, and bread. Because eating a high-carb diet may cause a sharp drop in blood pressure.
Don’t exercise too much outdoors during summer or in extreme heat. Avoid prolonged bed rest.
Avoid eating canned soup, smoked fish, cottage cheese, and olives.
Excess consumption of caffeinated beverages (like tea & coffee) should be kept in moderation because it is also a diuretic thus might lower blood pressure afterwards.
Excess sodium salt intake is not advisable, be in moderation.
Limit alcohol intake.
How to control Low BP at home?
If you are experiencing symptoms of low blood pressure, it is important to first try the low BP home remedies . In some cases, low blood pressure can be a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. There are certain home remedies for low BP . Follow these steps for low blood pressure emergency treatment at home :
Elevate your legs : If you feel faint or dizzy, lie down and elevate your legs.
Increasing fluid intake: Drinking fluids with salt can help raise blood pressure levels.
Eating small, frequent meals: Eating small, frequent meals throughout the day can help maintain blood sugar levels and prevent low blood pressure.
Avoiding standing or sitting for long periods: Avoid standing or sitting for long periods, as this can cause blood to pool in the legs and lower blood pressure.
Avoiding hot showers or baths: Hot showers or baths can cause blood vessels to dilate and lower blood pressure. Remember , This is how to increase blood pressure immediately in an emergency. But, if condition doesn't improve after these low BP remedies , then iisis advisable to seek medical attention,
What to eat in Low BP
Foods one can easily be consumed by low BP patients are listed below-
cereals- brown rice, parboiled rice, quinoa, whole grains, etc.
fruits and vegetables- Fruits for low blood pressure includes : green leafy vegetables like spinach, fenugreek, etc, carrots, kiwis, peaches, holy basil leaves (tulsi), garlic, pomegranate, sweet potatoes, raisins, avocado, bananas, kale, spinach, red bell peppers, fruit juices, licorice (mulethi), etc
milk and milk products- milk, yogurt and/or curd, coffee, hot chocolate
nuts and seeds- sesame and/or pumpkin seeds, raisins, almonds
How to Increase Low BP?
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is key to increase blood pressure. Here are some lifestyle changes that can help:
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration, which can cause low blood pressure. Aim for at least 8-10 glasses of water per day.
Exercise regularly: Exercise can help maintain healthy blood pressure levels. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking or cycling, most days of the week.
Eat a balanced diet: A healthy diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
Avoid alcohol and smoking: Both alcohol and smoking can cause a drop in blood pressure, so it's important to avoid them if you have low blood pressure.
Manage stress: Stress can cause a temporary increase or decrease in blood pressure. Learning stress-management techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga, can help increase BP.
Get enough sleep: Lack of sleep can affect blood pressure levels. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night to maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
Monitor your blood pressure: It's important to monitor your blood pressure regularly, especially if you have a history of low blood pressure or other health conditions. Talk to your doctor about how often you should monitor your blood pressure.
Low blood pressure, or hypotension, can be a cause for concern, but it's not always a sign of a serious underlying condition. For some people, low blood pressure may simply be their normal blood pressure. However, if you experience symptoms of low blood pressure, such as dizziness or lightheadedness, it's important to talk to your doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
There are several lifestyle changes and home remedies that can help manage low blood pressure, such as staying hydrated, exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, avoiding alcohol and smoking, managing stress, getting enough sleep, and monitoring your blood pressure. If your low blood pressure is caused by an underlying medical condition, your doctor may recommend medications or other treatments to manage your symptoms.
By taking steps to manage your low blood pressure, you can reduce your risk of complications and lead a healthy, active life. Remember to always talk to your doctor before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle, especially if you have an underlying medical condition.
Frequently Asked Questions on Low BP (Hypotension):
Q1: What is low BP?
A: Low BP, or hypotension, is a condition where blood pressure drops below 90/60 mmHg, leading to symptoms like dizziness and fatigue.
Q3: How to raise blood pressure immediately at home?
A: If experiencing symptoms of low blood pressure like dizziness or fainting, lie down and elevate legs, drink ORS or salty drinks like lemonade, and consider wearing compression stockings.
Q4: What are common reasons for low BP?
A: Causes include dehydration, stress, anemia, hormonal imbalances, and certain medications.
Q5: How to handle low blood pressure emergencies at home?
A: Keep the person hydrated, offer salty fluids, and help them lie down with feet elevated. If symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical attention promptly.
Q6: What are remedies for low BP?
A: Increase salt intake, stay hydrated, wear compression stockings, and avoid sudden position changes.
Q7: What is the treatment for low BP?
A: Treatments include diet changes, hydration, medication adjustments, and addressing underlying causes. For mild cases, increasing salt intake, staying hydrated, and wearing compression stockings can help raise blood pressure. Severe cases may require medications.
Q8: What to eat in low BP?
A: Include salty foods, soups, nuts, raisins, and drinks like coconut water to stabilize BP levels.
Q9: How to treat low BP at home?
A: Use natural remedies like drinking salted water, consuming small meals, and avoiding standing for long periods.
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