Low blood pressure, also called hypotension, is a condition where the force of blood pushing against artery walls is significantly lower than normal, typically considered a reading below 90/60 millimeters of mercury (mmHg).
Quick low blood pressure facts:
- Medical term: Hypotension
- Normal blood pressure range: Generally between 90/60 mmHg and 120/80 mmHg
- Symptoms: Dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, fatigue, blurred vision, nausea, confusion or trouble concentrating, weakness, headache, neck or back pain
- Seek immediate care if you have: shallow breathing, cold or clammy skin, and a rapid pulse.
- When to see a doctor: If you experience symptoms of low blood pressure, especially if they are severe or occur frequently
What causes low blood pressure?
Low blood pressure, can be caused by several factors including: dehydration, certain medications like diuretics or beta-blockers, blood loss, prolonged bed rest, pregnancy, heart conditions like bradycardia (slow heart rate), endocrine disorders like Addison’s disease, nutritional deficiencies like anemia (low iron), and conditions like Parkinson’s disease which can affect the nervous system impacting blood pressure regulation; in some cases, it can also be triggered by standing up too quickly, causing a sudden drop in blood pressure (orthostatic hypotension).
Key points about low blood pressure causes:
Fluid loss: Dehydration from not drinking enough water significantly reduces blood volume, leading to low blood pressure.
Medications: Some medications used to treat high blood pressure, depression, or Parkinson’s disease can have a side effect of lowering blood pressure.
Heart issues: Conditions like a slow heart rate (bradycardia), heart valve problems, or heart failure can impair the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively, causing low blood pressure.
Hormonal imbalances: Disorders like Addison’s disease, where the adrenal glands don’t produce enough hormones necessary for blood pressure regulation, can lead to low blood pressure.
Blood loss: Significant blood loss from an injury or internal bleeding can drastically drop blood pressure.
Pregnancy: During pregnancy, blood vessels expand, which can sometimes cause a drop in blood pressure.
Nervous system issues: Conditions like Parkinson’s disease can affect the nerves responsible for blood pressure control, leading to low blood pressure, particularly when standing up
Treating hypotension
To treat low blood pressure, you can try lifestyle changes like drinking more fluids to prevent dehydration, standing up slowly, eating smaller meals more frequently, wearing compression stockings, and potentially increasing your salt intake (with doctor consultation), depending on the cause of your low blood pressure. If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, your doctor may prescribe medication to raise your blood pressure, depending on your specific situation.
Hydration is key: Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, which can contribute to low blood pressure
Body positions: Try not to sit with legs crossed for a long period of time.
Encourage blood flow from the legs to heart: If symptoms begin to appear while getting up, cross your thighs like a pair of scissors and squeeze. Or put one foot on a ledge or chair and lean as far forward as you can.
Slow movements: Get up slowly from sitting or lying down to minimize dizziness caused by postural hypotension.
Move more: Being sedentary for too long can cause blood pressure levels to fall. Try going for regular short walks throughout the day, and take standing and stretching breaks.
Compression stockings: Wearing compression stockings can help improve blood flow in your legs and prevent blood from pooling there.
Dietary adjustments: Consult your doctor about whether increasing your salt intake might be beneficial in your case.
Meal management: Eat smaller meals more frequently throughout the day.
Less alcohol: Alcohol, even in moderation, is dehydrating and can lower blood pressure.
Medical evaluation: If you experience significant symptoms from low blood pressure, consult your doctor to determine the underlying cause and discuss treatment options.
Potential medications for low blood pressure (consult your doctor before taking any):
- Fludrocortisone: Helps retain sodium and increase blood volume
- Midodrine: Can help raise blood pressure when standing up by constricting blood vessels
Food and hypotension
Foods that are high in vitamin B12, such as eggs, meat, milk products, fortified breakfast cereals, and some nutritional yeast products, are good for helping with low blood pressure. Additionally, foods high in folate such as dark leafy green vegetables, asparagus, broccoli, legumes, lentils, fruits, nuts, beans, eggs, low-fat dairy, meat, poultry, seafood, and grains can also be helpful in treating low blood pressure.
Stress and hypotension
Stress can indeed contribute to low blood pressure, as emotional distress can trigger a physiological response that leads to a drop in blood pressure, often through mechanisms like hyperventilation or the body’s reaction to anxiety, causing blood vessels to dilate and blood pressure to decrease; this is why some people experience dizziness or lightheadedness when under significant stress.
The anxiety connection
Anxiety is a major contributor to stress-induced low blood pressure, as the feeling of anxiety can trigger rapid breathing (hyperventilation) which lowers blood pressure.
Symptoms: People experiencing stress-related low blood pressure might feel dizzy, lightheaded, fatigued, nauseous, or even faint.
What to do if you suspect stress is causing low blood pressure:
- Manage stress: Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga to help manage stress levels.
- Hydration: Ensure you are drinking enough fluids throughout the day to maintain adequate blood volume.
- Consult a doctor: If you frequently experience low blood pressure symptoms related to stress, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying medical conditions and discuss appropriate management strategies.
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN does not agree or disagree with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement. Additionally, it is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
Content may be edited for style and length.
References/Sources/Materials provided by:
TJW at WHN
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/low-blood-pressure
