What to do when blood pressure is low

Low blood pressure, or hypotension, is when your blood pressure is lower than what’s considered normal. The opposite is high blood pressure or hypertension.

Blood pressure, or BP, is the force of blood against the blood vessel walls. Blood is pumped throughout the entire body by the heart.

Blood pressure is measured with two different numbers and Both are measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).
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.

The symptoms of low blood pressure can include:

• Blurred vision
• Confusion
• Depression
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Fatigue
• Feeling cold
• Feeling thirsty
• An inability to concentrate
• Nausea
• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Sweating
• 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 diarrhea, fever, strenuous exercise, and excess sweating.

Medications such as diuretics may also cause dehydration. Drink more water by using a portable water bottle. Use an alarm or timer to remind you to take a sip.

Eat a balanced diet: Low blood pressure and other side effects may occur if you’re not getting enough nutrients.

Low levels of vitamin B12, folic acid, and iron can cause anemia. This condition happens when your body can’t make enough blood and can cause low blood pressure. Your doctor may recommend changes to your daily diet and taking supplements.

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 carbs can help keep blood pressure more stable after eating. Here are more suggestions for foods you can eat and eating habits you can practice.

Limit or avoid alcohol: Drinking alcohol can lead to dehydration. It can also interact with medications and cause low blood pressure.

Eat more salt: Sodium helps to raise blood pressure. However, it can raise blood pressure too much. It can also lead to heart disease. Ask your doctor how much 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.

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.

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.

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. Orthostatic hypotension is more common in older adults. It happens to up to 11 percent of middle-aged people and 30 percent of older adults.

Take medications: Your doctor may prescribe medications to help treat low blood pressure.

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