What is Good for Low Blood Pressure? Low Blood Pressure Symptoms
Blood pressure is an indicator that measures the resistance created in the vessels by the blood pumped to the body by the heart. This pressure has two different values: systolic and diastolic. Systolic pressure, also known as systolic pressure, measures the blood pressure when the heart contracts. Diastolic pressure, also known as diastolic pressure, refers to the measurement of the heart’s blood pressure at rest. Low blood pressure is a health problem characterized by blood pressure being lower than the required range. The ideal value of blood pressure for healthy individuals is expressed as 120/80. The value 120 here indicates systolic pressure, while the value 80 indicates diastolic blood pressure. Low blood pressure is characterized by a blood pressure reading of less than 90/60. In some cases, low blood pressure may indicate a serious health problem. Low blood pressure, especially in older individuals, can prevent adequate blood flow to the heart, brain and other vital organs. This can cause symptoms such as dizziness, fainting and shock. Causes of low blood pressure may include dehydration, pregnancy, heart disease, nervous system diseases and some medications. Some lifestyle changes can be implemented to prevent and treat low blood pressure, such as drinking adequate amounts of water, increasing salt intake, standing up more slowly, and avoiding caffeine, eating low-carb meals, exercising leg muscles, and wearing compression stockings. In some cases, medication may also be recommended by the doctor.
What are the foods that are good for low blood pressure?
- Salt: Salt consumption may contribute to increased blood pressure. However, excessive salt consumption has some negative effects on the body. Therefore, salt intake should be balanced.
- Water: Dehydration is one of the most common causes of low blood pressure. Regular water consumption can prevent dehydration by maintaining the body’s fluid balance.
- Vitamin B: Vitamin B contributes to the formation of blood cells and blood circulation. For people with low blood pressure, consuming foods rich in vitamin B may help increase blood pressure.
Consuming these foods in a balanced manner for people with low blood pressure can help regulate blood pressure.
Causes of Low Blood Pressure
Many different conditions can cause low blood pressure. While some disease-causing conditions are temporary and more easily treatable, others may indicate a chronic and serious condition.
The causes of low blood pressure may vary from person to person. Some people may be born with low blood pressure. Some people may experience low blood pressure in certain situations. For example, low blood pressure may occur after standing, eating, or in a stressful situation. This type of low blood pressure is known as orthostatic hypotension or postprandial hypotension. Some of the causes of low blood pressure are as follows:
- Dehydration: When the body loses too much water, blood volume decreases and blood pressure decreases. Dehydration can occur with excessive sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, or fever.
- Pregnancy: During pregnancy, blood volume increases in the body and blood vessels dilate. This may cause a drop in blood pressure. Low blood pressure during pregnancy is usually not serious and may return to normal after birth.
- Heart Diseases: A decrease in blood pressure occurs when the heart cannot pump blood sufficiently. Heart conditions such as heart failure, heart attack, heart valve disease, or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) can cause low blood pressure.
- Nervous System Diseases: The nervous system controls the narrowing or widening of blood vessels in the body. Nervous system diseases may cause problems in the control mechanism. As a result of this situation, a decrease in blood pressure may occur. Nervous system diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, diabetic neuropathy, or Shy-Drager syndrome can lead to low blood pressure.
- Some Medications: Medications that lower blood pressure may be used to treat conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, or anxiety. These medications can sometimes lower blood pressure too much, causing unwanted side effects. Medications such as diuretics, beta blockers, alpha blockers, calcium channel blockers, antidepressants, or erectile dysfunction medications can cause low blood pressure.
He or she may perform certain tests, such as blood tests, electrocardiography, echocardiography, tilt test, or stress test, to determine the cause of low blood pressure. Based on the test results, the cause of low blood pressure and treatment options can be determined.
What are the symptoms of low blood pressure?
In some cases, low blood pressure can cause serious health problems or symptoms that affect quality of life. Some of the symptoms that occur as a result of low blood pressure include:
- Dizziness: As a result of the drop in blood pressure, sufficient blood flow to the brain may not be provided. Dizziness or lightheadedness may occur as a result of inadequate blood flow to the brain. This condition may occur especially after standing for long periods of time. Dizziness or lightheadedness may result in loss of balance or falling.
- Fainting: Low blood pressure can cause blood flow to the brain to suddenly stop or decrease. This may cause temporary loss of consciousness or fainting. Fainting can lead to serious injury or accident.
- Fatigue or Weakness: Low blood pressure can prevent the body from getting the oxygen and nutrients it needs. A feeling of fatigue or weakness may occur as a result of the body not receiving the oxygen and nutrients it needs. Fatigue or weakness can make it difficult to do daily activities or concentrate.
- Blurred Vision: Low blood pressure can cause blurred vision because it cannot provide adequate blood flow to the eyes. Blurred vision can reduce vision quality or lead to eye fatigue.
- Headache: Low blood pressure can cause blood vessels in the brain to dilate or narrow. This may cause pain in the head area.
- Neck or Back Pain: As a result of the decrease in blood pressure, adequate blood flow to the muscles in the neck or back area cannot be provided. As a result of this situation, pain may occur in the neck or back area. Neck or back pain can restrict mobility or cause posture disorders.
- Nausea: Low blood pressure can prevent adequate blood flow to the stomach or intestines. As a result of this situation, nausea may occur. It may cause nausea, loss of appetite, or vomiting.
- Heart Palpitations: Low blood pressure can cause the heart to beat faster or stronger. This condition, called heart palpitations, can cause a feeling of pressure, pain or palpitations in the chest.
Symptoms of low blood pressure may vary depending on the cause, severity and duration of low blood pressure. If the symptoms of low blood pressure negatively affect daily life or indicate serious health problems, it is necessary to consult a healthcare provider.
Low Blood Pressure Treatment
In some cases, low blood pressure may not be a serious health problem or may not require any treatment. However, if low blood pressure negatively affects daily life or indicates serious health problems, medical treatment may be required. Medical treatments may include medication administration. Some of the medications used to treat low blood pressure are as follows:
- Mineralocorticoids: Mineralocorticoids are hormones that enable the kidneys to retain water and salt. The use of these hormones increases blood volume and pressure. However, medications containing mineralocorticoids may cause side effects such as high blood pressure, heart failure, edema or a decrease in potassium levels.
- Midodrine: Midodrine is a drug that narrows blood vessels by stimulating alpha receptors. With the narrowing of blood vessels, blood pressure in the body increases. Midodrine can be used for people with orthostatic hypotension. However, this medication may cause side effects such as headache, itching, high blood pressure, or inability to urinate.
Methods used in the treatment of low blood pressure may have different effects from person to person. Application of such treatments by a doctor can contribute to determining the appropriate treatment plan for the individual. Treating low blood pressure can help eliminate the cause of low blood pressure, raise blood pressure, and reduce the symptoms of low blood pressure.
