Hypotension

Hypotension, or low blood pressure happens when your blood pressure is too low. This can lead to symptoms like dizziness, fainting, or even shock in severe cases. Normal blood pressure is generally considered to be around 120/80 mm Hg. If your blood pressure consistently falls below 90/60 mm Hg, you may have hypotension. In severe cases, low blood pressure can reduce blood flow to vital organs, which can be dangerous.

Thankfully, there are ways to manage and treat low blood pressure so it doesn’t interfere with your daily life.

Low blood pressure can occur because:

Some people with hypotension might not feel anything unusual, but for others, it can cause symptoms like:

These symptoms can become more noticeable when you stand up too quickly or after eating a large meal. 

While hypotension isn’t always a serious issue, it’s important to know how to manage it, especially if you have symptoms that affect your quality of life. Here are some steps you can take to manage low blood pressure:

One of the easiest ways to manage low blood pressure is to make sure you’re drinking enough water throughout the day. Dehydration is a common cause of hypotension, so aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water daily. If you’re exercising or spending time in hot weather, you may need even more.

For some people, blood pressure drops after eating, especially large meals. To avoid this, try eating smaller meals more frequently throughout the day instead of three large meals. Also, consider reducing your intake of carbohydrates, as they can cause blood pressure to drop after meals.

Unlike high blood pressure, where you need to limit your salt intake, people with low blood pressure might benefit from adding a little extra salt to their diet. However, this should be done under a doctor’s supervision, as too much salt can lead to other health problems.

Alcohol can lower blood pressure, so it’s best to limit or avoid it if you have hypotension. If you do choose to drink, make sure to stay hydrated by drinking water between alcoholic beverages.

If your low blood pressure is caused by blood pooling in your legs, compression stockings can help. These tight-fitting socks help improve blood flow and prevent blood from collecting in your legs, which can reduce dizziness and other symptoms.

If you often feel lightheaded when you stand up, take your time rising from a seated or lying position. When you move too quickly, gravity can cause blood to pool in your legs, making you feel faint. By standing up slowly and giving your body time to adjust, you can prevent that sudden drop in blood pressure.

In some cases, your doctor may prescribe medications to help raise your blood pressure. This might be necessary if lifestyle changes aren’t enough to keep your symptoms under control. Medications can help your body retain more salt, which increases blood volume and raises blood pressure and narrows your blood vessels, which can also help boost blood pressure.

If you have low blood pressure and experience any of the following symptoms,

These could be signs of a more serious condition, and immediate treatment might be necessary. Talk to a healthcare professional if you regularly feel dizzy, weak, or lightheaded. They can help determine the cause of your hypotension and develop a treatment plan that works for you.