Everyone seems to be worried about high blood pressure and on slightest indication take measures to keep their blood pressure in check. We all know that high blood pressure is dangerous as is can not only lead to heart problems but also affects other organs such as kidneys. While most people strive to maintain their blood pressure some have blood pressure levels that are lower than normal. While it may be good, one should be aware that in a few cases low blood pressure can cause problems, especially if it drops too low to restrict the amount of blood flowing to your brain and other vital organs. If the flow of blood is too low to deliver enough oxygen and nutrients to vital organs such as heart, kidneys, brain, etc. the organs cannot function normally and may be temporarily or permanently damaged.

Low blood pressure, or what is known in medical terms as hypotension, can cause light-headedness, dizziness and fainting, but there can be other symptoms depending on the cause of low blood pressure.

A person’s normal blood pressure is usually 120/80 — the top number shows the pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts and pumps blood into them and the bottom number denotes the pressure as the heart muscle relaxes after contraction. But some people may routinely have lower readings without any symptoms of low blood pressure; therefore they cannot be classified as having low blood pressure and do not need any treatment as treatment depends on the symptoms and not the readings. Yet having consistently low readings is fine but it is better to consult a doctor. Similarly while dizziness or light-headedness which can be due to any reason may be a minor problem, it is important to see your doctor if they or other symptoms of low blood pressure are experienced frequently as they sometimes point to more serious problems.


We tend to ignore it or take it lightly but low blood pressure can be as dangerous as high blood pressure


Main causes of low blood pressure are:

Dehydration: When you don’t drink enough water your body lose more water; this shortage of water can cause weakness, dizziness and fatigue. Even fever, vomiting, severe diarrhoea and strenuous exercise can lead to dehydration, causing a drop in blood pressure.

Lack of nutrients in diet: If your body does not get enough nutrients such as vitamin B-12 and folate, it fails to produce enough red blood cells, which causes low blood pressure.

Blood loss: Major loss of blood due to any reason reduces the amount of blood in the body, which can lead to a drop in blood pressure.

Infection and allergy: If an infection enters your bloodstream, it can cause low pressure. Similarly, allergies that cause breathing problems, itching or a swollen throat can result in a drop in blood pressure.

Heart problems: Some heart conditions such as low heart rate, heart valve problems and heart attack, also cause low blood pressure.

On standing or after eating: Some people may experience dizziness, light-headedness and blurred vision on standing up from a sitting position or getting up after lying down. Some people experience similar symptoms after eating. This is because while standing, more blood flows to your legs due to gravity, or to your digestive tract after eating; and your body fails to compensate it by increasing your heart rate and pumping more blood which it does in normally.

Medication: Certain medicines also cause low blood pressure; they include some high blood pressure medicines, diuretics, drugs for Parkinson’s disease and certain antidepressants. Low pressure which is caused by medicine can be managed by reducing the dose but in no condition should you adjust the dose or stop the medicine on your own; consult your doctor to help you.

Treatment

If a person experiences no or only mild symptoms such as dizziness, or light-headedness he rarely needs any treatment. But if the symptoms persist it is important to consult a doctor as persistent low blood pressure means an underlying disease that needs to be taken care of. For example if it is due to heart problem, diabetes or due to some medication it needs to be investigated and the underlying problem treated.

In cases where there is no definite cause and the symptoms are not severe some modifications in your diet and lifestyle may help you.

Drink more water: Drinking enough water keeps your body hydrated and increases blood volume, which in turn treats hypotension.

Follow a healthy diet: A balanced diet including a variety of foods such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean meat, chicken and fish will ensure that your body gets all the nutrients it needs.

Eating small portions several times a day and limiting high carbohydrate foods can help prevent blood pressure drop after meals.

Eat more salt: Salt is usually considered to raise blood pressure and in patients with high blood pressure or people who have a tendency for it, doctors advice reduction in salt intake. But in people with low blood pressure, salt can benefit from increased salt consumption, though it is important to first check with your doctor.

Changing position: Fall of blood pressure on standing can be controlled or reduced by moving slowly while standing from sitting or lying position.

Published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine, August 2nd, 2015

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