Hypotension is a clinical condition that occurs when blood pressure is low. The causes can be numerous and more or less serious. Many people have a drop in blood pressure when they stand up too quickly after sitting or lying down, but sometimes the cause can be more serious, for example a drug or a condition that has not yet been diagnosed. Hypotension often doesn't cause any symptoms, but there are still warning signs that can tell you that you need to see your doctor. If you suffer from dizziness, nausea, feel fatigued, or have fainted, make an appointment with your doctor. If you are diagnosed with low blood pressure, you may need to change medications or seek treatment to recover from a disorder that is causing low blood pressure. Also you can improve your diet and lifestyle.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Treat Low Blood Pressure with Medication
Step 1. Go to your doctor
There are several conditions that cause hypotension. The treatments are varied and change according to the disorder responsible for the problem. After you have detailed your symptoms, the doctor will examine you and review your medical history.
- He will most likely prescribe a complete blood count (blood test). The values to be analyzed include those relating to cholesterol, vitamin B12 and hemoglobin.
- Before going to the doctor, test the blood pressure yourself at regular intervals and write it down on a piece of paper. If you don't have a blood pressure monitor at home, you can go to any pharmacy. Measure in different positions - sitting, lying and standing - to see if there are any differences.
Step 2. Discuss the possibility of changing medications with your doctor
It is important that you know exactly what kind of medicines you are taking. Hypotension is a side effect that can be caused by many drugs and also by combining them within a cure. Ask your doctor if they think the medicines you are taking may have caused your low blood pressure. He may prescribe a different treatment or dosage for you.
Step 3. Take medication to raise blood pressure
Depending on the causes of low blood pressure, your doctor may prescribe medicines to help regulate your blood pressure. Fludrocortisone, midodrine, and erythropoietin are among those commonly prescribed to resolve hypotension.
They are usually prescribed to treat orthostatic hypotension, which is a form of the disorder that occurs when standing up after sitting or lying down. It is a treatable pathology, but to certify that the cure has taken place, it is necessary to constantly monitor the pressure values
Step 4. Treat the pathology from which hypotension originates
In many cases, low blood pressure is a symptom of another health problem. If your doctor has diagnosed a cause for your low blood pressure, you will need to follow treatment to eliminate it. If the pathology that caused the drop in blood pressure is treatable, it is likely that the values will return to normal.
- Potential conditions include: heart disease, anemia, diabetes, very low blood cholesterol, thyroid problems, obesity and certain neurological diseases, such as Parkinson's disease.
- People who follow a diet that is too restrictive or that excludes all types of starch and those who suffer from anorexia nervosa are prone to develop a condition of hypotension.
- Hypotension can also be a wake-up call for blood loss. It could be about too much menstrual flow, a peptic ulcer, or a serious condition, such as stomach cancer.
Method 2 of 3: Treat Low Blood Pressure Through a Healthy Diet
Step 1. Get your body hydrated
Drinking the right amount of fluids helps to keep the body hydrated so that blood can flow effectively helping to maintain regular blood pressure. Water is always the best choice to keep you hydrated. You can also drink sports drinks that contain sodium and potassium.
Remember that alcoholic beverages dehydrate the body rather than hydrate it, so you should avoid them
Step 2. Consume more salt
It is an ingredient that can help you maintain high blood pressure because it causes fluid retention. Discuss this with your doctor before you start adding more salt to your dishes. Even if you have low blood pressure, don't start consuming more salt without getting her approval.
Step 3. Consume more vitamin B
Anemia, which can be caused by a shortage of red blood cells, may have resulted in hypotension. A lack of vitamin B12, especially in extremely slim or elderly people, can cause blood pressure to drop. Certain B vitamins can promote the production of red blood cells, consequently bringing blood pressure back to normal values. Consider increasing your intake of foods rich in vitamin B12 and folate.
- Vitamin B12 is contained in lamb and beef (from animals fed on grass and hay, especially in the liver), in fish (sardines, tuna, salmon) and in shellfish. It is also found in raw milk, dairy products (for example cottage cheese) and eggs.
- Vitamin B12 can also be taken via a food supplement or by injection (monthly). Unfortunately, however, the vitamin B12 from supplements is absorbed by the body very slowly.
- Folate is contained in beans, lentils and also in green-colored vegetables, such as spinach, asparagus, lettuce and broccoli. Cauliflower and avocado also provide folate to the body.
Step 4. Eat light, low-carb meals
If you want to maintain regular blood pressure and prevent dizziness, it is better to eat little but often rather than three large meals and moderate the amount of carbohydrates. Do not strain after the meal, rather sit down and rest to prevent a drop in blood pressure.
Method 3 of 3: Treating Low Blood Pressure Through New Healthier Habits
Step 1. Sit down if you feel dizzy
When your blood pressure drops, you may feel dizzy, lightheaded, and you may even pass out. Recognizing the times when you might faint can help ease your symptoms and avoid actually fainting. When you start to feel lightheaded, sit down and bring your head between your knees.
Alternatively, you can lie down
Step 2. Move slowly
Standing up too quickly can cause a sharp drop in blood pressure. as a result, you may feel dizzy, dizzy, or even faint. If you know you have low blood pressure, you should remember to always stand up slowly.
- When you are lying, sitting or standing for a long time, your blood pressure can drop. Move very slowly when it is time to change positions.
- When you wake up in the morning, get out of bed slowly. It is best to sit up first, rotate your ankles and move your feet. Also rotate your wrists and move your fingers before standing up.
Step 3. Keep the blood flowing in your legs
When blood circulates properly in the lower body, the pressure tends to remain stable. Your doctor may advise you to use graduated compression stockings, which have the function of compressing the lower part of the legs, favoring the return of blood upwards.
You should also avoid crossing your legs when sitting. It is a position that hinders the proper circulation of blood and therefore can cause a drop in blood pressure
Step 4. Spend more time standing
If you have a condition that forces you to stay in bed for long periods, your blood pressure may drop when you sit up or stand up. Try to gradually increase the amount of time you spend sitting or standing to allow your body to get used to it.
Step 5. Keep your body cool
Excessive heat can cause blood pressure to drop. Try to stay in cool places or in the shade. Place fans in the room or set the air conditioning thermostat to a cool temperature.
Do not use water that is too hot when taking a bath or shower. The intense heat could cause a drop in blood pressure. If you have low blood pressure, it is best to use lukewarm water
Step 6. Exercise regularly
Keeping yourself fit and active promotes proper blood circulation and improves the condition of your heart. Practice cardio to keep your heart muscle in good shape and do yoga to improve circulation.
