Do you feel dizzy, fatigued or out of breath even without any strenuous activity? If yes, then its most likely a case of low blood pressure, also known as hypotension.
What Is Blood Pressure?
Blood is pumped through arteries, veins and capillaries to different parts of the body. The force exerted on the inner wall of the arteries when blood flows through them is known as blood pressure. It is measured in millimeters of mercury and is expressed in two terms – (1) Systolic Pressure: Pressure when your heart pumps blood. (2) Diastolic Pressure: When the heart rests between beats. So if your systolic pressure is 120 and your diastolic pressure is 80, blood pressure is expressed as 120/80. This is also the ideal blood pressure reading, although “normal” can vary from every individual and is considered safe as long as it stays between 90/60 and 140/90.
If blood pressure crosses a 140/90 reading it is regarded as high blood pressure (Hypertension) and if below 90/60 then it is a case of low blood pressure (Hypotension). Symptoms of Hypotension include dizziness, lack of concentration, weakness, fatigue, blurred vision, nausea and dehydration. Hypotension can occur due to several reasons, below is a list of the most prominent causes.
Causes For Hypotension:
Prolonged Rest:
Bed rest for an extended period of time can weaken the circulatory system and aid reduction in blood pressure.
Decrease in Blood Volume:
Loss of blood through external or internal bleeding reduces blood volume and eventually pressure.
Heart Conditions:
An abnormally low heart rate (Bradycardi) can reduce blood pressure. Bradycardia disables the heart from pumping oxygen rich blood to the body efficiently, causing symptoms of blood pressure.
Endocrine Issues:
An under active thyroid (Hypothyroidism) or adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease) can cause poor circulation and blood pressure.
Orthostatic Hypotension:
This occurs when blood pressure through the body fails to change according to the position of your body. For example, if you sit for a long period of time and suddenly stand up, more than required amount of blood may rush to your lower body, causing your head to feel giddy. This condition is usually caused as a side effect of anemia or certain pharmaceutical drugs that reduce blood viscosity.
Neurally Mediated Hypotension:
This condition comes from standing for several hours, an action that naturally reduces blood pressure. This can cause blood pressure to increase in certain parts of the body and reduce it in other regions. The body may signal the brain that blood pressure is high and force the brain to reduce heart rate.
Apart from the above, hypotension can also occur when the body slips into a state of shock. This shock may be induced by damage to vital parts of the body, severe infections, burns or allergic reactions.
Treatment:
While it is best to consult a doctor to identify and confirm your condition, try out the following and see if your condition improves.
Increase Salt Intake:
Consume more salt than usual with food and avoid sugar free or sodium free foods. Excess salt intake is also linked with heart disease so check with your doctor to discuss limitations.
Drink Water:
Keep yourself hydrated through the day. Fluids in general increase blood volume and can help fight hypotension.
Compression Stockings:
They’re generally used to relieve pain and swelling caused by varicose veins. They work well to reduce the rapid blood flow to the lower half of the body.
Medications:
Consult your doctor for appropriate doses on drugs for low blood pressure as some of them have side-effects.
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