When is low blood pressure considered dangerously low? Understand the symptoms of hypotension and when to seek medical care for low blood pressure.

Understanding Low Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is the force that pushes blood through your arteries as your heart beats. A blood pressure reading is typically expressed as two numbers, such as 120/80 mmHg. The first number (systolic) measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats, and the second number (diastolic) measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats.

Most doctors do not consider hypotension (low blood pressure) a problem unless it is associated with certain signs and symptoms. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), there is no specific number at which day-to-day blood pressure is considered too low. However, when low blood pressure is accompanied by dangerous symptoms, it is time to seek medical care.

Symptoms of Hypotension

Symptoms of low blood pressure (hypotension) can include:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Fainting or near-fainting
• Blurred vision
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Lack of concentration
• Cold, clammy skin
• Rapid, shallow breathing

What Is a Dangerously Low Blood Pressure Number?

According to the AHA, there is no specific number at which day-to-day blood pressure is considered too low. However, when low blood pressure is accompanied by any of the above listed dangerous symptoms, it is time to seek medical care.

When Low Blood Pressure Can Strike

Some people have naturally low blood pressure, and they don’t experience any symptoms. But for those who are used to having high blood pressure, a sudden decrease in blood pressure can signal a problem and can cause the symptoms listed above.

An episode of hypotension is more likely to occur under these conditions:

• Resuming an upright posture after bed rest for a long period of time
• Being in the first 24 weeks of pregnancy
• Losing a large amount of blood
• Being dehydrated
• Taking certain medications, such as blood-pressure-lowering medications, heart medications, Parkinson’s disease medications, tricyclic antidepressants, or medications to treat erectile dysfunction
• Having a heart problem, such as a very slow heartbeat, heart valve problems, heart attack, or heart failure
• Having an endocrine problem, such as hypothyroidism, parathyroid disease, Addison’s disease (an adrenal gland disorder), low blood sugar, or diabetes
• Having a severe infection that enters your bloodstream
• Experiencing anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction
• Having a neural disorder that affects your blood pressure
• Having a nutrient deficiency, such as low vitamin B12 and folic acid levels

Can Low Blood Pressure Make You Tired?

Yes, low blood pressure can cause fatigue — that feeling of overwhelming tiredness and lack of energy. Research has found an association between low blood pressure and chronic fatigue syndrome, a condition characterized by profound fatigue, pain, and sleep abnormalities that are often made worse by exertion.

There is no cure for this type of fatigue, but doctors may suggest treating underlying causes, such as sleep disorders or mental health issues. Treating low blood pressure with dietary changes and proper physical activity can also help.

When Do You Need Medical Care for Hypotension?

If your blood pressure is always on the low side and you do not have any of the dangerous symptoms, there is usually no cause for concern. Similarly, if you have a single at-home blood pressure reading that is abnormally low without any symptoms, you probably do not need to see your doctor. It is normal for your blood pressure to rise and fall over time, and your body is usually able to get your blood pressure back to normal.

But, says Dr. Lawrence, “when you sense there’s a recurrent problem, or there’s no clear explanation for what’s happened, you need to seek medical advice.” If your blood pressure drops suddenly and you are experiencing symptoms like dizziness, you should call your healthcare provider. They can assess your situation and rule out underlying problems, such as internal bleeding, serious infection, or an allergic reaction.

Treatment for hypotension will depend on the cause of the low blood pressure. Immediate steps might include lying with your feet above your heart, drinking fluids, and avoiding hypotension triggers like prolonged standing. After evaluation, a doctor may make recommendations such as adjusting your diet, adjusting your medications, or taking blood-pressure-raising medications.

Determining the Cause of Low Blood Pressure

It’s important to determine whether your low blood pressure is “a primary problem or secondary problem,” notes Lawrence. A primary problem means that the body’s reflexes are not working as they should. Secondary causes mean that the low blood pressure is a result of things like dehydration or the effects of certain medications.

“Some antihypertensive [medications] are more likely to cause hypotension than others, and a lot of it is dose-dependent,” says Lawrence. “In most people, there will be some easily identifiable secondary cause or some easy solution to what may even be a chronic problem that has no secondary cause, and that’s why it’s important to see your doctor, so they can make an appropriate assessment.”

Keep track of your blood pressure readings, even if you don’t have any health issues, so that you know what your personal normal reading is. And if your blood pressure is being monitored, talk to your doctor about the readings and any changes you’ve noticed.

When Is Low Blood Pressure Too Low? Hypotension and More| Everyday Health

Symptoms of Hypotension

Most doctors do not consider hypotension a problem unless it is associated with certain signs and symptoms:

What Is a Dangerously Low Blood Pressure Number?

According to the AHA, there is no specific number at which day-to-day blood pressure is considered too low. However, when low blood pressure is accompanied by any of the above listed dangerous symptoms, it is time to seek medical care.

When Low Blood Pressure Can Strike

Some people have naturally low blood pressure, and they don’t experience any symptoms. But for those who are used to having high blood pressure, a sudden decrease in blood pressure can signal a problem and can cause the symptoms listed above.

An episode of hypotension is more likely to occur under these conditions:

• Resuming an upright posture after bed rest for a long period of time
• Being in the first 24 weeks of pregnancy
• Losing a large amount of blood
• Being dehydrated
• Taking certain medications, such as blood-pressure-lowering medications, heart medications, Parkinson’s disease medications, tricyclic antidepressants, or medications to treat erectile dysfunction
• Having a heart problem, such as a very slow heartbeat, heart valve problems, heart attack, or heart failure
• Having a endocrine problem, such as hypothyroidism, parathyroid disease, Addison’s disease (an adrenal gland disorder), low blood sugar, or diabetes
• Having a severe infection that enters your bloodstream
• Experiencing anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction
• Having a neural disorder that affects your blood pressure
• Having a nutrient deficiency, such as low vitamin B12 and folic acid levels

Can Low Blood Pressure Make You Tired?

Low blood pressure can cause fatigue — that feeling of overwhelming tiredness and lack of energy. Research has found an association between low blood pressure and chronic fatigue syndrome, a condition characterized by profound fatigue, pain, and sleep abnormalities that are often made worse by exertion.

There is no cure for this type of fatigue, but doctors may suggest treating underlying causes, such as sleep disorders or mental health issues. Treating low blood pressure with dietary changes and proper physical activity can also help.

When Do You Need Medical Care for Hypotension?

If your blood pressure is always on the low side and you do not have any of the dangerous symptoms, there is usually no cause for concern. Similarly, if you have a single at-home blood pressure reading that is abnormally low without any symptoms, you probably do not need to see your doctor. It is normal for your blood pressure to rise and fall over time, and your body is usually able to get your blood pressure back to normal.

But, says Dr. Lawrence, “when you sense there’s a recurrent problem, or there’s no clear explanation for what’s happened, you need to seek medical advice.”

If your blood pressure drops suddenly and you are experiencing symptoms like dizziness, you should call your healthcare provider. They can assess your situation and rule out underlying problems, such as internal bleeding, serious infection, or an allergic reaction.

Treatment for hypotension will depend on the cause of the low blood pressure. Immediate steps might include the following:

• Lying with your feet above your heart
• Drinking fluids
• Avoiding hypotension triggers like prolonged standing

After evaluation, a doctor may make these recommendations:

• Avoid alcohol.
• Adjust your diet.
• Adjust your medications (possibly lowering dosages of blood-pressure-lowering drugs).
• Take blood-pressure-raising medications, such as Florinef (fludrocortisone) and ProAmatine (midodrine).
• Weare compression stockings.

People who experience shock related to hypotension will need emergency treatment to restore blood flow to their organs and raise their blood pressure back to normal.

It’s important to determine whether your low blood pressure is “a primary problem or secondary problem,” notes Lawrence. A primary problem means that the body’s reflexes are not working as they should. Secondary causes mean that the low blood pressure is a result of things like dehydration or the effects of certain medications.

“Some antihypertensive [medications] are more likely to cause hypotension than others, and a lot of it is dose-dependent,” says Lawrence. “In most people, there will be some easily identifiable secondary cause or some easy solution to what may even be a chronic problem that has no secondary cause, and that’s why it’s important to see your doctor, so they can make an appropriate assessment.”

Keep track of your blood pressure readings, even if you don’t have any health issues, so that you know what your personal normal reading is. And if your blood pressure is being monitored, talk to your doctor about the blood pressure target range that’s best for you.

Additional reporting by Ashley Welch.

When to Worry About Low Blood Pressure

It’s easy to get the care you need.

See a Premier Physician Network provider near you.

We all know that high blood pressure can be dangerous. But what about low blood pressure?

Also called hypotension, low blood pressure is not a problem if you’re healthy and show no signs or symptoms of the condition. However, abnormally low blood pressure can cause problems such as dizziness and fainting and can be a sign that other serious conditions, such as heart disease, are present.

What is Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing on the artery walls as it is pumped out of the heart. Blood pressure is measured in two kinds of pressures. Systolic pressure is when the heart beats while pumping blood. Diastolic pressure is when the heart is at rest between beats.

Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Systolic pressure is listed first (or the “top” number), then diastolic pressure (or the “bottom” number).

Normal blood pressure in adults is less than 120/80 mmHg. Low blood pressure is a reading below 90/60 mmHg.

Most forms of hypotension happen because your body can’t bring blood pressure back to normal or can’t do it fast enough, says the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.

For some people, low blood pressure is normal. They have it all the time, with no symptoms or negative side effects.

In other people, abnormally low blood pressure is caused by certain medical conditions or factors. When this happens, less blood and oxygen flow to the body’s organs. 

Symptoms & Causes of Low Blood Pressure

Many different conditions and situations can cause low blood pressure, from standing up too fast to being pregnant. Sometimes, low blood pressure is linked to an underlying problem, says the American Heart Association. That’s why it’s important to see your doctor right away if you experience the signs of low blood pressure.

Symptoms of low blood pressure can include:

• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Dehydration
• Lack of concentration
• Blurred vision
• Nausea
• Cold, clammy and pale skin
• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Fatigue
• Depression

Low blood pressure can be a sign of serious heart, endocrine or neurological conditions. If left untreated, the brain and other vital organs do not get the oxygen and nutrients they need. In extreme cases, this can cause shock, a life-threatening condition.

If you show signs of low blood pressure, your doctor will conduct an exam and may perform tests to determine what’s causing the condition. Low blood pressure can occur with many other conditions, says the American Heart Association.

Some causes of low blood pressure are:

• Prolonged bed rest, in which circulation decreases due to lack of movement
• Heart problems that prevent the heart from being able to circulate enough blood
• Endocrine problems, such as an under-active thyroid
• Pregnancy. Blood pressure often drops in the first 24 weeks of pregnancy.
• Decrease in blood volume from trauma, dehydration or internal blooding
• Certain medicines. Medicines that treat hypertension, heart conditions, Parkinson’s disease, depression and erectile dysfunction can lower blood pressure.
• Nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of vitamin B-12 and folic acid, may lead to anemia, which can cause low blood pressure.
• Severe infections like septic shock, when bacteria enter the blood stream
• Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) that causes problems with breathing and sudden drop in blood pressure
• Postural (orthostatic) hypotension, a rapid blood pressure drop when standing from a sitting or lying down position
• Neurally mediated hypotension, which is a blood pressure drop after standing for long periods.

Living with Low Blood Pressure

Medicines and lifestyle changes can help you live safely with chronic low blood pressure. Your doctor can recommend steps you can take to manage your low blood pressure. These actions can help control the condition:

Drink more water. This can help avoid dehydration.

Medicines and lifestyle changes can help you live safely with chronic low blood pressure.

Avoid alcohol. Alcoholic beverages are dehydrating, and alcohol changes how medicines work in your body.

Slow down. Take your time when standing up. If lying down, sit up first. Then wiggle your feet and move your legs. This will increase circulation and get your heart rate up so that you don’t feel lightheaded when you stand up.

If your medicine and lifestyle changes do not reduce your low blood pressure symptoms, talk with your doctor about other changes you can make.

It’s easy to get the care you need.

See a Premier Physician Network provider near you.

Source: National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute; American Heart Association

Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension) | Nursing Times

Low blood pressure is also known as hypotension. People with a reading of around 90/60, or less, are commonly regarded as having low blood pressure.
Brought to you by NHS Choices

Overview

Introduction

Your heart pumps blood around your body through a circulatory system that is made up of tubes called arteries and capillaries. The blood flows back to your heart through a network of veins.

When your heart contracts (squeezes in) it pushes blood into your arteries, causing an increase in pressure. At this stage, the pressure in your arteries is at its highest, and is known as the systolic pressure. When your heart relaxes and refills with blood, the pressure in your arteries decreases. This is known as the diastolic pressure. Both your systolic and diastolic pressures are measured in terms of millimetres of mercury (mmHg).

Throughout the day, your blood pressure can vary by between 30-40 mmHg (both systolic and diastolic) depending on what you are doing. When you are asleep or relaxed your blood pressure will be at its lowest. When you exercise, or you are stressed or anxious, your blood pressure will increase. Therefore, each time you have your blood pressure measured, it is important that the test is carried out under similar conditions so that the results are consistent.

The highs and lows

For a young, healthy adult, normal blood pressure is about 110/70, but generally, the lower your blood pressure is, the better. If you have a reading of 140/90 or more, you have high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. If your blood pressure is high, your GP may give you advice about how to lower it by making some simple lifestyle changes, such as altering your diet, giving up smoking, and taking regular exercise. Alternatively, you may be prescribed drugs that will help to reduce your blood pressure.

Low blood pressure is also known as hypotension. People with a reading of around 90/60, or less, are commonly regarded as having low blood pressure. If you have low blood pressure, you have (to a certain degree) some protection against factors that increase blood pressure, such as eating too much salt, not eating enough fruit and vegetables, or being overweight. However, some people who have low blood pressure may experience symptoms, and there may be an underlying cause.

Symptoms

Symptoms of low blood pressure

On its own, low blood pressure does not always cause symptoms. If you have low blood pressure, and do not have any symptoms, you do not require treatment. However, sometimes if your blood pressure is too low, there may not be enough blood flowing to your brain and other vital organs. As a result, you may experience symptoms such as dizziness and fainting. If you do, your GP will try to find out whether there is an underlying cause for your symptoms.

As well as dizziness and fainting, other symptoms of hypotension may include:

• light-headedness,
• blurred vision,
• palpitations,
• confusion,
• nausea,
• general weakness, and
• a temporary loss of consciousness.

Postural, or orthostatic hypotension

You may feel dizzy, or faint, after changing posture – for example, when you sit up from a lying position, or stand up from a sitting position. However, the fall in blood pressure usually only lasts for a few minutes as it adjusts to your new posture. This is known as postural, or orthostatic hypotension, and can affect you more as you get older. Similar symptoms may also occur after exercise.

Postprandial hypotension

Dizziness, light-headedness, faintness and falls are symptoms that can sometimes occur after eating, as a result of low blood pressure. This condition, known as postprandial hypotension, tends to occur more often in older people, particularly in those who have high blood pressure, or a condition such as Parkinsons disease or diabetes.

After a meal, the intestines need a large amount of blood for digestion, and so the heart rate increases, and the blood vessels in other parts of the body constrict (narrow) to help maintain blood pressure. However, the heart rate of some elderly people may not increase enough, and their blood vessels may not constrict enough to maintain blood pressure. As a result, their blood pressure falls. Lying down after eating, and eating frequent, small, low-carbohydrate meals may help to reduce the effects of postprandial hypotension.

Causes

Causes of low blood pressure

There are a number of things that can cause low blood pressure. They include:

• the use of certain medications, such as anti-depressants, and medicines to treat high blood pressure,
• diabetes mellitus, which can cause damage to the nerves that supply your blood vessels, resulting in a fall in blood pressure when you stand up (postural or orthostatic hypotension),
• serious injuries, such as burns, or those that cause severe blood loss, and lead to shock and a reduction in blood volume,
• serious illnesses, or conditions, such as a heart attack, or adrenal gland failure,
• rare nerve conditions that affect the nerves in your legs can cause a severe drop in blood pressure when you stand up (postural or orthostatic hypotension),
• increasing age, as you get older, your arteries become stiffer which can cause your blood pressure to drop, particularly when you stand up, and
• pregnancy, during the early to mid stages of pregnancy low pressure is fairly common.

Blood pressure lowering medicines

Nowadays, most blood pressure lowering medicines do not cause a drop in blood pressure when you stand up. Alpha-blockers, such as doxazosin, are the only type of medicine that may cause a decrease in your standing blood pressure. You should have your standing blood pressure checked if you are taking doxazosin and you feel dizzy or faint when you stand up.

In the past, it was thought that low blood pressure could cause tiredness, depression and anxiety. However, recent studies have found no strong evidence to suggest that low blood pressure causes these symptoms.

Adrenal gland failure

The adrenal glands are two small glands that are located just above your kidneys. They produce a number of hormones, including aldosterone, which controls the amount of salt in your body. If your adrenal glands become damaged, the production of aldosterone may be reduced, resulting in a loss of salt from your body. This can lead to low blood pressure, and may make you feel dizzy or faint if you stand up too quickly. Adrenal gland failure is rare but, if it is diagnosed, it can be treated by increasing the amount of aldosterone.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing low blood pressure

Blood pressure is measured using two numbers the first is known as systolic (the pressure in your arteries when your heart contracts and pushes the blood around your body), and the second is known as diastolic (the pressure in your arteries when the heart refills with blood between heart beats). Both your systolic and diastolic pressures are measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg).

Your GP or practice nurse will use an inflatable cuff to measure your blood pressure. The cuff is placed around your upper arm and inflated. Your GP or practice nurse will watch a pressure gauge and listen to the blood flow in the main artery of your arm, using a stethoscope. Upon hearing the heart beat, the systolic pressure will be recorded, and when the sound disappears, the diastolic pressure will be recorded. Alternatively, a digital blood pressure machine may be used to take readings automatically.

After you have had your blood pressure taken, your GP or nurse will give you your systolic reading first, followed by your diastolic reading. If your systolic blood pressure is 120 mmHg, and your diastolic blood pressure is 80 mmHg, you will be told that your blood pressure is 120 over 80, which is commonly written as 120/80.

Your blood pressure may be measured both while you are lying down and while you are standing. If you have high or low blood pressure and you are taking medication, you should have your blood pressure checked on a regular basis.

Treatment

Treating low blood pressure

If you have low blood pressure, but do not have any symptoms, you do not require treatment. Only a small number of people who have low blood pressure are prescribed medication to treat the condition. For example, some elderly people may experience symptoms when changing posture, and are sometimes given medication to constrict (narrow) their arteries.

Medications that cause low blood pressure

If you are taking medication and your GP suspects that it may be causing low blood pressure, s/he will probably advise a change of medication or alter the dose. If you are taking a blood pressure lowering medicine, such as the alpha blocker, doxazosin, and you feel dizzy or faint when you stand up, you should have your blood pressure measured to see if it drops. If it does, you might need to have your medicine changed. You should discuss this with your GP or practice nurse.

Underlying illnesses or conditions

If your GP suspects that a disorder, such as a heart condition, adrenal gland failure, or a nerve condition, is causing your low blood pressure, you may be referred to hospital for further tests and treatment. If adrenal gland failure is the cause of your low blood pressure, replacing the missing hormone, aldosterone, will rectify the problem. If a nerve condition is causing low blood pressure, it can be more difficult to treat. You might be given medicines in order to stimulate your nervous system.

Salt and fluids

While people who have high blood pressure are usually advised to restrict their salt intake, if you have low blood pressure, you may be advised to include more salt in your diet. If you have postural (orthostatic) hypotension, you may be advised to increase your salt intake, either by adding more salt to your food, or by using salt tablets. Your GP will be able to advise you about how much additional salt you require. Also, if you are dehydrated, ensuring that you drink enough fluid (at least eight glasses a day) will help.

Other treatments

If you have low blood pressure, your GP may recommend wearing support stockings to help stimulate your circulation, or using several pillows to raise your head while sleeping.

Prevention

Preventing low blood pressure

If you have low blood pressure, and it is part of your genetic make up, you are lucky because it means that, to a certain degree you have some natural protection against the factors that cause high blood pressure (hypertension).

Older people, particularly those with diabetes, may have a tendency for their blood pressure to fall when standing, and blood pressure lowering drugs may make this worse. However, getting up slowly will help you to avoid sudden falls in your blood pressure. When getting out of bed, you should sit up slowly first, before standing up slowly.

Useful links

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External links

This article was originally published by NHS Choices

Blood Pressure Numbers: When to Get Help

Topic Overview

If you check your blood pressure, you may wonder when an abnormal reading means you should call your doctor. This information can help you understand what your blood pressure numbers mean and when you need to call for help.

What do blood pressure numbers mean?

Your blood pressure consists of two numbers: systolic and diastolic. Someone with a systolic pressure of 117 and a diastolic pressure of 78 has a blood pressure of 117/78, or “117 over 78.”

It’s normal for blood pressure to go up and down throughout the day. But if it stays up, you have high blood pressure. Another name for high blood pressure is hypertension.

High blood pressure increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other problems. You and your doctor will talk about your risks of these problems based on your blood pressure.

Your doctor will give you a goal for your blood pressure. Your goal will be based on your health and your age.

In general, the lower your blood pressure, the better. For example, a blood pressure reading of less than 90/60 is healthy as long as you feel okay.

What can cause a short-term change in blood pressure?

Things like exercise, stress, and sleeping can affect your blood pressure. Some medicines can cause a spike in blood pressure, including certain asthma medicines and cold remedies.

A low blood pressure reading can be caused by many things, including some medicines, a severe allergic reaction, or an infection. Another cause is dehydration, which is when your body loses too much fluid.

When should you get help for an abnormal blood pressure reading?

One high or low blood pressure reading by itself may not mean you need to call for help. If you take your blood pressure and it is out of the normal range, wait a few minutes and take it again. If it’s still high or low, use the following guidance.

Call
911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

• You passed out (lost consciousness).

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• Your blood pressure is much higher than normal (such as 180/120 or higher).
• You think high blood pressure is causing symptoms such as:
  • Severe headache.
  • Blurry vision.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

• Your blood pressure measures higher than your doctor recommends at least 2 times. That means the top number is higher or the bottom number is higher, or both.
• You think you may be having side effects from your blood pressure medicine.

Low blood pressure (hypotension): symptoms and causes

I suffer from low blood pressure, which means I often feel dizzy. What causes this and what are the treatments?

Dr Paolo Tammaro says:

High blood pressure (hypertension) is a major medical concern. If untreated, it can lead to heart attacks, strokes, kidney damage and even premature death. Low blood pressure might therefore seem desirable. However, excessively low blood pressure (hypotension) can cause various problems. 

What is low blood pressure? 

Blood pressure is the pressure of blood in your arteries – the vessels that carry your blood from your heart to your brain and the rest of your body. You need a certain amount of pressure to get the blood round your body. 

A normal blood pressure is less than 140/90mmHg (a desirable blood pressure is around 120/80mmHg). Low blood pressure is a measurement of 90/60mmHg or lower. 

When your blood pressure drops, your heart rate increases and the blood vessels in other parts of the body constrict (narrow) to help maintain blood pressure. If your heart rate does not increase enough, or if your blood vessels do not constrict enough to maintain blood pressure, your blood pressure will fall. 

The kidneys control blood volume, so are also involved in regulating blood pressure. 

Symptoms of low blood pressure (hypotension): 

• Light-headedness or dizziness 
• Fainting 
• Blurred vision 
• Weakness 
• Difficulties in concentration or confusion 
• Nausea (feeling sick) 

Causes of low blood pressure 

• Standing up: it may occur when you stand up (postural hypotension) 
• After eating, when blood flow to your digestive system increases (this is most likely to occur if you have a disease of the nervous system, such as Parkinson’s). 
• Some medical conditions (mainly endocrine and neurological disorders and some cardiac conditions such as heart failure and arrhythmias.) 
• Medical emergencies: some emergencies such as septic shock and anaphylactic shock will also cause dangerously low blood pressure. 
• Side effects from certain medications (for high blood pressure, heart disease or depression) and from some over-the-counter and herbal medicines 
• Blood loss and dehydration 

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Treatments for low blood pressure 

Medication for low blood pressure is rarely needed. This is because making simply lifestyle changes or treating the underlying cause is usually effective. Drinking more fluids, raising your legs and changing or altering the dose of medication you are taking are all effective ways of easily treating low blood pressure. 

However, if it causes issues, low blood pressure can be treated with different medicines, depending on the underlying cause.  

1. Beta-agonists or alpha-agonists: Beta-agonists make the heart beat faster, while alpha-agonists narrow the blood vessels. 
2. Fludrocortisone: Drugs such as fludrocortisone, (a steroid that makes your kidneys retain water and salt, increasing your blood volume), can also be used.  

Research into low blood pressure  

Not all patients respond well to these treatments or tolerate the side effects – pharmacologists and other scientists are looking for new drugs. 

With the help of BHF funding, my lab is studying how to use drugs to control the width of arteries and therefore blood pressure. 

In particular, we are looking at the tiny channels in the artery wall that allow charged ions to go in and out of the artery cells, causing small electrical impulses.  Drugs acting on these channels have the potential to control the width of arteries and could offer new ways to control low and high blood pressure. 

Learn more about your blood pressure 

Meet the expert

Dr Paolo Tammaro is Associate Professor in Pharmacology at the University of Oxford. His BHF-funded research is looking for potential new drugs to control blood pressure function that could help with both high and low blood pressure.

My Blood Pressure is 103/67

Blood pressure 103/67 – what does it mean?

Your blood pressure reading of 103/67 indicates Hypotension. This means your blood pressure is lower than the usual with values at a systolic (upper) value under 105 mmHg and a diastolic (lower) value of under 60 mmHg.

However, in most cases this is no reason to be concerned. If your blood pressure is only slightly under said values and there are no health impairments a hypotense blood pressure might be alright.

By the way: Your diastolic value of 67 mmHg is better than your systolic value and would classify as Ideal. But if you are getting two different types of classification for your blood pressure it is correct to choose the one that is considered worse.

What you should know about a blood pressure of 103/67

Low blood pressure rarely causes any severe symptoms, but some patients experience debilitating side effects. The recommended blood pressure reading for healthy adults is 90 (systolic) over 60 mm Hg (diastolic). Your blood pressure of 103/67 is below the recommended range and considered low blood pressure. Fainting episodes and dizzy spells are two common symptoms associated with dangerously low blood pressure or BP. This condition is known as hypotension and can have life-threatening consequences if left unchecked. Several health-related conditions and life events can cause BP levels to drop. In some cases, an underlying medical condition, surgical disorders, or dehydration might be responsible.

Symptoms:

• Fatigue
• Poor concentration
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Fainting

If a patient experiences extreme hypotension, it can trigger symptoms such as palpitations, confusion, pale skin, and breathing difficulty. It is wise to seek medical attention if this happens because it can result in shock.

How to raise blood pressure quickly?

1. Increase aggregate sodium intake. Table salt has a balanced amount of sodium content, which can help boost BP levels instantaneously. However, patients should consult their physician before adding more salt to the diet. High salt consumption can sometimes be dangerous and life-threatening.
2. Eat wholesome, well-balanced meals to maintain a healthy diet. Sometimes low BP is triggered by poor eating habits and nutrient deficiencies. A lack of iron, folic acid, and vitamin B- 12 is a leading cause of anemia. If the body is not making an adequate volume of blood, it could lower pressure levels.
3. Drink more water. Mild dehydration can lower blood pressure activity, which causes hypotension in extreme cases. Sometimes, sickness involving frequent vomiting, diarrhea, excess sweating, and fever may result in dehydration. In such circumstances, an adequate intake of water to rehydrate the body is necessary. For long-term benefits, those affected must maintain a healthy water drinking habit to stabilize low BP levels.

What are some healthy lifestyle changes to improve low blood pressure long-term?

Controlling low blood pressure naturally can sometimes be challenging, but equally doable with the right self-intervention measures. Numerous studies say regular exercise can have positive effects on cardiovascular health, which in turn can balance low blood pressure. However, individuals should avoid exercising in extreme heat and outdoors, especially during the summer months. Researchers also advise against prolonged rest and spending long hours in the steam room, sauna, or hot tub. Also, compression socks can improve blood flow throughout the body and boost blood pressure levels.

Low Blood Pressure – Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Diagnosis

The Facts

Given that people with high blood pressure (hypertension) are far more likely than others to die prematurely of heart disease and stroke, you might think that low blood pressure would be a good thing. However, abnormally low blood pressure, also called hypotension, can cause problems as well.

At the most basic level, hypotension can cause dizziness or blurry vision, which may increase the risk of falling or contribute to accidents. In more serious cases, it reduces the blood flow to the brain and other vital organs. This decreases the amount of oxygen and nutrients being delivered to these organs and impairs their ability to carry out normal functions. Hypotension may also indicate a more serious underlying health condition.

As blood travels throughout your body, it presses against the walls of your blood vessels, just like water in a hose or air in a tire. This is called blood pressure. When your heart beats (contracts), squeezing blood out and pumping it into your arteries, blood pressure peaks. This is called your systolic pressure. Between heartbeats, when your heart relaxes and blood flows back into it, your blood pressure is lower. This is your diastolic pressure.

A blood pressure reading measures these two pressures and expresses them as two numbers, your systolic pressure over your diastolic pressure. Normal blood pressure for adults is lower than 120/80 mm Hg (mm Hg means “millimetres of mercury,” referring to a pressure-measuring device similar to a thermometer).

Blood pressure changes throughout the day and varies from person to person. Various factors affect blood pressure, including your body position, breathing rhythm, stress level, physical activity, medications, what you eat or drink, and the time of the day (blood pressure is usually lowest at night when you sleep and rises when you wake up). In healthy individuals, your body responds and adapts to these changes to keep your blood pressure within a normal range. This ensures that vital organs, such as your brain and kidneys, receive a constant blood flow and nutrient supply.

When the systolic pressure drops below 90 mm Hg and the diastolic pressure falls below 60 mm Hg, this is categorized as low blood pressure. Some people may have low pressure all the time and this may be normal for them. If they do not experience any other signs or symptoms, medical treatment may not be necessary for them. Low blood pressure becomes a concern when it is accompanied by noticeable symptoms, such as dizziness, fainting and, in severe cases, shock. When this occurs, people should seek medical attention to determine if an underlying condition may be responsible for their hypotension.

Causes

Hypotension occurs when the body is unable to maintain blood pressure within a healthy range. Hypotension can be caused by a variety of factors and can affect people of all ages. However, there are certain types of hypotension that are more likely to affect certain age groups than others.

Orthostatic hypotension occurs when there is a sudden drop in blood pressure when a person stands up from a sitting or lying down position. This more commonly affects older adults.

Neurally mediated hypotension (NMH) results when a person has been standing for a long period of time or after having an unpleasant or upsetting experience. This is commonly referred to as fainting. Young children are more likely than adults to experience this form of hypotension, and will often outgrow NMH or a tendency to faint easily.

Low blood pressure can occur for some people after eating. This is called postprandial hypotension.

Other factors may cause low blood pressure:

• dehydration: When the body fluids are being lost at a rate faster than they can be replaced, a person’s blood pressure may fall. Dehydration may be caused by vomiting, fever, severe diarrhea, or strenuous exercise.
• certain medical conditions:
• thyroid disorders
• Addison’s disease
• hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels)
• heart problems (e. g., heart attack, heart failure, valvular heart disease, a very low heart rate)
• nervous system disorders (e.g., Parkinson’s disease) – may affect the communication between your brain and the rhythmic pumping of your heart
• medications: Certain medications used to treat high blood pressure, angina, Parkinson’s disease, or depression increase the risk of developing hypotension.
• pregnancy: A woman’s circulatory system changes while she is pregnant. Blood vessels expand slightly, decreasing blood pressure. These changes usually go away after delivery.
• shock: The most severe form of hypotension is shock. This occurs when blood pressure drops to dangerously low levels, seriously impairing adequate blood flow to vital organs, such as the brain and kidneys. Shock can be caused by major blood loss (e.g., caused by external or internal bleeding), severe infections, burns, or allergic reactions.

Symptoms and Complications

In certain instances, people may experience low blood pressure but otherwise feel fine. Hypotension becomes a concern when it is accompanied by one or more of the following symptoms:

• blurry vision
• cold, clammy, pale skin
• confusion
• dizziness
• fainting
• fast breathing
• fast heartbeat
• fatigue
• inability to concentrate
• lightheadedness
• nausea
• sleepiness
• weakness

In the case of shock, a person may at first experience any of the above signs or symptoms. Over time, without immediate medical attention, a person may become unconscious.

Making the Diagnosis

Low blood pressure is diagnosed by a doctor when they check your blood pressure with a sphygmomanometer. For people who experience low blood pressure without other symptoms, it may only require regular monitoring by a doctor during routine exams, and medical treatment may not be necessary. If certain signs suggest an underlying condition, your doctor may recommend one or more of the following tests to diagnose a cause for your hypotension:

• blood tests – will provide information about a person’s overall health
• electrocardiogram (ECG) – measures the heart’s electrical activity and helps to identify potential problems affecting blood supply and oxygen delivery to the heart
• echocardiogram – provides information about the size, shape, and functioning of the heart
• stress test – examines your heart’s ability to function when it is stressed by physical exercise or with medication that simulates the effect of exercise on the heart
• Valsalva manoeuvre – tests the autonomic component of your nervous system that is responsible for controlling your heart rate and blood pressure (It involves forceful exhaling from the lungs without letting the air escape through your mouth or nose.)
• tilt table test – usually recommended if your doctor suspects you might have orthostatic hypotension or NMH (During this diagnostic test, a person lies on a table and then the table is tilted to raise the upper part of their body. This simulates the change in position from sitting or lying down to standing up. People with orthostatic hypotension or NMH may feel dizzy, lightheaded, or even faint when their position changes.)

Treatment and Prevention

Depending on the cause(s) for your low blood pressure, certain lifestyle modifications or medications might help prevent and reduce your symptoms. If there is an underlying medical condition, managing the medical condition will resolve the low blood pressure.

There are a few lifestyle changes that can help with low blood pressure:

• Drink more fluids, like water, to help with dehydration. Limit your alcohol intake. Even in moderation, alcohol can cause dehydration.
• Wear compression stockings to prevent blood from pooling in your lower limbs and help improve blood flow throughout your body.
• Change body positions slowly. Take your time when standing up.
• Increasing your salt intake can help with low blood pressure. But excessive salt intake can lead to an unhealthy increase in blood pressure. These dietary changes should only be made if recommended by your doctor.
• Your doctor may recommend changes to your medications if they are the cause for your hypotension. Fludrocortisone* and midodrine are two medications that your doctor may prescribe in special circumstances to help control low blood pressure.
• In the case of shock, seek emergency medical treatment immediately. Shock is life-threatening and needs to be treated by medical personnel.

*All medications have both common (generic) and brand names. The brand name is what a specific manufacturer calls the product (e.g., Tylenol®). The common name is the medical name for the medication (e.g., acetaminophen). A medication may have many brand names, but only one common name. This article lists medications by their common names. For information on a given medication, check our Drug Information database. For more information on brand names, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2021. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/condition/getcondition/Low-Blood-Pressure

What pressure – normal – Science – Kommersant

– You are an outstanding specialist in hypertension and hypertension. Please describe the current understanding of this ailment and the methods of its treatment. Here American cardiologists began to write that normal blood pressure is 110 to 70 mm Hg, and in Russia you can hear that it is not bad and 139 to 89 mm.

– First of all, what is arterial hypertension? Increased blood pressure, but if you have increased it once, do not think that you are sick.This can happen after excessive physical exertion, a nervous breakdown, alcohol abuse, all these are temporary phenomena. Only if two or three times in a row you note blood pressure more than 140 to 90 mm, then you can talk about arterial hypertension. It can arise as a result of other diseases – vascular pathology of the kidneys, brain, be a consequence of kidney disease, diseases of the endocrine system: the thyroid gland, adrenal glands. Obesity also triggers a number of complex mechanisms, which then lead to the fact that the pressure rises.And all these are secondary, or symptomatic, arterial hypertension. But in most cases, arterial hypertension occurs for unknown reasons, and then we must talk about hypertension. The approaches to the treatment of hypertension and symptomatic arterial hypertension are different. If arterial hypertension is a manifestation of other diseases, then it is completely logical that we should treat them first of all, and only when we completely eliminate the cause that could lead to an increase in pressure, it is worth prescribing drugs that lower it.If we are talking about hypertension, then here it is necessary to look at how high the increase in pressure is. If it is more than 160 to 90 mm Hg, you must immediately prescribe a medicine and offer the so-called non-drug methods of treatment – limiting salt intake, losing weight, exercising, proper nutrition, avoiding excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages. If the pressure is up to 159 mm Hg and there are no other cardiovascular diseases, risk factors that can aggravate the patient’s condition, you can try to normalize his life for a month, let him live without pills. But the question of whether you need to take pills or not is up to the doctor to decide. In general, I advise everyone to make friends with some good doctor. He can be young, old, it can be a man or a woman, the main thing is that you find a common language and be on the same wavelength with him. If your local doctor does not cause you positive emotions, run away from him, you do not need to overpower yourself, there will be nothing good from communicating with such a doctor.

As for different approaches: American colleagues, of course, do not consider only 110 to 70 mm as normal pressure, not higher.They recommend talking about arterial hypertension with a pressure of more than 130 to 80 mm. Our European colleagues, and we support them, believe that the permissible level is not higher than 140 and 90 mm Hg. There is a gradation of lower blood pressure levels. For example, there is such a concept as the optimal pressure – 120 by 80 mm, there is the concept of normal pressure: for the upper – 120–129 mm, for the lower – 80–84 mm. Then comes high normal blood pressure – 130–139 and 85–89 mm, so our colleagues from America decided to also consider high normal pressure a manifestation of hypertension.We still do not agree with this and believe that there is no need to change something, “reinvent the wheel”, but to lead a healthy lifestyle at any pressure.

– What about hypotension?

– As a rule, hypotension is a manifestation of vegetative-vascular disorders. There is no such disease as vegetative-vascular dystonia, there are violations of vascular tone, they are a manifestation of some neurological symptoms. Hypotension can be a sign of anemia and other conditions. It is very difficult to deal with these symptoms, more difficult than to overcome hypertension.First of all, it is necessary to undergo a comprehensive examination and exclude any organic causes of hypotension, and then, if none are found, a healthy lifestyle, contrast douches, sleep. By the way, insomnia also leads to hypotension.

90,000 Norms of blood pressure for people of different ages. Prevention of arterial pressure deviations

Contents of the article:

Blood pressure is one of the most important indicators of the state of the body, and even slight fluctuations in it can be associated with a health risk.That is why no basic examination takes place without measuring it. It should be borne in mind that normal blood pressure indicators are rather arbitrary and are of an individual nature.

Blood pressure – what is

During normal operation, the heart muscle constantly pumps blood into the arteries. In turn, when the blood flow passes through the vessels, it puts pressure on them. Accordingly, blood pressure is a conditional indicator that characterizes the force of blood pressure on the walls of blood vessels.The indicator characterizes the work of the heart, the elasticity of blood vessels and the cardiovascular system of a person as a whole.

Pressure is a changeable quantity. It fluctuates depending on the heartbeat cycles, it can rise and fall several times, even within one day. It is often highest during daytime activity and lowest during nighttime sleep.

Regular and timely monitoring of this indicator allows timely detection of deviations in the work of the autonomic, endocrine, cardiovascular and other systems.Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). At the same time, blood pressure on both arms may differ, but the difference should not exceed 10 mm. rt. Art.

Three blood pressure indicators are used for monitoring:

• Systolic, or upper pressure . It characterizes the maximum force of blood pressure on the walls of blood vessels at the time of cardiac contraction. At this time, the right and left ventricles contract, and blood is pushed out in the systole phase into the aorta.The value of systolic pressure is influenced by the frequency and strength of heart contractions, as well as vascular resistance. When measuring, the upper pressure is always indicated first.
• Diastolic, or lower pressure . Shows the lowest level of blood pressure on the vascular walls during the pause between heartbeats. In this phase, the heart rests and fills with blood. The indicator depends only on vascular resistance. During the measurement, the lower pressure is recorded second.
• Pulse pressure . Difference between systolic and diastolic pressure.

Blood pressure medical norm

Blood pressure is an extremely changeable and individual value, which depends on the sex and age of a person, physical activity, the presence of bad habits, emotional background and many other factors. Ideally, the indicator should be determined on an individual basis for each person. However, for a more convenient and quick diagnosis, there are official standard indicators that doctors use in their daily practice.

The table shows the norm of systolic and diastolic pressure in a person without distribution by sex and age according to the data of the European Society for the Study of Hypertension (ESH).

Norms of blood pressure by age in men and women

If you take into account the age factor, the normal blood pressure in children is lower than in adults. As people of both sexes age, both systolic and diastolic blood pressure increases. This happens due to the development of age-related changes in the blood vessels.

There are differences in gender.

Norms of blood pressure indicators in men and women, depending on age:

Despite the fact that hypertension is considered a disease of older people, young people also often suffer from high blood pressure. It’s just that people under the age of 35 do not often experience symptoms. And this is another reason why it is extremely important to measure your blood pressure regularly and correctly.

How to measure pressure correctly

For timely monitoring of blood pressure, every home medicine cabinet should have a tonometer. This is a special device that allows you to record the systolic and diastolic pressure.

For pressure measurement you can use:

• Hand-held tonometer with cuff .To obtain accurate data requires certain skills and who takes the measurement. The correct position of the cuff is of great importance, as well as the ability to hear heart sounds and correctly use the tonometer. When handled correctly, it provides accurate and reliable results.
• Automatic or semi-automatic devices . They work on the principle of a mechanical tonometer, but allow you to get more accurate results. After placing the device, the blood pressure is displayed on a special screen.

To identify the relationship between blood pressure and poor health of a person, it is necessary to measure the indicator not only accurately, but also regularly. One trip to the clinic or several visits to the doctor is not enough. You should determine the level of blood pressure daily, at different hours of the day, and at the same time record the results in a diary. In it, you also need to enter notes regarding the state of health or the circumstances that influenced the result – bad sleep, missed medication, malaise, etc.

Daily monitoring will allow you to determine the most appropriate time for taking medications and will provide quality control of treatment. This is the only way to obtain correct results that will be suitable for medical analysis.

Regardless of the method and time of measurements, in order to obtain correct indicators, it is necessary to adhere to a number of important rules:

• Avoid physical activity, food intake and smoking approximately 30 minutes before the start of measurements;
• do not move, do not talk during measurement;
• Take a comfortable position and relax, be sure to provide support for the hand, positioning it so that the hand is in a natural position approximately at the level of the heart;
• measure the indicator on each hand with a break of about 10-15 minutes.

Reasons for deviations from the norm

Pathological fluctuations in blood pressure are associated with many external factors:

• unstable psychoemotional state, stress, depression;
• excessive loads or, conversely, leading a sedentary life;
• overweight;
• pathology of internal organs and systems;
• bad habits – alcohol consumption, smoking;
• unhealthy diet, strict diets, consumption of salty and fatty foods;
• lack of vitamins, minerals;
• abrupt changes in weather, climate;
• hereditary factors.

As for internal processes, most often jumps in blood pressure are the result of:

• Increase in blood density, which complicates the flow through the arteries. There are quite a few reasons for blood thickening, often these are autoimmune pathologies or diabetes mellitus.
• Weakness of the heart muscle, its inability to work with the necessary strength and in the proper mode.
• Loss of elasticity by vessels.
• Malfunctions of the endocrine system.

Often, a deviation of the pressure level from the proper indicator is accompanied by a number of pronounced symptoms:

• With increased pressure (hypertension) , when the indicator exceeds 140/90 mm.rt. Art., there is a headache of a pulsating nature, tachycardia, dizziness, vision and sleep deteriorate, pain appears in the region of the heart. This is an extremely dangerous condition in which the risk of heart and vascular pathologies is significantly increased.
• Under reduced pressure (hypotension) , when the indicator falls below 100/60 mm. rt. Art., there is a breakdown, drowsiness, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, memory impairment, pain in muscles and joints.

Hypertension is much more common than hypotension.If high blood pressure is diagnosed in about 40% of the population, then only about 5% of people suffer from low blood pressure. Treatment for both types of abnormalities is a process in which the patient must strictly adhere to the doctor’s prescriptions and be ready to change the lifestyle.

Prevention of deviations in blood pressure

Prevention means the ability to prevent the development of a disease. Preventive recommendations will be useful for those people who have a hereditary predisposition to such a pathology or who understand that they are at risk due to constant stress or nervous work.

As in the case of causes and symptoms, preventive measures for different types of abnormalities in blood pressure will differ:

• Overpressure . To avoid hypertension, special attention should be paid to the development of a clear daily routine, work schedule, rest and nutrition. It is necessary to choose dishes that are low in salt and fat, exclude fast food and fried foods from the menu. It is imperative to provide moderate physical activity and gradually return to normal weight.For normal functioning of the body, weight loss should be about 5-10% of body weight per month until the achievement of indicators that are safe for health.
• Reduced pressure . For the prevention of hypotension, it is necessary to ensure a healthy sleep of at least 8-9 hours a day. The diet should consist of foods high in calcium, magnesium and potassium. The most optimal five meals a day. It is necessary to limit the consumption of foods high in animal fats and simple carbohydrates.Light physical activity is also required every 2-3 days – walking or simple exercises.

When detecting any pathological abnormalities in blood pressure, it is imperative to give up bad habits – smoking, drinking alcohol, and also to minimize the level of stress, emotional fluctuations and mood swings.

90,000 What causes low blood pressure and how to bring it back to normal | Healthy life | Health

Increased excitability, anxiety, sensitivity to cold, a tendency to motion sickness in transport and fainting turn their lives into continuous torment. Can you help them? Turning to specialists, we decided to compile a memo about what provokes the development of arterial hypotension and what helps to cope with this condition.

How to identify

Reduced pressure is considered to be below 100/60 mm Hg. Art. in men and 95/60 mm Hg. Art. among women. If you constantly have such pressure, then you have arterial hypotension.

What provokes? Low physical activity

Physical inactivity can be associated with a sedentary (sedentary) lifestyle or be forced (for example, due to an illness).Both only exacerbate the manifestations of arterial hypotension: a decrease in the volume of muscle activity leads to a deterioration in the functional state of the heart, the contractile apparatus of muscles and their tone, a decrease in lung ventilation, a violation of mineral and protein metabolism, affecting the state of the central nervous system.

Outlet

► Adequate physical activity. Swimming, jogging, skiing, and aerobics have a good effect on hypotensive patients.

► Normalization of the regime and full sleep. 8–10 hours of sleep is a vital necessity for all hypotonic patients, the basis for maintaining their normal functioning. It is no secret that sleep is the main synchronizer of biorhythms in the body, stimulants of the functional activity of the cardiovascular system, parasympathetic and sympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system. And, of course, a full-fledged daily regimen with alternating mental and physical exertion is “prescribed” for the hypotonic.

Work in hazardous production

The development of arterial hypotension is facilitated by: work underground, in an atmosphere of high humidity and high temperature, with prolonged exposure to small doses of ionizing radiation, microwave electromagnetic field, chemical intoxication.

Outlet

► If arterial hypotension is caused by occupational hazards, it is better to transfer to another job.

► Hardening.Daily douches, rubdowns, contrast showers have proven themselves well in hypotensive patients. These procedures are based on a tonic effect not only on the prescription apparatus of the skin, vascular tone, but also on the immune system.

Diseases

Hypotension provocateurs include some diseases of the thyroid gland and adrenal glands, cardiovascular and central nervous systems, some respiratory diseases, as well as duodenal ulcer, cholecystitis, hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, anemia.Acute arterial hypotension can also develop with a large loss of blood, with massive injuries, poisoning, heat stroke, shocks of various origins.

Outlet

► Treatment of the disease that caused a decrease in blood pressure leads to the normalization of the latter.

► Herbal stimulants. We are talking about the so-called adaptogens of natural origin, which increase vascular tone and blood pressure: tinctures of Eleutherococcus, ginseng, lemongrass, aralia.But here it is important not to overdo it: some hypotensive patients are very sensitive to these drugs. From medicines, people suffering from low blood pressure are prescribed: nootropic drugs, cerebroprotectors, antioxidants, antidepressants.

Taking medications

Hypotension can develop with improper use of medicines that lower blood pressure (antipsychotics, ganglion and adrenergic blockers, nitrites and nitrates.)

Outlet

► Do not self-medicate hypertension.During a heart attack, take nitrates only while sitting: a sharp drop in blood pressure in a standing position can lead to static collapse (loss of consciousness due to insufficient blood flow to the head).

► Diet. A special diet with a high content of potassium (potatoes, eggplants, cabbage, apricots, prunes) and calcium with vitamin D3 will help to improve the well-being of hypotension. At the same time, people suffering from low blood pressure need to eat at least 4 times a day.In addition to traditional coffee and tea, blood pressure increases everything salty: herring, cucumbers, sauerkraut. But be careful with alcohol. In any case, brandy that dilates blood vessels (and, consequently, lowers pressure) is not for you.

Professional sports

There are many athletes among hypotonic patients. The tendency to lower blood pressure and a rare pulse they have is nothing more than a protective reaction of the body to constant physical exertion, when it begins to work in a more economical mode.Experts call this hypotonia high fitness hypotension.

Outlet

► Before registering a child in the sports section, visit a pediatric cardiologist. Ice hockey, figure skating and football are especially hard on the heart.

► Massage, acupuncture. The most effective for arterial hypotension is therapeutic massage of the neck-collar zone, calf muscles, and hands. Another proven remedy for “low blood pressure disease” is acupuncture.

See also:

Normal blood pressure: reference table

Normal blood pressure: reference table

Read more:

Normal pressure of a person by age: table – Rambler / news

The first action of a doctor when examining a person at an appointment is to check the pressure. It is checked regardless of the patient’s complaints, since different diseases cause pressure surges up and down. The initial examination of a person allows the doctor to learn important information about his condition.

Based on these data, the doctor draws up an anamnesis, in which it is simply necessary to indicate the blood pressure figures necessary for further diagnosis. The normal pressure of a person by years is indicated in the standard age tables that each doctor has. According to them, he verifies the data obtained and draws appropriate conclusions.

The value of the upper and lower digits of blood pressure

Blood pressure indicates how much blood presses on the vascular walls. The unit of measurement for blood pressure is mm Hg. Art.

In therapeutic practice, different types of blood pressure are diagnosed:

cardiac, which occurs inside the cavities of the heart from the rhythm of its contractions. Each cardiac department has its own standards that vary from cardiac functions, from human physiology;

Central venous pressure shows the state of the right atrium, which is responsible for the return of blood from the veins to the heart;

capillary shows the pressure of the blood on the walls of the capillaries, associated with the tortuosity and tension of the capillaries;

arterial – an indicator of the normal function of the circulatory system, or violations of its work; BP readings show the volume of blood pumped by the heart in a given time.

Blood pressure is measured by tonometers of various designs, the rest of the data is shown either by daily monitoring of blood pressure, or by an ECG check. The heart moves the blood in the body because it acts like a pump.

The upper BP reading records the volume of blood leaving the left ventricle, the lower figures show the pressure level and the volume of blood entering the right atrium.

Therapists consider the main pressure data:

upper systolic;

diastolic lower.

The upper and lower indices indicate the rate of contractions of both ventricles, the heart rate, which ensures the ingress of blood in the systolic phase into the aortic lumen. These numbers are recorded first and are considered top pressure.

The value of the pressure indicators on the systole depends on the vascular resistance and heart rate. The diastole phase is a pause between contractions, the heart at this time is relaxed, filled with blood. In this phase, the numbers of diastolic lower blood pressure are checked. Its value depends on the resistance of the vessels.

The norm of human pressure by years is shown in the age table approved by the Ministry of Health of the country, and which is the standard for determining blood pressure data for various pathologies.

Table of pressure norms

Pressure (minimum indicator), mm Hg

Pressure (average), mm Hg

Pressure (maximum indicator), mm Hg

The norm of blood pressure in different people

These blood pressure changes in accordance with many factors of an individual nature:

psychoemotional stress;

daily load fluctuations;

constant intake of certain medications;

time immediately after a hearty meal;

use of tonic drinks.

Factors can be different, there are many of them, and doctors should take into account all possible means that affect changes in the patient’s well-being. Today, doctors are wary of the tables compiled in previous years, which give the average blood pressure standards for the age of people. New studies require taking into account the individuality of the patient in each situation.

According to generally established standards, blood pressure data in adults of any age and sex should be within 140/90 mm Hg. Art.

Tables of normal pressure for humans, compiled by year, by age, have been developed for a long time.Since then, the ecology has changed, the rhythm of society has become more active. Everything involuntarily affects the well-being of people. The blood pressure standards in all tables are given as a reference.

Blood pressure indicators are unstable, they fluctuate during working hours, during rest, in response to various external factors.

Patients such as pregnant women, whose body changes significantly, do not compare their blood pressure with standard tables. They have their own standards, taking into account changes in the circulatory system, an increase in the load on the body due to the growth and nutrition of a new person.

Symptoms of hypertension or hypotension

According to the tables, when a person has a blood pressure of 130/80 mm Hg. Art., he has no deviations in the activity of the heart. If the upper systolic data is higher than 140/90 mm Hg. Art., experts diagnose the first degree of hypertension.

Active drug intervention is required when the upper data reaches 160/90 mm Hg. Art.

High blood pressure is manifested by the following symptoms:

high fatigue;

tinnitus;

swelling on the legs;

dizziness;

visual impairment;

low performance;

inability to concentrate attention;

nosebleeds.

The reasons for the increase in blood pressure can be:

frequent stressful situations;

atherosclerosis;

inappropriate nutrition;

sedentary life;

fluctuations in weather conditions.

High blood pressure is a sign of:

arterial hypertension, dangerous onset of hypertensive crises;

symptomatic hypertension, which is typical for vascular and kidney pathology;

an increase in the upper numbers of blood pressure indicates heart defects, vascular pathology, the formation of anemia.

Both upper and lower indicators can rise. The upper numbers of blood pressure often rise in women, the lower numbers can rise in men and in the elderly. The drop in lower diastolic blood pressure is less than 110/65 mm Hg. Art. leads to irreversible changes in the structure of tissues of internal organs due to a sharp disruption of blood supply.

If blood pressure control shows a frequent decrease to 80/50 mm Hg. Art., it is important for a person to consult a local therapist. A frequent decrease in low indicators leads to a lack of oxygen supply to the brain, this negatively affects the state of the whole organism.

This condition is no less critical than an increase in blood pressure. It is believed that it is much more difficult to raise a low blood pressure than to bring down an elevated one. Low blood pressure leads to persistent hypotension, VSD.

Low blood pressure is manifested in the following symptoms:

muscle weakness;

darkening in the field of view;

with increased sensitivity to bright light, loud music;

constantly cold hands and feet.

Reasons for persistent low blood pressure:

tendency to intolerance to stress;

change in weather conditions;

fatigue at high loads;

chronic lack of sleep;

various kinds of allergies.

Many medications cause a decrease in blood pressure:

cardiac drugs;

pain-relieving tablets;

antibiotic drugs;

antispasmodic drugs.

However, in the practice of therapists, situations are recorded that a person lives and works with blood pressure 90/50 mm Hg all the time. Art. He does not feel a drop in blood pressure, his health and performance are good.

Because of this, for each person his own blood pressure standards are calculated, which do not cause poor health.

From low blood pressure develop:

myocardiopathy;

Checks the normal blood pressure of a person, referring to the table by years, taking into account his age and somatic diseases. A frequent increase in blood pressure should serve as a signal for seeking medical help.

Blood pressure

Surely everyone has heard complaints from friends about high blood pressure , hypertension . As a rule, we do not pay attention to such complaints, and even more so – we rarely watch ourselves.But an increase in blood pressure is fraught with heart attacks and strokes in the future. This is the first sign of heart failure, which does not bode well.

Surely everyone has heard complaints from friends about high blood pressure , hypertension . As a rule, we do not pay attention to such complaints, and even more so – we rarely watch ourselves. But an increase in blood pressure is fraught with heart attacks and strokes in the future. This is the first sign of heart failure, which does not bode well.

Hypertension – the scourge of many people. And not only older people suffer from it, but also young people, who, due to their own youth, are not at all inclined to think about diseases, and even more so to engage in self-diagnosis. However, despite age, high blood pressure may be the cause of poor health.

Have you measured your blood pressure? Not according to the testimony of a doctor, but just for the sake of interest? Measure it right now and evaluate the result.The readings of the tonometer 120/80 mm Hg are the norm. All that is higher is already arterial hypertension (AH). Moreover, hypertension absolutely does not care how old you are.

Heart attack and stroke, however, too.

Currently, studies are being actively carried out on the relationship between increased blood pressure and the risks of developing heart attacks and strokes. It is very likely that in the near future the “risk zone” will start from 135/85 mm Hg. It has been proven that if your blood pressure is kept within 110-120 / 60-85 mm Hg.Art., then the likelihood of a stroke or heart attack for you is minimal. But the risk of developing these diseases doubles if the upper (systolic) pressure increases by 20 units, and the lower (diastolic) pressure by only 10!

In many countries, including Russia, no more than 50% of the total number of those who actually suffer from hypertension know that their blood pressure is higher than it should be. And only half of those 50% are trying to fight it.

Most believe that if the pressure is slightly higher than normal, then this is “okay.”Nothing hurts, does it? Well, okay. But you cannot be indifferent to yourself and your health. And the consequences of such carelessness can be very upsetting. The specialists of our medical institution every day have to deal with patients who neglected treatment at the first signs of the disease. The results are depressing: disability, a change in lifestyle not in an interesting direction, reproachful sighs of relatives who are forced to serve the patient …

You need to watch yourself.And you need to be attentive to the unusual deterioration of health and take timely measures to eliminate it. The very first signs of hypertension, it would seem, have nothing to do with it: frequent headaches, loss of general tone, pressure in the region of the heart. We often hope that this is all short-lived and will go away by itself. Alas, it will not work.

With such a deterioration in well-being, you must first measure your blood pressure . In case you find that it is higher than it should be and the dynamic monitoring of indicators does not detect a decrease, you need to consult a doctor.Self-medication is inappropriate here. As in many other cases, self-administration of medicines will simply “smear” the picture of the disease, and it will be difficult for the doctor to correctly diagnose and prescribe effective treatment. Do not postpone a visit to the doctor: the timely start of the fight will help maintain health.

The increased blood pressure , even if outwardly does not make itself felt in any way, primarily affects the walls of the arteries that feed all human organs: heart, brain, kidneys, eyes.Violation of the structure of the arterial vascular wall makes it impossible for the normal operation of these organs. And “failures” in their work and give a clinical picture of hypertension in the future.

The heart is the most important organ. And, perhaps, it will be superfluous to talk about how important it is to listen to his knocking … High blood pressure increases the thickness of the walls of blood vessels, simultaneously reducing their tone. The heart muscle of the left ventricle grows and loses its ability to function normally. If at the same time the patient’s blood cholesterol level is higher than normal, then this leads to the formation of sclerotic plaques, which is fraught with thrombosis of the coronary arteries, and as a result – angina pectoris and heart attack.

Likewise, an increased blood pressure leads to cerebrovascular dysfunction. Changes in the walls of blood vessels can cause their spasm, then thrombosis and stroke. In addition, if a patient has a cerebral aneurysm, provoked by a congenital predisposition, then high blood pressure leads to rupture of the aneurysm and extensive hemorrhage. Even if high blood pressure does not lead to atherosclerotic thrombosis of the cerebral arteries, it can cause locunar stroke or locunar disease (death of brain cells due to a sharp rise in blood pressure).However, modern computer technologies help to diagnose this disease in time and prescribe effective treatment.

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Clinic “Scandinavia”
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High normal blood pressure in young people – a disease or a risk factor? | Lyamina

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