Blood pressure 102 56. Low Blood Pressure 102/56: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

13.07.202314.06.2023 by alexxlab

What does a blood pressure reading of 102/56 indicate. How can low blood pressure affect your health. What are the most effective treatments for hypotension. How can you naturally raise your blood pressure at home.

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Understanding Blood Pressure Readings: What Does 102/56 Mean?

A blood pressure reading of 102/56 mmHg is considered low blood pressure, also known as hypotension. This reading indicates that the systolic pressure (the top number) is 102 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and the diastolic pressure (the bottom number) is 56 mmHg. Normal blood pressure typically falls between 90/60 mmHg and 120/80 mmHg.

Why is 102/56 considered low? The systolic pressure of 102 is just above the threshold for low blood pressure (90 mmHg), while the diastolic pressure of 56 is below the normal range. This combination suggests that the heart may not be pumping blood effectively enough to maintain adequate pressure throughout the body’s blood vessels.

Interpreting Blood Pressure Numbers

Systolic pressure (top number): Measures the force of blood against artery walls when the heart beats
Diastolic pressure (bottom number): Measures the force of blood against artery walls between heartbeats

Is low blood pressure always a cause for concern? Not necessarily. Some individuals naturally have lower blood pressure without experiencing any symptoms. However, if low blood pressure is accompanied by symptoms or occurs suddenly, it may require medical attention.

Symptoms of Low Blood Pressure: Recognizing the Signs

While not everyone with low blood pressure experiences symptoms, it’s important to be aware of potential signs that may indicate a problem. Common symptoms of hypotension include:

Dizziness or lightheadedness
Fainting (syncope)
Blurred vision
Nausea
Fatigue
Lack of concentration
Rapid, shallow breathing
Cold, clammy skin

When do these symptoms typically occur? Symptoms of low blood pressure often manifest when standing up quickly from a sitting or lying position, a condition known as orthostatic hypotension. If you experience these symptoms frequently or severely, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation.

Causes of Low Blood Pressure: Identifying Underlying Factors

Low blood pressure can result from various factors, ranging from temporary conditions to chronic health issues. Understanding the potential causes can help in determining the appropriate course of action. Some common causes of hypotension include:

Dehydration
Blood loss
Certain medications (e.g., diuretics, beta-blockers)
Heart problems (e.g., heart failure, bradycardia)
Endocrine disorders (e.g., thyroid problems, adrenal insufficiency)
Pregnancy
Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)
Nutritional deficiencies (e.g., vitamin B12 or folic acid)
Prolonged bed rest
Neurological disorders

Can low blood pressure be genetic? While genetics can play a role in blood pressure regulation, it’s less common for low blood pressure to have a direct genetic cause compared to high blood pressure. However, some inherited conditions that affect the nervous system or heart function may indirectly lead to hypotension.

Diagnosing Low Blood Pressure: When to Seek Medical Attention

If you consistently measure a blood pressure of 102/56 or lower, especially if accompanied by symptoms, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider. They will perform a thorough evaluation to determine the underlying cause and assess any potential risks.

Diagnostic Procedures

Multiple blood pressure readings over time
Physical examination
Review of medical history and current medications
Blood tests to check for anemia, diabetes, or thyroid problems
Electrocardiogram (ECG) to evaluate heart function
Echocardiogram to assess heart structure and function
Stress tests to evaluate cardiovascular health
Tilt table test to diagnose orthostatic hypotension

How often should blood pressure be monitored at home? For individuals with known low blood pressure, daily monitoring may be recommended, especially if symptoms are present. However, the frequency of monitoring should be discussed with your healthcare provider based on your individual circumstances.

Treatment Options for Low Blood Pressure: Medical Interventions

The treatment for low blood pressure depends on the underlying cause and the severity of symptoms. In many cases, addressing the root cause can help normalize blood pressure. Some medical interventions may include:

Adjusting current medications: If medications are contributing to low blood pressure, your doctor may modify dosages or switch to alternative treatments.
Prescribing medications: In some cases, medications such as fludrocortisone or midodrine may be prescribed to increase blood volume or constrict blood vessels.
Treating underlying conditions: Addressing heart problems, endocrine disorders, or other health issues that may be causing low blood pressure.
Recommending compression stockings: These can help improve blood flow and prevent blood from pooling in the legs.
Suggesting lifestyle modifications: Your healthcare provider may recommend dietary changes, increased fluid intake, or specific exercises to manage low blood pressure.

Are there any risks associated with treating low blood pressure? While treatment is generally safe, some medications used to raise blood pressure can have side effects or interact with other drugs. It’s crucial to work closely with your healthcare provider to find the most appropriate and safe treatment plan for your specific situation.

Lifestyle Changes to Manage Low Blood Pressure: Natural Remedies

In addition to medical treatments, several lifestyle modifications can help manage low blood pressure and alleviate symptoms. These natural remedies can be particularly beneficial for individuals with mild to moderate hypotension:

Dietary Adjustments

Increase salt intake (under medical supervision)
Eat smaller, more frequent meals to prevent post-meal blood pressure drops
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
Limit alcohol consumption
Consume foods high in vitamin B12 and folate

Physical Activity

Engage in regular, moderate exercise to improve circulation
Practice exercises that target the leg muscles to promote blood flow
Avoid prolonged periods of standing or sitting
Rise slowly from lying or sitting positions

Other Lifestyle Tips

Wear compression stockings
Elevate the head of your bed slightly
Avoid hot showers or saunas that can cause blood vessels to dilate
Manage stress through relaxation techniques

How long does it take to see improvements from lifestyle changes? The timeframe for improvement can vary depending on the individual and the severity of hypotension. Some people may notice changes within a few days, while others may take several weeks to see significant improvements. Consistency in implementing these changes is key to achieving lasting results.

Complications of Untreated Low Blood Pressure: Understanding the Risks

While low blood pressure is often less concerning than high blood pressure, leaving it untreated can lead to potential complications, especially if it’s severe or chronic. Some risks associated with untreated hypotension include:

Falls and injuries: Dizziness and fainting can increase the risk of falls, potentially leading to fractures or other injuries.
Shock: In severe cases, extremely low blood pressure can lead to inadequate blood flow to vital organs, resulting in a life-threatening condition called shock.
Organ damage: Prolonged low blood pressure can reduce blood flow to organs such as the brain, heart, and kidneys, potentially causing damage over time.
Cognitive impairment: Chronic low blood pressure may affect cognitive function, particularly in older adults.
Cardiovascular problems: In some cases, the heart may work harder to compensate for low blood pressure, potentially leading to heart-related issues.

Can low blood pressure cause long-term damage if left untreated? While the body can often adapt to mild hypotension, chronic or severe low blood pressure that goes untreated may lead to cumulative damage to organs and tissues due to reduced blood flow. This underscores the importance of proper diagnosis and management of persistent low blood pressure.

Prevention Strategies for Low Blood Pressure: Maintaining Cardiovascular Health

Preventing low blood pressure involves a combination of lifestyle choices and proactive health management. By incorporating these strategies into your daily routine, you can help maintain healthy blood pressure levels and reduce the risk of hypotension:

Dietary Considerations

Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains
Ensure adequate intake of vitamins and minerals, particularly B12, folate, and iron
Monitor salt intake and adjust as recommended by your healthcare provider
Stay well-hydrated by drinking water throughout the day

Physical Activity and Lifestyle

Engage in regular, moderate exercise to promote cardiovascular health
Practice good sleep hygiene and aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night
Manage stress through relaxation techniques, meditation, or yoga
Avoid sudden changes in posture, especially when getting up from a lying or sitting position

Health Management

Attend regular check-ups with your healthcare provider
Monitor your blood pressure at home and keep a log of readings
Be aware of medications that may affect blood pressure and discuss concerns with your doctor
Manage any underlying health conditions that could contribute to low blood pressure

How can you differentiate between normal blood pressure fluctuations and chronic hypotension? Normal blood pressure can vary throughout the day due to factors such as physical activity, stress, and meals. Chronic hypotension is typically diagnosed when consistently low readings are observed over time, especially if accompanied by symptoms. Regular monitoring and consultation with a healthcare professional can help distinguish between normal variations and persistent low blood pressure.

By understanding the implications of a 102/56 blood pressure reading and implementing appropriate management strategies, individuals can take proactive steps to maintain their cardiovascular health and overall well-being. Remember that while low blood pressure can be a concern, it’s often manageable with proper care and attention to lifestyle factors. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment options tailored to your specific health needs.

Blood Pressure 102/56: What Does It Indicate?

A blood pressure of 102/56 indicates that you are having a LOW BLOOD PRESSURE which can be an immediate health crisis if the levels are too low.

This article tells you:

What does a 102/56 blood pressure mean?
What should you do if you have 102/56 blood pressure?
Some easy to do home remedies and supplementations.
Frequently asked question that will answer many of your queries regarding your 102/56 blood pressure.

The blood pressure value of 102/56 specifies the fact that the individual in question is suffering from low blood pressure or hypotension.

This is the medical condition that arises when the value of readings for the blood pressure of a person is less than [90/60].

The ideal blood pressure for an individual is between [90/60] and [120/80]. But for any reason, if the blood pressure falls below the specified readings, then the person can be said to be suffering from hypotension.

The medical condition of hypotension means that the pressure exercised by the blood flowing through the vessels over those is lower than the expected value.

And the same can be said in terms of the heart pumping blood to all the parts of the body. Low BP indicates that the heart is not able to pump blood to all the body parts to the extent that has been termed as necessary. And therefore, more complicated medical problems arise because of Low BP.

The effects or symptoms of these problems are not visible in the overall health of an individual. But these do certainly affect the individual in more ways than just one.

Here is a set-by-step procedure to follow when you figure out you have a blood pressure of 102/56.

If your blood is 102/56 and you have checked the same in your home setup, it is highly recommended to get it checked at your doctor’s office.

A trained professional has to clinically assess your condition and confirm that your 102/56 is, in fact, clinically valid.

There are instances when your reading at home setup might give you a reading which is incorrectly reported. It could be because of an error in reading it, damage to your device, your physical or mental condition on that particular day, etc.

Therefore, a doctor has to assess it over the course of 7 – 30 days periodically before he/she can confirm the accurate stage of your blood pressure.

In some cases, a patient might report wrong blood pressure in a hospital setup, called white coat hypertension. Here the patient may show higher blood pressure than their actual because of the anxiety inside a hospital environment.

In contrast, some patients may have masked hypertension in which the person may show lower blood pressure at clinical setup, but at home, they may have higher blood pressure.

All these conditions are linked to physiology and psychology and, therefore, better to be validated by a doctor.

Even the small changes that you make in your life can lead to having a really impressive effect on your overall health. And, the same can be said regarding the problem of low blood pressure.

If you choose to make reasonable changes in your lifestyle, you can improve your blood pressure to a significant level.

Here are some of the changes that you can bring into your lifestyle to improve your health and your blood pressure level:

You do not need to hesitate from consulting with a physiotherapist about the problems that you are having. Through a relationship of mutual trust, you will be able to get a prescription that will be best suited for your body and overall health.

Following are the prescribed medicines that are greatly helpful for people suffering from low blood pressure.

There are significant changes that you can see in your health if you were to eat healthily every day. And particularly in the case of hypotension, you should know what to eat and what not to.

Some of the comorbidities associated with low blood pressure include heart attack, cardiac arrest, heart valve disorder, bradycardia, and hormonal imbalance.

When you have 102/56, the above-mentioned comorbidities may follow; if correctly, medical attention is not sought.

Therefore, it is highly recommended to treat your hypotension, get it back to a normal level of 120/80 and maintain it.

Even stress is linked to hypotension in some patients. Since the human body reacts differently to different situations, not necessarily depression and anxiety lead to hypertension, but hypotension too.

This is why it is important to get medical attention rather than treating yourself so that the root cause will be rectified and corrected.

Sometimes managing blood pressure is all about supplementing your body with the right diet. Food is undoubtedly the best primary source to supplement your body.

However, in the current scenarios, we all know how much adultered our foodstuff is, and most of us are pushed towards processed foods to feed ourselves in this fast-paced world.

All these food are high in sugar and sodium and doesn’t contain any vital nutrients that are important for a healthy heart.

This is where some of the nutraceutical-based blood pressure supplements come in handy. These products combine all critical nutrients your heart craves, thereby assisting the better function of your cardiovascular system.

Generally, these supplements are a concoction of herbs, plant-based products, dairy products, and some animal products. They are 100% organic and natural and don’t contain any harmful chemicals.

If you are hearing about these segments of products for the first time, to start with, you may blindly go for Blood Pressure Support from Vita Balance Inc, Blood Pressure Optimizer from HFL, or Corsanum, marketed by PLT Group.

The only one thing to keep in mind is that choose the best supplement that promote healthy blood pressure, because when it comes to the heart, there is no taking of risk!

Low Blood Pressure or hypotension is not a problem to be made light of. If done so, it will only lead to more complications shortly. Rather than disregarding this problem, consulting with a professional physiotherapist will do you no harm.

Together, you can come up with the best solutions for you, especially when your blood pressure reading is 102/56.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. What is the blood pressure, and what are the normal values?

Blood pressure is the pressure that is exerted by the blood flowing through arteries over those. Alongside that, this is the efficiency with which the blood is pumped by the heart to all the parts of the body through the circulatory system.

The normal values for blood pressure are between [90/60] and [120/80]. If a person has a blood pressure equivalent to this much, then it means that the blood will be flowing through the arteries relatively easily.

2. What is considered to be high blood pressure?

Blood pressure over the value of [130/80] is considered high blood pressure. This signifies that high pressure is being exerted by the blood flowing through the vessels over those.

And therefore, it is difficult for the human heart to be able to pump blood to all the parts of the body rather efficiently. This is a problem that can arise when the size of the vessels is contracted compared to the original size.

3. What is considered to be low blood pressure?

A blood pressure lesser than the value of [90/60] is termed low blood pressure. This type of value means that low pressure is put forward by the blood over the vessels that are carrying it. It can also be taken as a measure that, the blood is not able to reach all the parts of the body.

Or, the heart is not capable of circulating blood to all the parts of the body in an effective way. This problem in blood pressure is mainly the effect of dehydration and pregnancy.

4. What are hypertension and hypotension? Are they both the same as high and low blood pressure?

Hypertension is the condition that emerges when a person is having high blood pressure. Because of contraction in vessels, the blood can not flow through the vessels efficiently, and therefore, high pressure is exerted over the blood vessels, this particular condition is high blood pressure, also referred to as hypertension.

Hypotension is the condition that comes into effect when the blood pressure of a person is lower compared to the ideal value of blood pressure. This means that the heart is unable to pump blood through the blood vessels to all the body parts. This type of situation when observed is called low blood pressure, or hypotension.

5. What will happen to your general health when you have high blood pressure?

High blood pressure puts you at an imminent risk of arteries rupture because of the high pressure applied over those by the circulating blood. This can, in turn, affect the circulation of blood to all the parts of the body, and your heart itself. And, the latter part can lead you to some serious heart diseases. The high pressure applied over the heart walls can put you close to the risk of heart attack and heart failure.

6. What causes high blood pressure and low blood pressure?

The medical conditions of high blood pressure and low blood pressure are both effects of the lifestyle that we lead. This means that if we adapt to a lifestyle that is in line with our body and overall physical fitness, then we will have ideal blood pressure.

But, if our lifestyle is deviated from what we had started, some medical conditions can arise. High blood pressure and low blood pressure are some of those problems.

7. What are the risks of having high blood pressure?

The most serious risk that is faced by an individual that is suffering from high blood pressure is the risk of heart attack, heart failure, or some chronic disease related to the heart.

Moreover, there are also the additional risks of strokes, vision loss, diabetes, kidney failure, unresponsiveness to external stimuli, chronic chest pain, artery damage, and vascular dementia.

8. What can I do to lower my blood pressure?

To lower your blood pressure, the foremost step should be to limit the intake of sodium salts. Then, it will be good for you to opt for a healthy lifestyle; eat healthy meals and exercise daily. Try to maintain your weight to healthy proportions. Limit the intake of alcohol and caffeine-related beverages, and quit smoking.

Also, you need to have an adequate amount of rest every day and keep your stress and anxiety in proper check. If you continue to face high blood pressure problems even after making these changes in your lifestyle, it will be good for you to consult with a physiotherapist to discuss your blood pressure medications.

9. What are the risks of having low blood pressure?

The harmful effects that are associated with low blood pressure are not as prominent as what is associated with high blood pressure, but they can serve to be just as much harmful in the long run. Low blood pressure can lead to lightheadedness, dizziness, and confusion for a prolonged period.

This is a condition that can make you weak physically as well as mentally. Low blood pressure leads to a depletion in the effectiveness of motor senses, and the subject is likely to faint from time to time. This condition can also lead to blurred vision and can damage peripheral nerves over a long time.

10. What can I do to increase my blood pressure?

Increase the usage of table salts in your diet, and drink plenty of water. Limit your intake of alcohol as it is a dehydrating agent. Increase your diet by taking small meals multiple times with low carbs. Exercise daily and try to take up a lifestyle that will be good for your health and physical well-being.

Try to maintain a body weight that will be good as per your physical stature and age. Avoid changing positions abruptly, and wear compression stockings to improve blood flow in the legs. Also, consult a physiotherapist regarding your medications for low blood pressure.

11. Can smoking and alcohol affect my blood pressure?

Smoking and alcohol have an active impact on the blood pressure levels of an individual. These can lead to an effective change in the size of arteries that carry blood to all the parts of the body.

Heavy intake of alcohol can increase blood pressure in individuals to a significantly high level and this can even lead to long-term blood pressure issues in the individual. On the other hand, smoking is as bad as it can be. It leads to the contraction of blood vessels, which increases the pressure of blood over the heart walls. This puts you at risk of heart disease.

12. How to correctly check my blood pressure at home?

If you want to check your blood pressure at home, you can use portable blood pressure monitors to do so. These are highly adaptable and can help provide you with your blood pressure levels closest to accurate.

But if you are seeking precision in the readings, then it will be good if you were to follow certain measures. For once, avoid intake of caffeine and alcohol before taking the reading. And, have a proper rest of nearly 10 minutes before measuring your blood pressure.

13. Why is it important to visit a doctor to confirm high/low blood pressure?

It is important to visit a doctor regarding blood pressure for the sake of the precision of the outcome or the result of the readings. Moreover, in a proper medical facility and care of professionals, you will be able to get guidance about how to keep your blood pressure in check if it is not per your ideal blood pressure.

Also, you can get a consultation regarding the changes that you will need to make in your lifestyle to bring your blood pressure back in check.

14. Should you be worried about high blood pressure during pregnancy?

High blood pressure during the latter half of the pregnancy is not that rare of an occurrence. However, it is not something to make light of either. If not treated properly, or significant steps are not taken regarding it, this high blood pressure may pose danger to the health of the parent as well as the baby.

This type of high blood pressure or hypertension is called gestational hypertension, and it is not long-lasting. It goes away after the delivery of the baby.

15. What are some of the symptoms to watch out for in high blood pressure?

The symptoms of high blood pressure are not something that can be ignored readily. These symptoms include severe headache, anxiety attacks, shortness of breath, nosebleeds, blood spots in the eyes, intense fatigue, blurred or distorted vision, and vomiting or nausea. These symptoms are not something to be taken lightly.

High blood pressure is not an incurable problem, but measures are needed to be taken against it in the due time. So, don’t make light of the symptoms and consult a physiotherapist regarding these.

16. What foods should you eat to lower blood pressure?

To lower blood pressure eat a diet that is rich in minerals like calcium, magnesium and potassium.

Besides this, it is good to take short meals that are low in curbs. Instead of deep-fried products, it will be good if you were to incline towards a diet that is mainly consisting of vegetables like spinach, broccoli, and other leafy green vegetables.

Consume lots of low-fat poultry and dairy products. These will help enable a healthy diet for you and help you lean towards a healthy lifestyle.

17. What are the best herbs and spices for high blood pressure?

Many known herbs and spices are proven to have a significant effect on high blood pressure. Significantly, basil, parsley, Chinese cat’s claw, celery seeds, Brahmi, thyme, garlic, and ginger are the herbs that are most commonly made use of by people that are suffering from high blood pressure. Along with these, cardamom, cloves, ajwain, green oat, and flaxseeds are the spices that help manage high blood pressure.

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102/56 blood pressure – is it good or bad?

Home > Resources > Blood pressure lookup > 102/56

Maintaining a healthy blood pressure throughout your life is one of the most important things you can do for long-term health and longevity. Whether you’re looking up a blood pressure of 102/56 for yourself or a loved one or simply out of your own curiosity, you’re taking the right steps by being informed and empowering yourself or someone else to be their own best advocate.

According to the American Heart Association, a blood pressure reading of 102/56 would be considered
hypotension, or low blood pressure. Low blood pressure, or hypotension, is defined by a systolic reading (the top number) of less than 90 or a diastolic reading (the bottom number) of less than 60. Low blood pressure generally isn’t considered an issue unless it causes symptoms (such as dizziness, light-headedness, or fainting) or unless it drops suddenly.

Okay, now you know how to classify a blood pressure of 102/56, but now what do you do with that information? Read on to learn more or look up another blood pressure reading.

What is a good blood pressure reading?

According to the American Heart Association, a normal blood pressure reading is lower than 120/80. While there is no specific number for low blood pressure, most experts say blood pressure is too low when it causes symptoms or drops suddenly. In general, though, low blood pressure can be considered anything under 90/60.

How do you measure blood pressure?

In a doctor’s office, blood pressure is traditionally taken manually by a doctor or nurse with a sphygmomanometer. A sphygmomanometer is a medical instrument with an inflatable cuff and pressure meter or dial. The sphygmomanometer is placed snugly around the upper arm and is inflated by hand, and the doctor or nurse listens to the brachial artery with a stethoscope as they gradually reduce the pressure of the cuff. When the whooshing sound of blood is first heard through the stethoscope, the doctor or nurse makes note of the reading on the pressure meter. This indicates the systolic blood pressure reading. When the sound disappears, the reading on the pressure meter indicates the diastolic pressure reading.

Blood pressure can also be taken at home using a number of a digital devices. They typically consist of an inflatable cuff and digital display and simply work by placing the cuff around the upper arm and pressing a button, after which the cuff inflatess, deflates, and displays a reading. The most popular blood pressure machines for home use are made by Omron, Beurer, and Paramed, amongst many others.

One thing to keep in mind is that blood pressure can vary by time of day and activity level, so if you’re taking it at home it’s important to check it around the same time each day and rest for a few minutes ahead of time to limit as many variables as possible. It can also be affected by eating.

Blood pressure tends to rise in the hours before waking and then drop in the afternoon and evening before dropping to its lowest point while sleeping, so one popular recommendation is to check it just after waking up and just before bed to identify trends in how it varies from morning until night. Because of this, you might find that if your blood pressure is 102/56 in the morning, it might be lower before bed, and vice versa. Of course, these are just general rules of thumb and may vary by the individual.

Relevant HSA expenses

If you have an HSA as part of your health insurance plan, you’ll be pleased to find that blood pressure monitors, blood pressure cuffs, and wrist blood pressure monitors are all eligible, including smart blood pressure monitors like the offerings from Qardio and Withings.

How the heck do you pronounce sphygmomanometer?

Sphygmomanometer is pronounced sfig-moh-muh-‘nah-mi-ter. Easy!

Explore blood pressure readings similar to 102/56

The following table shows related blood pressure readings because sometimes just one number can make all the difference.

Please note that if a field is blank, it’s not an accident—it simply means a record doesn’t exist for that particular blood pressure. This could be because going forward or backward would create a blood pressure reading that wouldn’t make sense, or because that blood pressure simply doesn’t exist in our records.

← Prev systolic num	Next systolic num →
101/56 blood pressure	103/56 blood pressure

← Prev diastolic num	Next diastolic num →
102/55 blood pressure	102/57 blood pressure

Sources

Understanding blood pressure readings – American Heart Association
High blood pressure – Mayo Clinic
Get the most out of home blood pressure monitoring – Mayo Clinic
Blood pressure – Wikipedia
How to pronounce sphygmomanometer – Dictionary. com

Disclaimer

The information on this page is intended to be an educational reference and is not to be taken as medical advice. If you think you’re having a hypertensive or hypotensive emergency, or if you’re having any kind of medical emergency, please call 911 immediately.

Hypotension/hypertension in children – health articles

11/10/2022

The problem of arterial hypotension (low blood pressure) in children has become more common than before. Evidence suggests that hypotonic conditions are even more common in children than in adults. Unfortunately, this problem also applies to newborns.

For a child, blood pressure is considered low, the upper limit of which is no more than 100, and the lower limit is no more than 60. The risk group is schoolchildren, among whom girls are more susceptible to this condition.

But the pressure in children can be not only low, but also high. In this case, it is customary to speak of hypertension. Arterial hypertension, hypertension in children – a persistent increase in blood pressure above the 95th centile of the scale for the distribution of blood pressure values for a particular age, sex, weight and body length of the child. Normal blood pressure is considered to be the values of systolic and diastolic blood pressure that do not go beyond the 10th and 90th centiles.

Causes

It is not always possible to find pathological causes of persistent low blood pressure. This usually happens with primary hypotension, which, however, has its own causes:

asthenic constitution;
puberty;
hereditary predisposition;
problems during pregnancy and childbirth;
features in the character of the child, for example, a tendency to depression;
overwork;
stress.

Secondary hypertension has causes that are associated with diseases of internal organs and systems: kidney disease, pneumonia, cardiovascular disease, adrenal disease, etc. Also, this form of hypotension can develop due to the intake of certain drugs, especially when you consider that the child’s body is most sensitive to drugs.

But a child’s blood pressure may rise for various reasons. This may depend on hereditary, external factors, specific age. If a pregnant woman smokes during pregnancy, the risk that the nursing baby will have health problems increases.

Diseases of the endocrine system also cause hypertension. Children with VVD are considered potential hypertensive patients.

An overdose of some nasal drops leads to vasoconstriction not only of the nose, but even of the arteries. Because of this, the pressure rises.

It is noted that high blood pressure is often inherent in those children who are obese or overweight.

Unhealthy diet, low physical activity, sedentary lifestyle, stress, workload at school. All of these can cause health problems.

Symptoms

If hypotension is manifested in a newborn, then the parents do not have any special problems, because it is difficult to determine from his condition that there are health problems. This is explained by the fact that the child sleeps a lot, rarely cries, is in constant calm.

Children with reduced muscle tone, legs and arms can extend more than 180 degrees at the joints. In addition, the following symptoms are observed: a delay in the rate of motor development and a violation of swallowing and sucking.

There may also be dizziness, fainting, nosebleeds, emotional lability, decreased performance, joint and muscle pain, sudden deterioration in well-being, headache.

If the pressure rises slightly, the child may feel well. Although the child can quickly get tired, irritated. But if the pressure rises strongly, the child will always feel bad. Among his complaints are the following: headache, dizziness, pain in the heart, palpitations, memory impairment.

If a hypertensive crisis occurs. There may be symptoms such as a sharp headache, nausea, blurred vision, convulsions, impaired consciousness, and others.

Diagnosis

First of all, blood pressure measurements are required to make a diagnosis. This is usually done in a sitting position in the first half. The measurement takes place three times, the interval between these is three minutes. Also, it is not done immediately after mental or physical exertion, but after an hour has passed.

In addition, the following diagnostic methods are used: ECG, ECHO-kg, ABPM, study of autonomic homeostasis, EEG registration, psychological testing, clinical and biochemical blood tests, consultation of the necessary specialists in order to exclude secondary arterial hypotension.

To confirm the diagnosis of arterial hypertension, daily monitoring and tests with different types of loads are used.

In the course of the study, it is important to identify the cause of the increase in pressure if hypertension is secondary. This is what helps the doctor prescribe effective treatment. If the cause of hypertension is not eliminated, therapeutic measures will not give the desired effect, the result will be temporary.

Treatment

Treatment may be drug or non-drug. If arterial hypotension occurs in a labile form, then preference is given to the second type of treatment, which includes several methods.

It is necessary to normalize the daily routine, which includes the correct combination of study and rest for the child. It is important to take timely breaks. This also includes quality sleep at night, as well as daytime rest.

Don’t forget your daily walks. On the day in the fresh air, the child should be about two hours.

Meals should be taken four to six times a day. At the same time, there should be a sufficient amount of salt in the food. It is important that the products contain a sufficient amount of useful substances and trace elements, which are very important for the child’s body. It is important to maintain optimal water regime.

Massage has a good effect. Recommended area: hands, collar area and calf muscles.

If these methods are not sufficient, or if the child’s hypotension has progressed to a more serious method, the doctor will prescribe the necessary medications.

Treatment of hypertension depends on many factors. If arterial hypertension in children and adolescents is accompanied by a slight increase in pressure, non-drug therapy is used.

If the child is overweight, it is necessary to reduce the body weight. This is achieved by increasing physical activity and normalizing nutrition.

If the school sets a lot of homework, it is necessary to make sure that this does not affect the health and condition of the student.

If lifestyle changes do not lower blood pressure or if blood pressure is high, drug treatment is given. Antihypertensive therapy is also prescribed for those children who suffer from diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney diseases. Most of the drugs that are prescribed for adults are also used for younger patients. But doses and drugs are always selected individually.

What to do if the blood pressure has dropped sharply – advises cardiologist Korenevich

Lifestyle

When blood pressure drops to 90/60 and below, it is not always necessary to do something. Help is needed only if the state of health worsens.

March 6, 2022

Source:: Getty Images

According to cardiologist Anna Korenevich, there are people who live with blood pressure of 90/60 and do not feel anything particularly bad – this is the norm for them. If you usually have 120/90 or slightly elevated pressure, which suddenly dropped sharply, help is needed, but not always.

– If your blood pressure has dropped to 90/60 and you feel good, you don’t need to do anything else. This is not dangerous blood pressure. (…) If you don’t feel very well with this pressure, dizziness, sweating, weakness, perhaps even nausea, then you should pay attention to this situation,” Anna Korenevich told the subscribers of her YouTube channel.

As the doctor noted, there are no pills to increase blood pressure. And self-help in such situations consists in very simple actions. So what can be done.

The very first thing is to lie down so that the legs are slightly higher than the head. You can, for example, put a pillow under your feet.
Drink liquid – water, tea, young people can also drink coffee. According to the cardiologist, additional drinking should not be given to those who already suffer from edema and shortness of breath – with heart failure, severe heart defects, after a heart attack.
Eat something salty to retain fluid in the body – a piece of pickled cucumber or herring.
Get plenty of rest.