Blood pressure 111 50. Blood Pressure 111/50: Understanding Low Blood Pressure and Its Implications
What does a blood pressure reading of 111/50 indicate. How can low blood pressure affect your health. What are the potential causes and treatments for hypotension. How can you manage low blood pressure through lifestyle changes and medical interventions.
Decoding Blood Pressure: What Does 111/50 Mean?
A blood pressure reading of 111/50 mmHg is considered low blood pressure, also known as hypotension. This reading indicates that the systolic pressure (pressure when the heart contracts) is 111 mmHg, and the diastolic pressure (pressure when the heart relaxes) is 50 mmHg. Normal blood pressure typically ranges between 90/60 mmHg and 120/80 mmHg.
Is 111/50 a cause for concern? While it’s lower than the ideal range, the severity of hypotension depends on various factors, including age, overall health, and the presence of symptoms. Some individuals may naturally have lower blood pressure without experiencing any adverse effects.
Causes and Risk Factors of Low Blood Pressure
Understanding the underlying causes of low blood pressure is crucial for proper management. Some common factors include:
- Dehydration
- Certain medications (e.g., diuretics, beta-blockers)
- Endocrine disorders (e.g., thyroid problems, adrenal insufficiency)
- Heart problems (e.g., heart failure, bradycardia)
- Pregnancy
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)
- Prolonged bed rest
Are there specific risk factors for hypotension? Age, certain medical conditions, and medications can increase the likelihood of experiencing low blood pressure. Elderly individuals and those with diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, or autonomic nervous system disorders may be more susceptible.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Low Blood Pressure
Identifying the signs of hypotension is essential for timely intervention. Common symptoms include:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fainting (syncope)
- Blurred vision
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Confusion
- Cold, clammy skin
- Rapid, shallow breathing
- Depression
Can low blood pressure be asymptomatic? Yes, some individuals may have chronically low blood pressure without experiencing any noticeable symptoms. However, sudden drops in blood pressure can lead to more severe symptoms and require immediate medical attention.
Diagnosing and Monitoring Low Blood Pressure
Accurate diagnosis of hypotension involves more than a single blood pressure reading. Healthcare professionals typically follow these steps:
- Multiple blood pressure measurements over time
- Review of medical history and current medications
- Physical examination
- Blood tests to check for underlying conditions
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) to assess heart function
- Echocardiogram to evaluate heart structure and function
- Stress tests or tilt table tests in some cases
How often should blood pressure be monitored at home? For individuals with known hypotension, daily monitoring may be recommended. However, the frequency should be determined by a healthcare provider based on individual circumstances.
Lifestyle Modifications to Manage Low Blood Pressure
Several lifestyle changes can help manage low blood pressure and alleviate symptoms:
- Increase fluid intake, especially water
- Consume more salt (under medical supervision)
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Wear compression stockings
- Rise slowly from sitting or lying positions
- Exercise regularly to improve cardiovascular health
- Avoid prolonged standing in hot environments
Can dietary changes significantly impact blood pressure? Yes, increasing salt and fluid intake can help raise blood pressure in many cases. However, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes, especially for individuals with other health conditions.
Nutritional Strategies for Hypotension
Certain foods and nutrients can be beneficial for managing low blood pressure:
- Foods high in vitamin B12 (e.g., lean meats, eggs, fortified cereals)
- Folate-rich foods (e.g., leafy greens, legumes, citrus fruits)
- Foods containing vitamin C (e.g., berries, bell peppers, citrus fruits)
- Salty snacks (in moderation and under medical supervision)
- Caffeine-containing beverages (in moderation)
- Licorice tea (consult a healthcare provider before regular consumption)
Are there any specific foods to avoid with low blood pressure? While there aren’t many foods that directly lower blood pressure, it’s important to avoid excessive alcohol consumption and large, heavy meals that can cause blood to pool in the digestive system.
Medical Interventions for Low Blood Pressure
When lifestyle modifications are insufficient, medical treatments may be necessary. These can include:
- Fludrocortisone to increase blood volume
- Midodrine to raise standing blood pressure
- Droxidopa for neurogenic orthostatic hypotension
- Pyridostigmine in some cases of neurally mediated hypotension
- Intravenous fluids for severe cases
How do these medications work? Fludrocortisone helps retain sodium and increase blood volume, while midodrine constricts blood vessels to raise blood pressure. Droxidopa is converted to norepinephrine in the body, helping to regulate blood pressure.
Alternative and Complementary Therapies
Some individuals may find relief through alternative approaches, although scientific evidence varies:
- Acupuncture
- Herbal supplements (e.g., licorice root, under medical supervision)
- Biofeedback techniques
- Yoga and meditation for stress reduction
Are these alternative therapies safe for everyone? It’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before trying any alternative treatments, as they may interact with medications or be contraindicated for certain health conditions.
Potential Complications of Untreated Hypotension
While many cases of low blood pressure are benign, chronic or severe hypotension can lead to complications:
- Falls and injuries due to fainting
- Cognitive impairment in older adults
- Cardiovascular problems
- Kidney dysfunction
- Shock in severe cases
Can low blood pressure cause long-term organ damage? Prolonged, severe hypotension can potentially lead to inadequate blood flow to vital organs, causing damage over time. This underscores the importance of proper management and medical supervision.
Special Considerations for Different Age Groups
Low blood pressure can affect individuals differently across various age groups:
Children and Adolescents
Low blood pressure in younger individuals is often benign and may not require treatment. However, sudden drops in blood pressure or symptomatic hypotension should be evaluated by a pediatrician.
Adults
For adults, the threshold for diagnosing hypotension is typically below 90/60 mmHg. Treatment focuses on addressing underlying causes and managing symptoms.
Elderly
Older adults are more susceptible to orthostatic hypotension (a sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing). This can increase the risk of falls and requires careful management.
How does age affect blood pressure regulation? As we age, our bodies may become less efficient at regulating blood pressure due to changes in blood vessel elasticity and autonomic nervous system function. This makes older adults more vulnerable to both high and low blood pressure.
Prevention Strategies for Maintaining Healthy Blood Pressure
While some causes of low blood pressure are unavoidable, several preventive measures can help maintain healthy blood pressure levels:
- Stay well-hydrated, especially in hot weather or during exercise
- Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins
- Engage in regular physical activity to improve cardiovascular health
- Avoid prolonged periods of standing or sitting
- Manage stress through relaxation techniques or counseling
- Monitor blood pressure regularly, especially if you have risk factors
- Follow medication regimens as prescribed by your healthcare provider
Can lifestyle changes prevent all cases of low blood pressure? While a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of hypotension, some cases may be due to underlying medical conditions or medications that require professional management.
The Role of Stress Management
Chronic stress can impact blood pressure regulation. Implementing stress-reduction techniques can be beneficial:
- Mindfulness meditation
- Deep breathing exercises
- Progressive muscle relaxation
- Regular exercise
- Adequate sleep
- Time management and prioritization
How does stress affect blood pressure? Stress can cause fluctuations in blood pressure, leading to both temporary spikes and drops. Chronic stress may contribute to long-term blood pressure dysregulation.
When to Seek Emergency Medical Attention
While many cases of low blood pressure can be managed at home or through routine medical care, certain situations require immediate medical attention:
- Severe chest pain or pressure
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Sudden, severe headache
- Fainting or loss of consciousness
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Severe abdominal pain
- Signs of shock (e.g., cold, clammy skin, confusion, weak pulse)
What should you do if you experience these symptoms? If you or someone around you experiences these severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately. Do not attempt to drive yourself to the hospital if you’re experiencing these symptoms.
First Aid for Low Blood Pressure Episodes
In case of a sudden drop in blood pressure, these first aid measures may help:
- Lie down flat on your back and elevate your feet slightly
- Drink water or a sports drink if you’re able to swallow safely
- Consume a salty snack if available
- Avoid standing up quickly
- Loosen any tight clothing
Can these measures prevent fainting? While these steps can help in mild cases, they may not be sufficient for severe hypotension. Always seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen.
Future Directions in Hypotension Research and Treatment
The field of hypotension management is continuously evolving. Some areas of ongoing research and development include:
- Novel pharmacological treatments with fewer side effects
- Wearable devices for continuous blood pressure monitoring
- Personalized medicine approaches based on genetic factors
- Advanced diagnostic tools for identifying underlying causes
- Innovative non-pharmacological interventions
How might future treatments improve hypotension management? Advancements in technology and personalized medicine may lead to more targeted, effective treatments with fewer side effects, improving quality of life for individuals with chronic low blood pressure.
The Promise of Telemedicine
Telemedicine is playing an increasingly important role in blood pressure management:
- Remote monitoring of blood pressure readings
- Virtual consultations with healthcare providers
- Smartphone apps for tracking symptoms and medication adherence
- Online support groups and educational resources
Can telemedicine completely replace in-person care for hypotension? While telemedicine offers many benefits, it’s best used in combination with periodic in-person evaluations, especially for initial diagnosis and management of complex cases.
Blood Pressure 111/50: What Does It Indicate?
A blood pressure of 111/50 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 111/50 blood pressure mean?
- What should you do if you have 111/50 blood pressure?
- Some easy to do home remedies and supplementations.
- Frequently asked question that will answer many of your queries regarding your 111/50 blood pressure.
The blood pressure value of 111/50 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 111/50.
If your blood is 111/50 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 111/50 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 111/50, 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 111/50.
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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Low diastolic blood pressure: Symptoms, causes, and more
Low diastolic blood pressure is when blood pressure between heartbeats is lower than usual.
Ways of managing it will be the same as for managing low blood pressure overall. Drinking more water and doing some exercise are two tips that may help.
This article will take a closer look at low diastolic blood pressure, including its causes, symptoms, and treatments.
We will also discuss how a doctor diagnoses the condition.
Finally, the article addresses the outlook for people with low diastolic blood pressure.
Blood pressure readings use two numbers that doctors record in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). The numbers measure systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure.
Systolic blood pressure is the top number and is the higher of the two. It measures how much pressure the blood applies to the artery walls when the heart beats.
Diastolic blood pressure is the lower number, which shows the pressure the blood applies to the artery walls when the heart rests between beats.
A blood pressure reading will show the systolic blood pressure number first and diastolic blood pressure second.
A doctor will assess a person’s blood pressure by considering both numbers.
In most adults, a healthy reading is usually less than 120/80 mm Hg. Low blood pressure, or hypotension, is blood pressure that is below 90/60 mm Hg.
Low diastolic blood pressure, or isolated diastolic blood pressure, is when the diastolic blood pressure falls below 60 mm Hg while the systolic blood pressure remains at a normal level.
When the heart rests between beats, the coronary arteries receive and supply the heart with oxygen-rich blood. If the diastolic pressure is too low, the heart will not get the blood and oxygen it needs. This may cause the heart to weaken over time.
Learn more about understanding blood pressure readings here.
A person who has low diastolic blood pressure may feel dizzy and tired. They may also fall more often. This can be particularly dangerous in older adults.
Usually, low blood pressure will not cause any issues. Within certain limits, it can be healthy to have low blood pressure.
Low blood pressure becomes a problem when other symptoms are present, such as:
- feeling lightheaded
- fainting
- nausea
- dehydration
- confusion
- feeling weak
- blurry vision
- cold, clammy, pale skin
- rapid, shallow breathing
- depression
- palpitations
- headache
Symptoms may subside when sitting down or resting. If blood pressure drops too low, the body’s vital organs will not get enough nutrients and oxygen to function correctly. This could lead to the body going into shock. If this happens, a person should immediately seek medical attention.
Aging can increase the risk of low diastolic blood pressure. Other risk factors include taking certain medications, such as antidepressants, diuretics, or drugs to treat erectile dysfunction.
Older people who take medications for high blood pressure are at higher risk of experiencing lower diastolic blood pressure.
Some people naturally have lower blood pressure, which causes them no health problems.
Other people may experience a drop in blood pressure due to an issue with their health. These issues can include:
- diabetes
- heart problems
- Parkinson’s disease
- severe infection
- anemia
- allergic reaction
Some people may also experience neurally mediated hypotension, where blood pressure drops after they have been standing for long periods.
Low blood pressure can also be due to:
- pregnancy
- prolonged bed rest
- bleeding
- dehydration
- alcohol
Moving from lying down to standing up can lead to a dip in blood pressure. This may only last for a few seconds.
A dip in blood pressure can also happen to some people after they eat a meal. According to the Journal of Geriatric Cardiology, this mostly occurs in older adults, those with high blood pressure, or people with Parkinson’s disease.
There are numerous treatment options that can help improve low diastolic blood pressure, such as:
- speaking with a doctor about changing certain medications
- wearing compression stockings, which improve circulation
- drinking water to increase blood volume and prevent dehydration
- eating more salty foods or drinking more caffeine to temporarily increase blood pressure
Doctors may prescribe drugs, such as fludrocortisone and midodrine, to treat certain kinds of low blood pressure.
However, there are currently no medicines available to treat low diastolic blood pressure.
To determine if a person has low diastolic blood pressure, a doctor will use a sphygmomanometer, a device that straps around the person’s arm, to take a blood pressure reading. A doctor will consider a diastolic reading below 60 mm Hg to be too low.
A doctor can carry out further tests to identify the cause of a person’s low blood pressure, including:
- blood or urine tests
- an electrocardiogram to read the heart’s electrical signals in order to detect the rhythm and any abnormalities
- an echocardiogram to show detailed images of the heart
- a stress test, where a person undergoes heart monitoring while exercising
If the person finds that they faint often, the doctor may use a tilt table test. They use straps to secure the person to the table as it is tilted at different angles to see how the body reacts.
Given that age can be a significant cause of low diastolic blood pressure, it is not always possible for a person to prevent it.
However, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and exercising regularly can help keep blood pressure levels stable, as well as help keep the heart healthy.
There are several lifestyle changes that someone with low diastolic blood pressure can make to manage their condition:
- stopping smoking
- lowering alcohol consumption
- eating smaller meals
- drinking more water
- exercising
- not sitting or standing still for long periods
- getting up slowly when sitting or lying down
In general, low blood pressure will not cause additional health issues. However, it can increase the risk of falls, which is particularly dangerous for older adults.
People with low diastolic blood pressure may also have an increased risk of heart failure, so people must manage it as well as possible.
Symptoms of heart failure include:
- shortness of breath
- persistent cough
- swelling in the lower body
- tiredness
- nausea
- confusion
- palpitations
Anyone experiencing more than one of these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.
Diastolic blood pressure measures the pressure that blood applies to artery walls between heartbeats. When diastolic blood pressure is low, the heart receives less oxygen-rich blood between beats.
Changes in diet, exercise, and lifestyle can all help increase diastolic blood pressure.
People with low diastolic blood pressure should visit their doctor regularly. This is to ensure that the doctor quickly finds any new issues that the low blood pressure is causing.
why it occurs and how to help
- What pressure is normal?
- Why can the pulse quicken at low blood pressure?
- Symptoms
- How to help a person with hypotension due to diabetes, anaphylaxis and bleeding?
- Help with hypotension and tachycardia in other cases
- What should not be done for hypotension?
- Preventive measures
Image by prostooleh on Freepik
People prone to low blood pressure (hypotension, hypotension) often face a problem such as tachycardia.
It is characterized by an acceleration of the pulse: the heartbeat becomes too frequent, reaches 90 beats per minute or higher at rest. What is the reason for this phenomenon, and how to deal with it?
In a healthy person, the heartbeat quickens during physical exertion and strong emotions. This is a physiological norm and does not harm health.
Too frequent resting pulse is a sign of a health disorder that may indicate heart disease and other pathologies.
With hypotension, vascular tone decreases, which leads to a slowdown in blood flow and stagnation of blood in the arteries. Organs and tissues, including the heart and brain, suffer from a lack of oxygen. The acceleration of the heart rate at low pressure is a physiologically determined compensation mechanism. The pulse quickens as the body seeks to compensate for the lack of oxygen and stagnation of blood in the arteries due to the more intense work of the heart.
This negatively affects the state of the cardiovascular system.
With chronic arterial hypotension, the heart is forced to work for wear and tear in order to maintain a normal blood supply to organs and tissues. This increases the load on the heart muscle and leads to undesirable consequences.
What pressure is normal?
Hypotension is a condition in which blood pressure (BP) drops below normal. The following indicators are considered normal:
- 100-139 mmHg for systolic blood pressure, which is formed in the vessels when the heart contracts;
- 60–89 mmHg for diastolic BP, which is produced when the heart relaxes.
With hypotension, only the upper or lower pressure, or both, may decrease.
What pathologies can increase the pulse rate at low pressure?
Rapid pulse with hypotension is a characteristic feature of a number of conditions and pathologies. Among them:
- adaptation to new climatic conditions when climbing mountains or changing the time zone due to changes in atmospheric pressure;
- stress, emotional upheaval;
- nutritional deficiencies with strict or poor diet;
- visiting saunas, baths, staying in a stuffy room;
- severe blood loss due to trauma or complications after surgery;
- anaphylaxis due to allergic reaction;
- thermal shock;
- dehydration due to improper drinking regime, with prolonged vomiting;
- period of pregnancy;
- vascular atherosclerosis;
- neurocirculatory dystonia and other neurological diseases;
- severe hypoglycemia;
- blood poisoning;
- taking drugs that affect blood pressure and may lead to symptomatic hypotension;
- hypothyroidism – insufficient production of hormones by the thyroid gland;
- alcohol abuse, drug use;
- diseases of the cardiovascular system.
Symptoms
In addition to palpitations, patients with tachycardia at low pressure have the following signs of pathology:
- weakness and drowsiness, decreased performance;
- dizziness, headache;
- violation of coordination of movement;
- darkening of the eyes;
- pale skin, sweating;
- feeling short of breath;
- nausea that turns into vomiting.
In severe cases, the drop in pressure leads to loss of consciousness.
How to help a person with hypotension with diabetes, anaphylaxis and bleeding?
First aid for hypotension depends on the cause of the drop in blood pressure. If this happened due to heavy bleeding or anaphylactic shock, the patient needs urgent medical attention. In the first case, doctors take measures to stop the bleeding and replenish the loss of blood.
If a patient develops anaphylactic shock against the background of an allergic reaction to an injection, an insect bite, a sharp drop in blood pressure occurs, the heart rhythm is disturbed, and laryngeal edema occurs, which leads to breathing problems.
If you suspect anaphylactic shock, you need to urgently call an ambulance. At home, it is necessary to limit the spread of the allergen. To do this, remove the sting of the insect or apply a tourniquet above the injection site. The victim must be laid on a horizontal surface with raised legs. If a person is vomiting, the head should be turned to the side. The room must be well ventilated. If the victim loses a pulse, an indirect heart massage is performed with a frequency of 60-100 clicks before the ambulance arrives.
To stop anaphylactic shock, doctors administer adrenaline and glucocorticosteroids, use antihistamine treatment.
Emergency measures are also required in the situation in which patients with diabetes may find themselves. If the blood glucose level falls below 3.3 mmol / l, a state of hypoglycemia sets in, which is characterized by weakness, a drop in blood pressure, shallow breathing, a weak pulse, and in some cases its increase, sweating.
To increase blood pressure in diabetes, it is first necessary to normalize blood glucose levels. If a person is conscious, he needs to eat or drink a drink with fast carbohydrates. Sugar or honey, glucose-based gel, sweet drink are suitable for these purposes.
It is undesirable to use chocolate, cookies or other confectionery products that contain carbohydrates and fats, as they slow down the absorption of glucose.
If the diabetic is unconscious, one should not try to pour a sweet drink or put sugar into the mouth, as the person will not be able to swallow. Food can get stuck in the throat and lead to asphyxia.
If the person is unconscious, it is permissible to rub honey or sugar syrup on the gums. To manage severe hypoglycemia, healthcare professionals use intravenous glucose injections or the drug glucagon, which releases glucose stores from the liver.
As soon as the diabetic’s blood sugar level is normalized, the pressure and pulse return to normal.
Help with hypotension and tachycardia in other cases
If the drop in blood pressure is in no way related to diabetes, an allergic reaction, or injury, the following measures should be taken:
- lay the person on a flat surface;
- Place a pillow, rolled-up blanket or other handy object under the shins to keep the victim’s legs elevated;
- in the room, open a vent or window for fresh air, turn on the air conditioner;
- if the person is wearing tight clothing, it should be removed or unbuttoned;
- in many people, a drop in pressure is accompanied by a decrease in body temperature, so the victim should be covered with a warm blanket;
- Strong sweet tea helps to quickly raise the pressure in case of hypotension.
When providing assistance, you need to regularly measure pressure indicators. If, despite the measures taken, a person becomes worse, it is necessary to call an ambulance or take the patient to a medical facility for examination and treatment.
What should not be done for hypotension?
If a person’s blood pressure has dropped, you should not drink alcohol, caffeine or pills to increase blood pressure, sniff ammonia, do physical exercises if the patient is conscious. Such actions exacerbate the situation and can lead to negative health consequences.
Preventive measures
To treat hypotension, it is important to identify and eliminate its cause. Normalization of blood pressure will relieve poor health and tachycardia. With a tendency to low blood pressure, it is important for the patient to consume enough fluid and salt, to provide regular physical activity in a moderate mode. Movement improves blood circulation in the vessels and helps maintain normal pressure.
With hypotension, severe stress and activities that are associated with physical and emotional overload should be avoided. For good health, it is important for hypotensive patients to get enough sleep and fully rest.
Water treatments have a positive effect: a contrast shower, hydromassage. It is important that temperature fluctuations are not too abrupt.
The pressure is usually lower at night and rises rapidly as it rises.
Anaphylaxis is a severe life-threatening allergic reaction. Often anaphylaxis is caused by food, certain medications, insect venom, or latex. Anaphylaxis can cause breathing problems, hives, itching, swelling of the throat, and a drop in blood pressure.
This is a sudden drop in blood pressure after you get up from a sitting or lying position. Usually, due to gravity in a standing position, blood accumulates in the vessels of the legs. The body adjusts by increasing blood pressure and constricting blood vessels to ensure that the brain gets enough blood. In people with orthostatic hypotension, the adjustment mechanism is impaired, so the pressure drops when you lift, leading to dizziness, lightheadedness, blurry vision, and even fainting. Orthostatic hypotension occurs for a number of reasons, including dehydration, prolonged bed rest, pregnancy, diabetes, heart disease, burns, heat, large varicose veins, and certain neurological conditions. Certain medications also cause orthostatic hypotension, especially those used to treat high blood pressure—diuretics, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and ACE inhibitors—as well as antidepressants and drugs to treat Parkinson’s disease and erectile dysfunction. Orthostatic hypotension is especially common in the elderly, with about 20% of people over 65 experiencing such symptoms.
But orthostatic hypotension can also occur in young healthy people, for example, if they sit cross-legged for a long time and then stand up abruptly or after prolonged work in a sitting position.
As a rule, it affects young people, it is believed that this is due to a violation of the interaction between the heart and the brain. When you stand for a long time, the pressure drops as blood pools in your legs. Normally, the body adapts to normalize the pressure. But in people with neurogenic hypotension, the left ventricular nerves send the wrong signal that the pressure is too high. As a result, the brain slows down the heart rate, further lowering blood pressure. This leads to more blood pooling in the legs and less blood flowing to the brain, leading to feelings of lightheadedness and fainting.