What does a blood pressure reading of 111/57 indicate. How can low blood pressure affect your health. What are the symptoms and causes of hypotension. How to manage and treat low blood pressure effectively.

Decoding Blood Pressure: What Does 111/57 Mean?

A blood pressure reading of 111/57 mmHg is considered low blood pressure, also known as hypotension. This occurs when blood pressure falls below the normal range of 90/60 mmHg to 120/80 mmHg. The top number (111) represents systolic pressure, while the bottom number (57) indicates diastolic pressure.

Is 111/57 dangerously low? While it’s below the ideal range, it may not necessarily be an immediate health crisis for everyone. However, if accompanied by symptoms, it warrants medical attention.

Understanding Blood Pressure Numbers

• Systolic pressure (111): The force exerted when the heart pumps blood
• Diastolic pressure (57): The pressure in blood vessels when the heart rests between beats

Hypotension: Causes and Risk Factors

Low blood pressure can result from various factors. Identifying the underlying cause is crucial for effective management. Common causes include:

• Dehydration
• Heart problems
• Endocrine disorders
• Pregnancy
• Severe infections or allergic reactions
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Certain medications

Are certain individuals more prone to hypotension? Yes, factors such as age, pre-existing medical conditions, and medications can increase the risk of developing low blood pressure.

Recognizing Symptoms of Low Blood Pressure

While some people with low blood pressure may be asymptomatic, others might experience various symptoms. It’s essential to recognize these signs:

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

Can low blood pressure be dangerous? In severe cases, hypotension can lead to shock, a life-threatening condition where organs don’t receive enough blood flow.

Diagnosing Low Blood Pressure: Beyond the Numbers

While a blood pressure reading of 111/57 indicates hypotension, it’s crucial to confirm this with proper medical assessment. Here’s why professional diagnosis is important:

1. Home readings may be inaccurate due to device errors or improper technique
2. White coat hypertension can cause elevated readings in clinical settings
3. Masked hypertension may show lower readings in clinics but higher at home
4. Consistency in readings over time is more indicative than a single measurement

How long should blood pressure be monitored for an accurate diagnosis? Typically, doctors assess blood pressure over 7-30 days to confirm a diagnosis of hypotension.

Treatment Options for Low Blood Pressure

Managing low blood pressure often involves a combination of lifestyle changes and medical interventions. The appropriate treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity of symptoms.

Lifestyle Modifications

• Increasing fluid and salt intake
• Eating smaller, more frequent meals
• Avoiding alcohol
• Wearing compression stockings
• Rising slowly from sitting or lying positions
• Regular exercise to improve circulation

Medical Treatments

In some cases, medication may be necessary to treat hypotension. Common prescriptions include:

• Fludrocortisone to increase blood volume
• Midodrine to raise standing blood pressure
• Droxidopa for neurogenic orthostatic hypotension

How effective are these treatments? While results vary, many patients see significant improvement with a combination of lifestyle changes and appropriate medication.

Nutritional Strategies to Combat Low Blood Pressure

Diet plays a crucial role in managing hypotension. Certain foods and nutrients can help raise and stabilize blood pressure:

• Salt: Moderate increase in sodium intake can boost blood pressure
• Fluids: Staying hydrated helps maintain blood volume
• Vitamin B12: Essential for healthy red blood cell production
• Folate: Supports cardiovascular health
• Iron: Prevents anemia, which can contribute to low blood pressure
• Caffeine: Can temporarily boost blood pressure

What foods should be avoided with low blood pressure? While there are no strict restrictions, it’s advisable to limit alcohol and avoid large, heavy meals that can cause blood pressure to drop temporarily.

Potential Complications of Untreated Hypotension

If left untreated, chronic low blood pressure can lead to various health issues:

• Heart problems: Reduced blood flow can strain the heart
• Brain damage: Inadequate blood supply to the brain can cause cognitive issues
• Kidney dysfunction: Low blood pressure can impair kidney function
• Falls and injuries: Dizziness and fainting increase the risk of accidents
• Shock: In severe cases, extremely low blood pressure can lead to life-threatening shock

How quickly can complications develop? The timeline varies, but chronic hypotension can lead to gradual organ damage over time if not addressed.

Living with Low Blood Pressure: Practical Tips and Strategies

Managing daily life with hypotension requires awareness and proactive measures. Here are some practical tips:

1. Monitor your blood pressure regularly
2. Keep a symptom diary to identify triggers
3. Stay hydrated, especially in hot weather or during exercise
4. Eat small, frequent meals to prevent postprandial hypotension
5. Avoid standing for long periods
6. Use caution when changing positions
7. Wear compression stockings if recommended by your doctor
8. Avoid hot showers or saunas that can lower blood pressure

Can exercise help with low blood pressure? Yes, regular physical activity can improve circulation and help regulate blood pressure, but it’s important to start slowly and consult with a healthcare provider.

When to Seek Emergency Care

While 111/57 blood pressure isn’t always an emergency, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention:

• Severe chest pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Irregular heartbeat
• Persistent, severe headache
• Seizures
• Signs of shock (cold, clammy skin, rapid breathing, blue lips)

Blood pressure management is a dynamic process that requires ongoing attention and adjustment. While a reading of 111/57 indicates low blood pressure, it’s essential to consider the broader context of an individual’s health and symptoms. Regular monitoring, lifestyle modifications, and proper medical care can help manage hypotension effectively and prevent potential complications.

Remember, everyone’s optimal blood pressure can vary slightly, and what’s considered low for one person may be normal for another. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment plans. By understanding the implications of low blood pressure and taking proactive steps to manage it, individuals can maintain their health and well-being despite challenges posed by hypotension.

Blood Pressure 111/57: What Does It Indicate?

A blood pressure of 111/57 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 111/57 blood pressure mean?
• What should you do if you have 111/57 blood pressure?
• Some easy to do home remedies and supplementations.
• Frequently asked question that will answer many of your queries regarding your 111/57 blood pressure.

The blood pressure value of 111/57 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 111/57.

If your blood is 111/57 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 111/57 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 111/57, 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 111/57.

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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When is Low Blood Pressure An Emergency?

A functional circulatory system is essential to your overall health and wellbeing.

More than 100,000 times a day, your heart pumps blood through a closed system of arteries, veins, and other blood vessels to the organs, tissues, and cells that make up your entire body.

Your blood picks up and distributes oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and other elements as it travels.

It also absorbs waste products and helps your body eliminate them. 

Blood pressure is a measurement that tells doctors how intensely your blood exerts force on the walls of your veins as your heart pumps blood through your circulatory system.

When you visit a healthcare provider, they record your blood pressure as two measurements: systolic blood pressure, the first number, and diastolic blood pressure, the second number. 

Systolic blood pressure is the amount of pressure in the arteries that your heart creates when it pumps and fills the arteries with blood.

Diastolic blood pressure is the amount of pressure in your veins when your heart is at rest.

Once doctors have both numbers, they can determine whether you have normal blood pressure, low blood pressure (hypotension), or high blood pressure (hypertension).

Blood pressure can change as you move through your day, but it can put you at risk for other serious health complications if it is chronically or excessively low or high.

Chronic low blood pressure can mean that your heart, lungs, brain, and other vital organs don’t receive enough blood to function correctly. 

If you have low blood pressure but don’t experience symptoms, your condition is not severe.

That said, for some people, low blood pressure can lead to feelings of dizziness, weakness, nausea, pale skin, vision changes, and other symptoms.

When someone experiences a sudden drop in blood pressure or has very low blood pressure, they may experience more severe symptoms like shock, low heart rate, shallow breathing, and clammy skin. 

In rare cases, low blood pressure can become a medical emergency.

If you are experiencing mental confusion, blue or pale skin, loss of consciousness, difficulty breathing, low pulse, or other severe symptoms, call 9-1-1 or go to your nearest emergency room for immediate medical attention.  

What is Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)?

Blood pressure is the measurement that tells doctors about the force of blood in your circulatory system.

Your blood pressure reading is expressed as two numbers.

The first number, your systolic pressure, indicates how much pressure your heart creates when it beats, and your veins are full of blood.

The second number, your diastolic pressure, is the amount of pressure in your veins when your heart is at rest. 

Blood pressure can change throughout the day, depending on the person, physical activity, the stress they experience, and other factors. 

For most people, blood pressure levels remain within what doctors consider a “normal” range: 90/60 mm Hg and 120/80 mm Hg.

Anything higher than 120/80 mm Hg is elevated or high blood pressure (hypertension).

Anything lower than 90/60 mm Hg is low blood pressure (hypotension).

Four major types of low blood pressure are delineated based on the causes of low blood pressure, symptoms, and other factors. They include: 

• Orthostatic hypotension or postural hypotension: People with this condition experience a sudden drop in blood pressure when they stand up too quickly. It’s common in older adults but can affect younger people who have been sitting or squatting for a long time.

• Postprandial hypotension: People (mostly older adults) with this condition have a drop in blood pressure after they eat. It most commonly affects people with Parkinson’s disease and related disorders.

• Neurally mediated hypotension: Children and young adults experience this condition after standing for a long time. 

• Severe hypotension: People with this condition experience symptoms after a sudden and significant loss of blood, heart attack, infection, or allergic reaction.

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Symptoms

Some people with chronic low blood pressure readings do not experience any symptoms.

In those cases, the condition may not require any treatment.

For others, however, low blood pressure can lead to severe symptoms or indicate an underlying problem.

Milder symptoms of low blood pressure include:

• Back pain 
• Blurry vision
• Confusion or difficulty concentrating.
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Faded vision
• Feeling faint or lightheaded
• Headache
• Rapid or jumpy heartbeats

When blood pressure gets very low, very fast, your heart, brain, and other organs may not get the blood they need to function correctly, and you can go into shock.

Patients that have gone into shock may experience: 

• Clammy, blue, cold skin
• Rapid, shallow breathing 
• Sluggishness, sleepiness, or confusion
• Weak pulse or rapid pulse

Shock is a medical emergency and, in severe cases, can be fatal.

If you or someone you know has low blood pressure and is experiencing symptoms of shock, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

Causes

Patients can have or develop low blood pressure for many reasons.

Some people have naturally lower blood pressure than others.

As long as they don’t experience symptoms, doctors consider them healthy.

Specific health issues can cause low blood pressure for some patients.

The most common causes include:

• Adrenal insufficiency
• Age-associated blood pressure regulation decline
• Alcoholism
• A history of heart attack, heart failure, arrhythmias, or other heart problems
• Diabetes
• Heat exhaustion or heat stroke
• Hypothyroidism
• Lack of fluids (dehydration) 
• Liver disease
• Low blood sugar
• Nerve damage 
• Nutritional deficiencies like a lack of iron (anemia), folic acid, and vitamin B12
• Parathyroid disease
• Parkinson’s disease
• Pregnancy
• Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)
• Severe blood loss from traumatic injury or internal bleeding 
• Severe infections (septicemia)

Some prescription medications, over-the-counter treatment options, and street drugs can also put patients at greater risk of developing low blood pressure. For example:

• Alpha-blockers and other high blood pressure medications
• Beta-blockers and other heart medications
• Erectile dysfunction medications 
• High blood pressure medications 
• Narcotics
• Tricyclic antidepressants 

When Hypotension is an Emergency

For most people, hypotension, or low blood pressure, is a condition that patients can manage with lifestyle changes and medicine.

However, in extreme cases, a patient with low blood pressure may develop severe symptoms that require immediate medical attention.

Underlying Conditions

Sometimes, low blood pressure can indicate the presence of severe conditions that are dangerous or even life-threatening.

For example, patients experiencing a heart attack or heart failure can develop low blood pressure, as can people with severe infections.

A severe allergic reaction or anaphylactic shock is one of the causes of low blood pressure.

Those who experience a loss of significant blood volume due to traumatic injury, burn, or internal bleeding can also develop symptoms of low blood pressure as a result.

If you are experiencing chest pain, rapid or shallow breathing, loss of consciousness, or seeing a blue tinge on your skin, these could be signs that you need immediate medical attention.

Call 9-1-1 or go to your nearest emergency room.

Sudden drops

Even when it’s small, a sudden drop in blood pressure can be a serious health problem.

If blood pressure drops sharply, the brain doesn’t receive enough blood to function correctly.

Even a drop of 20 mm Hg within a few minutes can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and other uncomfortable symptoms. 

Risks of low blood pressure 

Patients can experience dizziness, fainting, and falls, a dangerous complication for older adults.

In serious cases, severe drops in blood pressure can decrease the blood flow to the heart and brain so much that they damage the organ’s ability to function.

Severe hypotension has been linked to stroke, shock, and cardiovascular issues.

When to Go to the ER

Low blood pressure can be a serious, even life-threatening condition.

If you or someone you know is experiencing extreme symptoms, call 9-1-1 or go to your nearest emergency room for treatment right away. 

Emergency symptoms may include: 

• Cold, clammy, or sweaty skin 
• A bluish tint to the skin 
• Chest pain
• Rapid breathing 
• Shallow breathing 
• Vision changes 
• Confusion 
• Loss of consciousness

If you experience symptoms after taking medication or have been diagnosed with low blood pressure and are experiencing an increased frequency in even mild symptoms, call your doctor to discuss your condition and next steps.

How to Treat Hypotension

If you have low blood pressure that doesn’t cause symptoms or only occasionally causes mild lightheadedness, you may not need to treat your condition.

If you have more significant symptoms, your doctor might suggest several lifestyle and medication changes for you to use to regulate your blood pressure better and improve your overall health and wellbeing.

Lifestyle changes

There are a few changes you can make to reduce the signs and symptoms of low blood pressure. They include: 

• Eating more salt: Increasing dietary sodium may help raise your blood pressure and keep it more regulated. 

• Drinking water: Increasing your intake of fluids can increase the blood you have in your body and help raise your blood pressure.

• Avoiding alcoholic beverages: Alcohol lowers blood pressure and should be avoided by patients who struggle with symptoms. 

• Eating small meals: Enjoying smaller meals more frequently can help you avoid the extreme eating-associated changes in blood pressure that can occur with heavier meals.

• Wearing compression socks or elastic abdominal binders: Compression socks and abdominal binders are designed to maintain blood flow and reduce swelling, which can help address the root cause of postural hypotension.

• Move slowly: Changing posture positions quickly can lead to drops in blood pressure. Avoid sitting or standing up too suddenly.

Medication changes

If you have made lifestyle changes and still experience symptoms related to low blood pressure, talk to your doctor about medication changes you can make to regulate your circulatory system better. 

Medications that can help address low blood pressure include: 

• Fludrocortisone (Florinef)
• Midodrine (Orvaten)

If you have been prescribed a medication that puts you at risk for low blood pressure, or if you experience symptoms like lightheadedness or feeling faint after taking a medication, talk to your doctor about switching to a treatment option that you can better tolerate.

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When to See a Doctor

Low blood pressure can lead to health complications if left untreated.

If you suspect you have low blood pressure or are experiencing any symptoms that you think might be related to blood pressure, call your doctor to make an appointment.

If you or someone you know is experiencing severe symptoms, including difficulty breathing, chest pain, clammy or blue skin, loss of consciousness, or confusion, that may indicate a medical emergency.

Call 9-1-1 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the lowest blood pressure can be before seeking emergency medical help?

People experience low blood pressure differently. Some have low blood pressure and don’t experience symptoms, while others are more debilitated. If you have low blood pressure and begin to experience symptoms like cold, clammy, blue skin, rapid or shallow breathing, heart palpitations or chest pain, confusion, or loss of consciousness, you may need medical attention. Seek emergency care immediately.

Can low blood pressure be treated at home?

Low blood pressure can be life-threatening if left untreated. You can make specific lifestyle changes to help regulate and raise your blood pressure, but you should only use them to augment your doctor’s recommended treatment plan, not replace it.

Which is more harmful: low or high blood pressure?

If it is too high or too low, blood pressure can cause health complications. Therefore, always aim for a blood pressure reading in the normal range, between 90/60 mm Hg and 120/80 mm Hg.

K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.

K Health has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions,
and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references.

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• Low Blood Pressure. (2022). ​
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• Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension). (2021).
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• Understanding Blood Pressure Readings. (2022).
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• Blood Pressure: When Blood Pressure is Too Low. (2022).
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  https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/heart/heartfacts.html

Blood pressure – norm and pathology

from May 14 to 24 within the framework of the Year of the Heart in the MUSIC City Hospital No. G.I. Drobyshev is holding an information and practical campaign

“Learn to control your blood pressure.”

One of the most common health complaints and one of the “favorite” diseases in the elderly is high blood pressure. This pathology can explain any changes in well-being, bad mood and other troubles. Blood pressure can rise and fall several times during one day, and a person’s normal pressure is a purely individual concept.

What is blood pressure and what values ​​are considered normal?

Blood pressure is a general concept that determines the force with which blood presses on the walls of blood vessels, it is more correct to call it blood pressure, because pressure is important not only in arteries, but also in veins and capillaries. But it is possible to measure without the help of special instruments only the pressure in large vessels located on the surface of the body – in the arteries.

Blood pressure – BP – depends on how fast and force the human heart contracts, how much blood it can pump in one minute, on the properties of the blood itself and the resistance of the vessel walls.

Factors affecting the value of blood pressure:

• the ability of the heart to contract with sufficient force and ensure normal blood ejection through the vessels;
• from the rheological properties of blood – the “thicker” the blood, the more difficult it is to move through the vessels, diseases such as diabetes mellitus, increased clotting, greatly impede blood flow and can lead to problems with blood pressure, with thick blood, some doctors prescribe treatment with leeches;
• elasticity of vessel walls – blood vessels wear out over time and cannot withstand increased stress – this causes the development of hypertension in the elderly,
• atherosclerotic changes – reduce the elasticity of the walls;
• sudden constriction or dilation of blood vessels – as a result of nervous shocks or hormonal changes, a sharp narrowing or expansion of blood vessels is possible – for example, with fear, anger or other strong emotions;
• diseases of the endocrine glands.

Normal pressure is determined by a combination of a large number of parameters, and for each age, gender and for an individual, its indicators can vary greatly. For medical norms, average indicators are taken from healthy people of a certain age. It has long been proven that a pressure of 120/80 cannot and should not be considered the ideal norm for people of different ages.

To find out what normal pressure a person should have at different age periods, you can use the following table.

Adult blood pressure readings:

• Normal blood pressure is considered to be between 110/70 and 130/85 mm. rt. Art.
• Reduced normal pressure – 110\70 – 100\60;
• Low blood pressure – hypotension – below 100/60;
• Increased normal pressure – 130\85-139\89;
• High blood pressure – hypertension – more than 140\90 mm. rt. Art.

Indicators of normal blood pressure for different age periods:

• 16 – 20 years – 100\70 – 120\80 mm. rt. Art.
• 20 – 40 years – 120\70-130\80;
• 40 -60 – up to 140\90;
• over 60 years old – up to 150\90 mm. rt. Art.

From the table above, it can be seen that the greater the age of a person, the higher the normal blood pressure, this is due to age-related changes in blood vessels, in the heart muscle and in other organs. High blood pressure, as well as low blood pressure, can cause various health problems, but in order to determine whether a change in the level of pressure is to blame for feeling unwell, it is necessary to regularly measure it and keep a special diary. For this, several trips to the clinic or visits to the doctor are not enough, only daily regular pressure measurements can give the correct results.

Measurement.

The correctness of the diagnosis and prescription of treatment largely depends on the correctness of blood pressure measurements, because the doctor, prescribing medicine or prescribing treatment, largely focuses on the measurement numbers.

Today there are different ways to measure pressure:

1. The simplest and oldest – with the help of a cuff and a tonometer – here it is of great importance to correctly apply the cuff, the ability to use a tonometer and listen to heart sounds. Such a measurement requires special training and skills, but when used correctly, it gives fairly accurate and reliable results.
2. Electrotonometer – the principle of operation is the same, but the results are visible on a special display. This facilitates self-measurement of pressure and provides more accurate results. But such blood pressure monitors often break down and may show incorrect numbers.

No matter how blood pressure is measured, some general rules must be observed:0034

measurement should be carried out on both hands and it is desirable to carry out a series of measurements with an interval of 5-10 minutes.

If, after a correct measurement of blood pressure, the readings are very different from the norm, it is necessary to repeat the measurements within a few days and, if confirmed, consult a doctor.

High blood pressure.

Considered one of the most dangerous diseases of mankind, about 25% of people worldwide suffer from hypertension, and this figure continues to increase. Hypertension is an increase in blood pressure above 140/90 mm. rt. Art. The causes of hypertension can be:

• overweight,
• genetic predisposition,
• diseases of internal organs,
• lack of physical activity,
• smoking and drinking,
• excessive consumption of table salt,
• nervous strain,
• other factors.

With hypertension, the patient suffers from headaches (and here headache pills will not help), shortness of breath, pain in the heart, increased fatigue, insomnia, poor health and other symptoms. In addition, the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, brain damage, pathology of the urinary system and eye diseases increases.

The treatment of hypertension is a very complex and time-consuming process, where the outcome of the disease depends on the observance of the doctor’s recommendations. It is important to find the cause of the increase in pressure and act on it. At the same time providing symptomatic treatment. In each case, drugs, doses and their combination should be selected individually by the attending physician.

Without timely treatment or uncontrolled use of drugs, hypertension can not only severely damage health, but also cause such a life-threatening condition as a hypertensive crisis.

Hypertensive crisis.

Hypertensive crisis is a life-threatening condition caused by a sharp increase in blood pressure and damage to the nervous system and target organs. The blood pressure figures in a hypertensive crisis can vary greatly in different patients – someone normally tolerates 200\150 mm. rt. st, and someone feels bad already at 150 \ 85 mm. rt. Art. The nature of the lesions in GC depends on the organs in which the pathology was previously – if the heart hurt, myocardial infarction may occur, if it was tormented – headaches – then a stroke, and so on.

The causes of GC can be:

• psycho-emotional overstrain,
• physical activity,
• meteorological changes,
• drinking alcohol,
• rich food with high salt content,
• incorrectly selected antihypertensive drugs,
• diseases of the endocrine system and internal organs.

With the development of GC, the patient’s state of health deteriorates sharply, there is a feeling of fear, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, darkness before the eyes, swelling and flushing of the face, chills, tremor of the extremities, fainting, up to coma.

If these symptoms appear, the patient should be placed on any flat surface with a raised headboard and an ambulance should be called immediately. Before her arrival, try to provide the patient with peace, an influx of fresh air, get rid of tight clothing, if the patient has had hypertension for a long time, then most likely he is taking some kind of antihypertensive drug, in this case, you can give the patient the usual dosage before arrival.

Hypotension, low blood pressure.

For many people, especially those suffering from hypertension, it seems that lowering blood pressure may not be a problem, but in fact it is not. Constantly low blood pressure can cause no less inconvenience and cause health problems than hypertension.

The causes of this pathology can be hereditary predisposition, poor nutrition and beriberi, endocrine diseases, nervous strain, general exhaustion of the body and other problems.

A person suffering from hypotension constantly feels tired, overwhelmed, he hardly performs daily duties and is emotionally retarded. In addition, there is a decrease in memory and brain activity, poor thermoregulation, increased sweating, headaches, drowsiness, pain in the joints and muscles, and a general deterioration in well-being.

Although, unlike hypertension, hypotension does not cause serious health problems, it also needs to be treated. And only a doctor can determine the cause of hypotension and prescribe treatment, after a detailed examination. And without medical help, we can advise you to establish a regime of work and rest, eat well, not be nervous and give up bad habits.

Original article http://tibet-medicine.ru/sovrmed/normalnoe-davlenie-cheloveka

Diagnosis and treatment of blood pressure abnormalities (Sergiev Posad)

Blood pressure deviations – symptoms, causes, prevention, diagnosis and treatment in the Paracelsus clinic, Sergiev Posad

ATTENTION: You can independently make an appointment with a doctor 24 hours a day in the Mobile application “Paracelsus Clinic”

Online consultations of doctors are available (more than 18 specialties).

Blood pressure is the pressure of blood on the walls of blood vessels. The value of blood pressure is associated with the work of the heart and the elasticity of the arteries. Thanks to blood pressure, blood is carried throughout the body and performs its functions. Blood pressure has a great impact on health and well-being, so monitoring it is vital.

Paracelsus Medical Center has a team of professional doctors. Neurologists, internists, endocrinologists, cardiologists, optometrists, nephrologists – they can all help in the diagnosis and treatment of blood pressure abnormalities.

Blood pressure norm

Normal blood pressure is in the range from 110 to 70 to 130 to 85 mm Hg. These indicators largely depend on the individual characteristics of the organism, age, gender, living conditions and even the time of day. Everyone needs regular blood pressure monitoring. Measurement of blood pressure is carried out with a special device – a tonometer. The tonometer determines 2 pressure indicators:

• Systolic blood pressure is the blood pressure at the moment of maximum contraction of the heart (normal 110-130).
• Diastolic blood pressure is the blood pressure at the moment of maximum relaxation of the heart (normal 70-85).

High blood pressure

Increased blood pressure is recorded if the heart ejects a large volume of blood into the arteries or the tension of the vascular walls increases. Hypertension is called an increase in pressure above 140/90 mm Hg.

The cause of hypertension can be:

• stress;
• atherosclerosis;
• overweight;
• heredity;
• bad habits;
• reduced locomotor activity;
• increased salt content in the body.

A common cause of high blood pressure is the pathology of the kidneys, nervous, endocrine and cardiovascular systems.

You can suspect hypertension by the following symptoms:

• nausea;
• labored breathing;
• darkening before eyes;
• swelling of the legs in the morning and evening;
• feeling of a beating pulse in the ears;
• flashing “flies” before the eyes;
• pain in the region of the heart;
• headache in the temporal region, occiput.

Low blood pressure

Low blood pressure is characterized by indicators of 100/60-110/70 mm Hg.

Hypotension can be caused by:

• anemia;
• injuries;
• infections;
• poisoning;
• osteochondrosis;
• severe blood loss;
• diseases of the heart and blood vessels;
• diseases of the endocrine system;
• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

A decrease in blood pressure can be recognized by the following symptoms:

• weakness;
• shortness of breath;
• nausea;
• fainting;
• prostration;
• sweating of the palms;
• memory disorders;
• muscle and joint pain;
• performance deterioration.

Danger of self-medication and complications

In the treatment of hypotension or hypertension, the main thing is not to waste time and prevent the development of complications.

People who suffer from hypertension are prone to strokes, coronary heart disease, and damage to the vessels of the legs. Also, hypertension can lead to a decrease in vision and disrupt the functioning of the kidneys.

Hypotension can cause ischemia, loss of vision and hearing. Pregnant women are at particular risk, because low blood pressure can cause miscarriage.

Often people “relieve” the disturbing symptoms of the disease on their own. But the consequences of treating only the symptoms of the disease are unpredictable. Treatment of hypertension and hypotension depends on the characteristics of the disease, its causes and the individual reaction of the body. Therefore, only a doctor should prescribe treatment.

Benefits of treatment and diagnosis of blood pressure abnormalities at Paracelsus Medical Center:

The key advantage is the presence of narrow-profile specialists who are deeply involved in pathologies that can affect changes in blood pressure: the cardiovascular system, the central and peripheral nervous system, the endocrine system and other systems.

The Paracelsus Medical Center practices a multidisciplinary approach to solving each medical problem, so the therapist or neurologist involves other specialists in the diagnostic and treatment program, depending on the causes of changes in blood pressure.

During the consultation, the doctor will learn in detail about the change in your state of health and will conduct a thorough examination.

In our center, there is an opportunity for each patient to undergo a wide range of diagnostic procedures to diagnose and establish the causes of changes in blood pressure:

The clinic offers a full range of functional studies of the nervous system: ultrasound examinations (ultrasound) required in neurology (ultrasound of peripheral nerves, Doppler ultrasound of the vessels of the neck and brain (USDG), electroencephalography (EEG), laboratory diagnostics, etc.

Our specialists develop an individual therapy regimen, explain how to properly control your condition, what to do if certain symptoms occur.

In the treatment of our patients, we are guided by international clinical guidelines. Our doctors work only with those methods that have proven their effectiveness. The attending physician will prescribe only registered drugs that actually work.

We care about every patient, we have:

• individual approach to each patient, friendly staff, comfortable conditions;
• expert-class equipment diagnoses pathology at the earliest stage;
• convenient working hours, seven days a week.

With care for your health, Paracelsus Medical Center

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