About all

Blood pressure 89 63. Low Blood Pressure Emergency: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

When does low blood pressure become an emergency. What are the symptoms of dangerously low blood pressure. How can you treat hypotension at home. What underlying conditions may cause low blood pressure.

Содержание

Understanding Hypotension: What Constitutes Low Blood Pressure?

Hypotension, or low blood pressure, occurs when a person’s blood pressure falls below the normal range. While there’s no universal cutoff point for dangerously low blood pressure, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) generally considers readings below 90/60 mm Hg to be low. However, it’s important to note that some individuals may have chronically low blood pressure without experiencing any adverse effects.

Is low blood pressure always a cause for concern? In most cases, it’s not. Many people with low blood pressure remain unaware of their condition as it often doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms. However, when hypotension begins to cause regular symptoms or drops suddenly and severely, it may require medical attention.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Low Blood Pressure

While symptoms can vary from person to person, common signs of low blood pressure include:

  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Fainting (syncope)
  • Nausea
  • Fatigue
  • Dehydration
  • Blurred vision
  • Pale, clammy skin
  • Rapid, shallow breathing
  • Depression

Should you experience any of these symptoms persistently, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional. They can help determine whether your low blood pressure requires treatment or further investigation.

When Does Low Blood Pressure Become an Emergency?

In rare instances, hypotension can lead to a life-threatening condition called shock. This occurs when blood pressure drops so low that the body’s organs don’t receive adequate blood flow. Emergency medical attention is crucial if you observe the following symptoms alongside very low blood pressure:

  • Rapid, shallow breathing
  • Very weak but rapid pulse
  • Cold, clammy skin
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Blue hue to the skin

These symptoms indicate that the body’s vital organs may be at risk due to insufficient blood supply. Prompt medical intervention is essential to prevent potential organ damage or failure.

Underlying Causes of Low Blood Pressure

Various factors and health conditions can contribute to low blood pressure. Understanding these potential causes can help in identifying and addressing the root of the problem. Some common underlying conditions include:

  1. Pregnancy
  2. Blood loss
  3. Dehydration
  4. Nutrient deficiencies
  5. Internal bleeding
  6. Certain medications
  7. Heart problems
  8. Endocrine disorders
  9. Diabetes
  10. Severe infections (e.g., septic shock)
  11. Allergic reactions leading to anaphylaxis

Extended periods of lying down can also contribute to low blood pressure. If you have any of these conditions and experience symptoms of hypotension, regular check-ups with your doctor are crucial to monitor your health and blood pressure.

Diagnosing and Monitoring Low Blood Pressure

How do healthcare professionals diagnose low blood pressure? Diagnosis typically involves measuring blood pressure using a sphygmomanometer. The American Heart Association (AHA) considers a healthy blood pressure range to be around 120/80 mm Hg. Readings consistently below 90/60 mm Hg may indicate hypotension, especially if accompanied by symptoms.

Are there specific blood pressure ranges that doctors consider concerning? While higher blood pressure ranges (such as systolic numbers over 130 or diastolic numbers over 80) are typically more worrisome, very low readings can also be problematic. However, the threshold for “too low” can vary between individuals. Some people may function normally with blood pressure that would cause symptoms in others.

Tools for Monitoring Blood Pressure

For individuals prone to low blood pressure or those managing conditions that affect blood pressure, regular monitoring can be beneficial. Home blood pressure monitors are widely available and can help track trends over time. It’s important to use these devices correctly and consistently for accurate readings.

Treatment Options for Low Blood Pressure

How is low blood pressure treated? Treatment approaches can vary depending on the underlying cause and severity of symptoms. In many cases, simple lifestyle changes and home remedies can effectively manage hypotension:

  • Increasing fluid intake to prevent dehydration
  • Modifying sitting or standing techniques to promote better blood flow
  • Making dietary changes, such as increasing salt intake (under medical supervision)
  • Wearing compression stockings to improve blood circulation in the legs

In some instances, doctors may recommend adjusting medications, particularly if current prescriptions are contributing to low blood pressure. For example, if you’re taking medication for hypertension, your doctor might need to adjust the dosage to prevent your blood pressure from dropping too low.

Medical Interventions for Severe Hypotension

In cases of severe or persistent low blood pressure, medical interventions may be necessary. These can include:

  • Intravenous fluids to quickly increase blood volume
  • Medications to raise blood pressure
  • Treatment of underlying conditions contributing to hypotension

The specific treatment plan will depend on the individual’s overall health, the cause of low blood pressure, and the severity of symptoms.

Preventing Low Blood Pressure: Lifestyle and Dietary Approaches

Can low blood pressure be prevented? While not all cases of hypotension are preventable, certain lifestyle modifications can help maintain healthy blood pressure levels:

  1. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially in hot weather or during physical activity.
  2. Eat a balanced diet: Ensure adequate intake of vitamins and minerals, particularly iron and vitamin B12.
  3. Avoid sudden position changes: Rise slowly from lying or sitting positions to prevent dizziness.
  4. Exercise regularly: Physical activity can help improve circulation and overall cardiovascular health.
  5. Limit alcohol consumption: Alcohol can lead to dehydration and may lower blood pressure.
  6. Manage stress: Chronic stress can impact blood pressure, so finding effective stress-management techniques is crucial.

For individuals with chronic low blood pressure, working closely with a healthcare provider to develop a personalized prevention plan is essential.

Special Considerations: Low Blood Pressure in Specific Populations

Certain groups may be more susceptible to low blood pressure or may require special considerations in its management:

Elderly Individuals

Older adults are more prone to orthostatic hypotension, a sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing. This can increase the risk of falls and injuries. For seniors experiencing symptoms of low blood pressure, regular check-ups and potentially medication adjustments may be necessary.

Pregnant Women

Low blood pressure is common during pregnancy, especially in the first and second trimesters. While usually not a cause for concern, severe hypotension can affect fetal health. Pregnant women should monitor their blood pressure regularly and report any concerning symptoms to their healthcare provider.

Individuals with Chronic Conditions

People with conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or Parkinson’s disease may be more susceptible to low blood pressure. These individuals often require careful monitoring and management of their blood pressure alongside their primary condition.

The Role of Nutrition in Managing Low Blood Pressure

Can dietary changes help manage low blood pressure? Nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. Here are some dietary strategies that may help individuals with hypotension:

  • Increase salt intake: Under medical supervision, adding more salt to your diet can help raise blood pressure. However, this approach isn’t suitable for everyone and should only be done with a doctor’s guidance.
  • Eat smaller, more frequent meals: This can help prevent post-meal drops in blood pressure.
  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, including water and electrolyte-rich beverages.
  • Limit high-carbohydrate foods: Large carbohydrate-heavy meals can sometimes lead to a drop in blood pressure.
  • Consume adequate protein: Protein-rich foods can help maintain blood volume and pressure.
  • Consider caffeine: Moderate caffeine intake can temporarily boost blood pressure, but its effects vary among individuals.

It’s important to note that dietary changes should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider, especially for individuals with other health conditions or those taking medications that may interact with certain foods.

Supplements and Low Blood Pressure

Certain supplements may be recommended for individuals with chronic low blood pressure, particularly if deficiencies are contributing to the condition. These may include:

  • Iron supplements for anemia-related hypotension
  • Vitamin B12 supplements for deficiency-induced low blood pressure
  • Fludrocortisone to help increase blood volume

As with any supplement regimen, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before starting, as these can interact with medications or have side effects.

Exercise and Low Blood Pressure: Finding the Right Balance

How does exercise affect blood pressure in individuals with hypotension? Regular physical activity is generally beneficial for overall cardiovascular health, but individuals with low blood pressure should approach exercise with caution. Here are some considerations:

  • Start slowly: Begin with low-intensity exercises and gradually increase duration and intensity.
  • Stay hydrated: Drink water before, during, and after exercise to prevent dehydration-induced drops in blood pressure.
  • Avoid sudden position changes: Be cautious when transitioning from lying or sitting to standing, especially after floor exercises.
  • Monitor symptoms: Pay attention to any dizziness, lightheadedness, or unusual fatigue during exercise.
  • Consider timing: Some individuals may find that exercising later in the day, when blood pressure tends to be higher, is more comfortable.

Engaging in activities like walking, swimming, or cycling can be beneficial for improving circulation and overall fitness. However, it’s crucial to listen to your body and stop if you experience any concerning symptoms.

Exercises to Avoid with Low Blood Pressure

Certain types of exercise may be less suitable for individuals with hypotension:

  • High-intensity interval training (HIIT): The rapid changes in intensity can cause sudden drops in blood pressure.
  • Hot yoga or exercises in very warm environments: Heat can dilate blood vessels, potentially lowering blood pressure further.
  • Exercises involving rapid position changes: These can trigger orthostatic hypotension symptoms.

Always consult with a healthcare provider or a qualified fitness professional to develop an exercise plan that’s safe and effective for your individual needs.

The Impact of Medications on Blood Pressure

Various medications can affect blood pressure, either as a primary effect or as a side effect. Understanding these interactions is crucial for managing hypotension effectively.

Medications That Can Lower Blood Pressure

Several types of drugs can potentially cause or exacerbate low blood pressure:

  • Diuretics (water pills)
  • Alpha-blockers
  • Beta-blockers
  • Certain antidepressants
  • Erectile dysfunction drugs
  • Parkinson’s disease medications
  • Some over-the-counter pain relievers

If you’re taking any of these medications and experiencing symptoms of low blood pressure, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider. They may need to adjust your dosage or consider alternative treatments.

Managing Multiple Medications

For individuals taking multiple medications, the risk of drug interactions that affect blood pressure increases. Keeping a detailed list of all medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, can help healthcare providers identify potential issues and make necessary adjustments.

Long-Term Outlook for Individuals with Chronic Low Blood Pressure

What is the prognosis for people with chronic hypotension? In many cases, chronic low blood pressure doesn’t cause significant health problems if it’s well-managed and doesn’t produce severe symptoms. However, the long-term outlook can vary depending on the underlying cause and the effectiveness of treatment.

For individuals whose low blood pressure is a result of another health condition, the prognosis will largely depend on the management of that primary condition. Regular medical check-ups and open communication with healthcare providers are essential for monitoring progress and adjusting treatment plans as needed.

Potential Complications of Untreated Hypotension

While chronic low blood pressure is often benign, if left untreated when causing symptoms, it can potentially lead to complications:

  • Falls and related injuries, especially in older adults
  • Fainting episodes (syncope)
  • Reduced quality of life due to persistent symptoms
  • In severe cases, inadequate blood flow to vital organs

These potential risks underscore the importance of proper diagnosis and management of symptomatic low blood pressure.

Emerging Research and Future Directions in Hypotension Management

The field of hypotension research continues to evolve, with ongoing studies exploring new treatment approaches and deepening our understanding of the condition. Some areas of current interest include:

  • Wearable technologies for continuous blood pressure monitoring
  • Novel pharmacological interventions for managing orthostatic hypotension
  • The role of the gut microbiome in blood pressure regulation
  • Personalized medicine approaches to hypotension treatment

As research progresses, we may see more targeted and effective strategies for managing low blood pressure, potentially improving outcomes for individuals living with this condition.

The Promise of Telemedicine in Hypotension Management

Telemedicine is emerging as a valuable tool in the management of chronic conditions, including hypotension. Remote monitoring technologies and virtual consultations can allow for more frequent check-ins and quicker adjustments to treatment plans. This approach may be particularly beneficial for individuals in rural areas or those with limited mobility.

As we look to the future, the integration of telemedicine with advanced monitoring devices and artificial intelligence could revolutionize how we approach the diagnosis and management of low blood pressure.

When is low blood pressure an emergency?

In most cases, low blood pressure is not a cause for concern. However, in rare instances, it can lead to shock, in which case it may require emergency medical attention.

Low blood pressure, known medically as hypotension, is when a person’s blood pressure lies below the normal ranges. Usually, it is not an issue, so people may not even be aware their blood pressure is low. Doctors may only take note of it if it starts causing symptoms.

That said, people with very low blood pressure who experience regular symptoms, such as fatigue and nausea, should contact a healthcare professional as soon as possible.

Keep reading to learn more about when low blood pressure is an emergency, as well as what the symptoms, causes, and treatment options are.

In many cases, low blood pressure readings are not a cause for concern. A person with low blood pressure may not even be aware that their blood pressure is low, as it does not cause symptoms in many cases.

There is also no specific cutoff point at which blood pressure becomes too low or dangerously low, as it may vary from person to person.

Some people may have chronic low blood pressure and can be otherwise healthy. The American Heart Association (AHA) note that most doctors will only consider chronic low blood pressure to be dangerous if it causes other symptoms.

Severe symptoms that come on suddenly may also be a cause for concern.

While symptoms may vary from person to person, they typically include:

  • dizziness or lightheadedness
  • difficulty concentrating
  • fainting
  • nausea
  • fatigue
  • dehydration
  • blurred vision
  • pale, clammy skin
  • rapid, shallow breathing
  • depression

If a person experiences any of these symptoms, they should contact a doctor.

When blood pressure is very low or drops rapidly, it can also be a medical emergency. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) note that extremely low drops in blood pressure may put the body’s organs at risk of not getting enough blood, which may lead to shock.

Some concerning signs accompanying very low blood pressure to look out for include:

  • rapid, shallow breathing
  • very weak but rapid pulse
  • cold, clammy skin
  • loss of consciousness
  • blue hue to the skin

Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek emergency medical attention.

Learn more about shock here.

Underlying conditions

A number of underlying conditions and other health issues may also play a role in low blood pressure. These include:

  • pregnancy
  • loss of blood
  • dehydration
  • nutrient deficiencies
  • internal bleeding
  • some medications
  • heart problems
  • endocrine disorders
  • diabetes
  • severe infections, such as septic shock or a bloodstream infection
  • allergic reactions leading to anaphylaxis

Lying down for longer periods of time may also contribute to low blood pressure.

A person with any of these conditions who experiences low blood pressure should check in with a doctor regularly to monitor their health issue and its effect on blood pressure.

The AHA indicate that a healthy blood pressure range is 120/80 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).

Concerning ranges generally include higher blood pressure ranges, such as a systolic number over 130 or a diastolic number over 80. These higher numbers indicate stages of higher blood pressure that a person should try to lower.

There is no set cutoff point for what doctors consider low blood pressure, and it may vary from person to person. The NHLBI consider blood pressure to be low when it is under 90/60 mm Hg.

Even at these levels, some people may experience no symptoms. Addressing low blood pressure may only be necessary if symptoms occur, which is an indication that low blood pressure may be affecting the body.

Learn more about blood pressure ranges with our blood pressure chart here.

Low blood pressure itself is generally not a cause for concern until it gets too low and begins causing symptoms. Managing any issues that influence blood pressure may help prevent these numbers from dropping too low.

For example, people taking high blood pressure medications should monitor their dosage and blood pressure to be sure their numbers do not drop too low.

If their blood pressure starts dropping lower than usual, they should contact a doctor. The doctor may want to adjust the medication or check for interactions with anything else the person may be taking.

Managing other individual risk factors from underlying conditions may also help prevent blood pressure from getting too low.

Learn about some methods of raising blood pressure here.

According to the NHLBI, in some cases, people do not need treatment for low blood pressure. Instead, it may be enough to try some simple lifestyle recommendations and treatments, which include:

  • drinking more fluids
  • changing how a person sits or stands
  • making dietary changes
  • wearing compression stockings

Doctors may also recommend changes in some medication, such as adjusting medications for high blood pressure if they lead to dangerously low blood pressure.

Doctors will discuss any and all treatments with the patient in each case, and their exact recommendations may vary.

If a person experiences low blood pressure along with concerning symptoms — such as a loss of consciousness, mental confusion, and a weak, rapid pulse and breathing pattern — they should seek immediate medical attention.

In the emergency room, doctors may ask questions about a person’s medical history, medications they may be taking, or any infections or accidents they may have had.

They may ask about or check for symptoms. They may also administer tests to check heart rate and blood pressure, and imaging tests to check the internal body and organs for other issues.

Even if a person is experiencing mild rather than severe symptoms along with low blood pressure, they should still seek guidance from a doctor.

Doctors may want to monitor the symptoms and test the blood pressure themselves to make any necessary diagnosis and administer treatment.

Aside from these events, a person may have low blood pressure and be in otherwise good health.

Low blood pressure can occur without medical issue, and in many cases, it is not a cause for concern. People with chronic low blood pressure may need to work with their doctor to find treatment for any symptoms that appear.

Low blood pressure may be a cause for immediate concern if it is very low and occurs with severe symptoms, such as shock.

Anyone experiencing the symptoms of shock should seek emergency medical attention.

If a person is experiencing other uncomfortable symptoms due to low blood pressure, they should contact a doctor for recommendations to keep their blood pressure within healthy ranges.

Healthy Blood Pressure by Age and Gender (Chart)







Blood pressure is the force your blood exerts against the walls of arteries as your heart beats. Blood pressure readings have two numbers, such as 122/79 mm Hg. The descriptor at the end stands for “millimeters of mercury,” which blood pressure gauges used to contain. 

The top number (called the systolic pressure) is the force each time your heart beats. The bottom number (diastolic pressure) is the force between beats. 

Maintaining healthy blood pressure is important, as readings outside the normal range can be problematic. Untreated high blood pressure, in particular, can damage the blood vessels, heart, kidneys, and brain.   

What is Normal Blood Pressure by Age?

What’s considered “normal” blood pressure varies by age in children and teens.

SystolicDiastolic
Newborns up to 1 month       60–90 mm Hg 20–60 mm Hg
Infants87–105 mm Hg53–66 mm Hg
Toddlers95–105 mm Hg53–66 mm Hg
Preschoolers95–110 mm Hg56–70 mm Hg
School-aged children97–112 mm Hg          57–71 mm Hg
Adolescents112–128 mm Hg66–80 mm Hg

In adulthood, the average blood pressures by age and gender are:

WomenMen
18-39 years110/68 mm Hg119/70 mm Hg           
40-59 years122/74 mm Hg124/77 mm Hg
60+ years139/68 mm Hg133/69 mm Hg

Beyond the averages in the blood pressure chart by age and gender above, adult blood pressure falls into one of five categories:

CategorySystolicDiastolic
NormalLess than 120andLess than 80
Elevated120–129andLess than 80
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Stage 1130–139or80 – 89
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Stage 2140 or higheror90 or higher
Hypertensive Crisis – Consult your doctor immediatelyHigher than 180and/orHigher than 120

Taking Your Blood Pressure at Home

You can take your blood pressure at home periodically to determine if it consistently falls within the acceptable blood pressure range by age and gender. This can be particularly helpful to people with what doctors call “white coat hypertension.” That’s elevated blood pressure due to the anxiety over being at the doctor’s office (where they traditionally wear white lab coats).

If you take home readings, be sure to:

  • Buy a blood pressure monitor designed to go around your upper arm. Readings from devices that attach to your finger or wrist may not be as accurate.
  • Get a monitor that inflates automatically and has a large readout that’s easy to see.
  • Be aware that some monitors can share data with an app on your phone for tracking your blood pressure trends. 
  • Don’t consume beverages containing caffeine or alcohol in the 30 minutes before taking your reading. 
  • Sit calmly in a chair with your back supported and legs uncrossed for five minutes before checking your blood pressure. 
  • Have your arm supported and at approximately heart level. 
  • Put the blood pressure cuff over bare skin.  
  • Don’t talk or move as the cuff is working.
  • Take one reading, leave the cuff on and stay still, then take a second. If the readings are similar, average them. If not, take a third reading and average the three. 
  • Record the average reading, along with the time of day.  

Get Help with Maintaining Healthy, Normal Blood Pressure

If you have high blood pressure—or low blood pressure, which can also require treatment—your primary care doctor can help you control it. And if needed, they can refer you to the heart care specialists at Baptist Health.   


Learn More.

Categories

  • Heart Care

Tags:

  • Blood Pressure
  • Blood Pressure Numbers
  • Diastolic Pressure
  • Healthy Heart
  • Systolic Pressure





Let’s Stay in Touch

Sign up to receive Baptist Health emails to learn more about your health from our blog, e-newsletter, and Flourish. Or follow one of our social media accounts.


Sign Me Up

State Public Health Institution “IHCH No. 9” – What to do to keep blood pressure normal

Facts about arterial hypertension:

According to the results of epidemiological studies in our country, about 30 million people suffer from arterial hypertension (25 – 30% of the population) .

  • People with high blood pressure are 3-4 times more likely to develop coronary heart disease and 7 times more likely to develop cerebrovascular accidents. In 68 out of 100 cases of myocardial infarction and in 75 out of 100 cases of stroke, patients had long-term high blood pressure.
  • Proven to lower blood pressure
  • even at 3 mm Hg. can reduce mortality from stroke by 8%, from coronary heart disease – by 3%.

Arterial hypertension (AH) is defined as persistently elevated blood pressure (BP). This is one of the most common diseases.

You can only find out that you have arterial hypertension by measuring your blood pressure!

A level below 130/85 mm Hg was taken as normal blood pressure. Blood pressure between 130/85 and 139/89 is considered normal.

The diagnosis of arterial hypertension is made when blood pressure is detected above 140/90 mm Hg. at least twice during repeated visits to the doctor.

Today there are three degrees of hypertension

AG degrees

Systolic blood pressure

Diastolic BP

1

140-159

90-99

2

160-179

100-109

3

over 180

Over 110

There are no symptoms specific to arterial hypertension, but you may suspect this disease if you have:

If these signs are present

  • bouts of “faintness”;
  • dizziness;
  • weakness;
  • headaches, pains in the region of the heart;

Measure blood pressure regularly 3-4 times a day and when symptoms appear and record the results in a diary.

  • tinnitus;
  • deterioration in performance and memory;
  • flashing “flies” before the eyes, double vision;
  • difficulty speaking;
  • numbness of limbs;
  • exertional dyspnoea;
  • swelling of the legs;
  • visual impairment.

Regardless of whether you have normal blood pressure or high blood pressure, be sure to check if you have risk factors for hypertension and try to reduce their impact on your health:

Risk factors

Results after correction of risk factors

Overweight

Weight loss by 10 kg leads to a decrease in blood pressure by at least 10 mm Hg.

Physical inactivity

It has been established that regular physical training reduces systolic and diastolic blood pressure by 5-10 mm Hg.

Chronic stress

With a decrease in exposure and elimination of stress factors, as well as rest, blood pressure decreases spontaneously.

Smoking

Quitting smoking helps to reduce blood pressure, cholesterol, fibrinogen in the blood and platelet aggregation.

Alcohol

Reducing the frequency and dose of a single drink of alcohol to 20-30 g of pure ethanol per day for men (200-250 ml of dry wine, 500-600 ml of beer) and 10-20 g for women will avoid the development of hypertension in 11% of men and in 1% of women and reduce the risk of stroke in patients with hypertension by 3-4 times.

Excess salt intake

Reducing the intake of table salt to 4.5 g per day contributes to a significant decrease in blood pressure.

Poor nutrition

It has been established that a decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure in a population while following the DASH diet leads to a decrease in the incidence of coronary pathology by 15% and strokes by 27%.

Coffee

Do not abuse coffee, as drunk 2-3 cups of coffee can increase systolic blood pressure by 3-14 mm Hg, and diastolic – by 4-13 mm Hg.

Need to measure blood pressure:

– at least 2 times a year, if the last time diastolic blood pressure was < 85, systolic blood pressure < 140 mm Hg.

– weekly, if the last time diastolic blood pressure was 85-89 mm Hg.

daily if systolic BP was >140 and diastolic BP >89 mm Hg, especially in the early morning hours from waking up to noon.

How to measure blood pressure correctly:

1) an hour before measuring blood pressure, you can not take coffee or tea, half an hour – smoke;

2) blood pressure is measured at rest after 5 minutes of rest;

3) the hand must be at the level of the heart;

4) clothing must not squeeze the hand;

5) the cuff is placed on the upper arm, its lower edge should be 2 cm above the elbow bend, the phonendoscope is placed on the brachial artery;

6) Inflate the cuff until the pulsation stops and add another 30 mmHg, then deflate at a rate of approximately 2-3 mmHg. in 1 second;

7) the appearance of a pulsation will indicate the numbers of systolic blood pressure, the cessation – diastolic blood pressure.

8) to obtain accurate data on the level of blood pressure, at least two measurements should be performed;

9) if the arm circumference is more than 33 cm, a wider cuff must be used, otherwise the BP figures will be too high.

Dietary guidelines for prevention and control

Hypertension diet (DASH)

Product groups

Number of servings per day

Servings

Product names

Practical value

Grains and grain products

7-8

1 slice of bread, 80g dry ground grain, 120ml boiled rice, oatmeal, corn flakes, etc.

Wheat bread, pita bread, oatmeal, rolled oats

Main source of energy and fiber

Vegetables

4-5

160g raw leafy vegetables, 160g boiled vegetables, 180ml vegetable juice

Tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, peas, pumpkin, broccoli, turnips, cabbage, spinach, Jerusalem artichoke, beans

Foods fortified with potassium, magnesium and fiber

Fruit

4-5

180ml fruit juice 40g dried fruit, 80g fresh, frozen or canned fruit, 1 medium fruit

Apricots, bananas, dates, grapes, oranges, orange juice, mangoes, melons, watermelons, peaches, pineapples, plums, raisins, strawberries, tangerines

Important sources of potassium, magnesium and fiber

Dairy products

2-3

240ml milk, 120ml yogurt, 45g cheese

Skimmed or 1% milk, skimmed or reduced fat butter, yoghurt, cheese

Greatest source of calcium and protein

Meat, poultry, fish

no more than 2

84g boiled meat, poultry or fish

Choose only lean meats, remove visible fat, roast and boil meat instead of frying; skin the bird

Foods fortified with protein and magnesium

Nuts, seeds, beans

4-5 per week

42g nuts, 14g seeds, 80g boiled beans

Almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts, walnuts, beans, lentils

Rich sources of energy, magnesium, potassium and fiber

The diet is based on approximately 2000 calories per day.

Power mode . It is advisable to eat at least 4-5 times a day, distributing it according to the calorie content of the daily diet approximately as follows: breakfast before work – 30%, second breakfast – 20%, lunch – 40%. dinner – 10%. The last meal should be at least 2-3 hours before bedtime.

YOUR ENEMIES

YOUR FRIENDS

Refined foods such as white bread, rice, pasta.

Cereal derivatives – bran bread, black rice, bran, oatmeal, wheat germ, muesli, barley, buckwheat.

Snack food – potato and cheese chips, popcorn in oil.

Nuts, almonds, fruits: apricots, bananas, oranges, grapefruit, pears, puffed popcorn.

Fried vegetables, seafood, poultry.

Baked, steamed vegetables, seafood, poultry.

Vegetables in fatty sauce, oil.

Vegetables with low-fat sauce, seafood with herbs and low-fat or low-fat cheese.

Milk, cheese and whole milk ice cream

Reduced fat milk, yoghurt.

Large portions of fatty meat, sausages, sausage.

Medium portions of lean meat, meat with vegetables.

Pasta with cream, cheese sauce.

Pasta with tomato sauce, olive oil.

Pizza with fatty cheese, meat, sausage.

Pizza with vegetables, mushrooms, spinach.

Hamburgers, cheeseburgers, fried chicken.

Grilled chicken, baked potatoes.

Salads with cream sauce.

Salads with olive and corn oil.

Coffee, tea, lemonade, Pepsi-Cola, Coca-Cola.

Vegetable and fruit juices, nectars.

Physical activity for the prevention of arterial hypertension

– can be carried out for a long time;

– Walking, jogging, swimming, tennis, cycling, rhythmic gymnastics increase the absorption of oxygen in the body and are good for the heart and blood vessels.

Aerobic exercise provides the maximum delivery of oxygen to organs and tissues, so they must be performed at a certain heart rate, for each person it is calculated individually.

The easiest way to calculate your training heart rate:

Maximum heart rate (HR) = 220 – age (years).

Training heart rate should be 50% (lower limit) – 75% (upper limit) of the individual maximum heart rate.

This formula is valid for relatively “healthy” people.

  • physical activity must be performed at least 4 days a week;
  • the duration of physical activity should be 30-45 minutes a day.

Anaerobic exercise (weightlifting, bodybuilding, which provides high physical activity for a short time)

– with high blood pressure CONTRAINDICATED!

In case of a sharp increase in blood pressure (hypertensive crisis), it is necessary: ​​

  • to calm down and ensure a comfortable position;
  • unfasten the buttons of outerwear and open the window;
  • restore breathing: take a deep breath, hold your breath and exhale slowly, so repeat several times;
  • put mustard plasters on the calves;

Preparation

Initial dose

Repeat dose

Tactics

CLOFELINE

0. 15 mg (1 tab.)

0.075 mg

If after 20-30 minutes the pressure does not decrease by 25% of the initial figures, then it is necessary to take the medicine again.

If 20-30 minutes after taking the tablets again, the pressure has not decreased, CALL YOUR DOCTOR.

CAPOTEN

25 mg (1 tab.)

25 mg

ATHENOLOL

50 mg (1 tab.)

50 mg

NIFEDIPINE

20 mg (1 tab.)

20 mg

NITROGLYCERIN

0.5 mg (1 tab.)

FUROSEMIDE

40 mg (1 tab. )

  • take a tablet under the tongue (chew or dissolve) with one of the following medicines from the first aid kit:

Shiatsu massage techniques are also used to reduce pressure. In this case, a soothing method of influencing massage points is used, i.e. continuous, smooth pressure with a gradual increase in pressure force for 3-5 minutes. Points for massage are indicated in the figure.

Dizziness at low pressure – what to do, prevention.

Dizziness at low pressure – what to do, prevention.

Gimranov Rinat Fazylzhanovich
Neurologist, neurophysiologist, experience – 33 years;
Professor of Neurology, MD;
Clinic for Rehabilitation Neurology. About the author

Publication date: December 30, 2021

Updated: October 25, 2022

Changes in blood pressure (BP) greatly affect the well-being of even a healthy person. With reduced pressure, for example, due to a sharp expansion of blood vessels, headache and dizziness often begin, which interfere with work and life.

Article content:

  • 1 Causes
    • 1.1 Symptomatic hypotension
  • 2 Symptoms
  • 3 Diagnosis
  • 4 Treatment 90 010
  • 5 Prevention
  • 6 References

Causes

Decide what to do when low blood pressure, dizziness and weakness, what to take and what treatment to choose, the doctor should: the reasons for the development of the condition are different for everyone.

Dizziness with decreasing pressure is a common symptom that worsens the quality of life and can lead to negative consequences, injuries [1].

For most healthy people, attacks of low blood pressure are rare, as they occur under the influence of specific factors.

The reasons for the drop in blood pressure and dizziness may be:

  1. Hereditary predisposition. Some people have naturally low blood pressure. It is passed down within the family.
  2. Hormonal fluctuations. It is more common in women during the period of the first menstruation, pregnancy and the onset of menopause.
  1. Emotional overstrain or severe stress. With chronic stress, seizures become permanent, reducing a person’s performance.
  2. Chronic deficiency and poor quality of sleep, lack of nightly rest for 24 hours or more.
  3. Young age of the patient. In particular, a period of rapid growth in adolescents, when the circulatory system does not have time to adapt to the changing size of the body.
  4. Physical or mental overwork. Not only hard work is dangerous, but also hard training.
  5. Side effects of certain medicines. In particular – drugs that are used to treat hypertension.
  6. Starvation or prolonged improperly balanced diet with a large calorie deficit.
  7. Vegetovascular dystonia. Disorders in the regulation of vascular tone lead both to episodic decreases in blood pressure and to a constant hypotonic background.

Symptomatic hypotension

There are situations when low pressure becomes a symptom indicating the development of a pathology.

Among these conditions, there are those that require urgent medical attention [2].

Diseases and pathological conditions leading to a decrease in blood pressure:

  1. Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. In this section of the spinal cord there are nerve plexuses that regulate the function of the heart and blood vessels. Due to violations in the structure of the vertebrae, the work of the cardiovascular system may worsen.
  1. Massive bleeding and blood loss. Extremely dangerous internal bleeding, for which dizziness becomes the first obvious symptom.
  2. Diabetes mellitus requiring constant monitoring of the patient’s condition to maintain good health.
  3. Violation of the function of the endocrine glands, in particular – the thyroid.
  4. Diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Arrhythmia, heart failure, heart defects are dangerous in this regard.

If lately you have been feeling dizzy, nauseous, and have headaches due to low pressure, then you can decide what to do about it only by establishing the reasons why attacks occur.

Symptoms

When a person encounters BP instability and its manifestations for the first time, it does not immediately determine what makes him feel worse.

The first question that people with this problem ask is: “Can low blood pressure make you dizzy?” As a rule, this is the leading symptom that occurs due to insufficient oxygen supply to the tissues of the brain. Characteristically, it appears when moving from a lying or sitting position to a standing position.

It is also possible to determine that blood pressure has dropped below normal by other symptoms:

  1. a sharp feeling of weakness and fatigue even in the morning after a good night’s rest;
  2. confusion, under adverse circumstances, this condition can lead to impaired coordination, fainting, falling [3];
  1. drowsiness, weakness that haunt a person throughout the day;
  2. Feeling of nausea, which can develop into bouts of vomiting that does not bring relief;
  3. blurred vision, foggy eyes or flies may appear.

As a rule, if the attack is single or caused by the influence of external factors, then you can eliminate its manifestations on your own. You can raise the pressure by eating a bar of dark chocolate, drinking strong tea.

But, if you have constantly low blood pressure and feel dizzy, headaches often occur, you need to undergo an examination to identify the cause of poor health.

Diagnosis

Most people are primarily interested in what to do with low blood pressure, weakness and dizziness, especially in women, what to take?

The only right decision in this case is to see a doctor. Since the reasons that provoked the appearance of seizures are different for everyone, as are the ways to solve them.

Diagnosis includes an initial examination by a therapist. The task of the doctor is to identify the alleged cause of the onset of symptoms.

First, a thorough questioning and examination of the patient is carried out, the circumstances of the onset of seizures are clarified, the anamnesis is analyzed, the presence of a similar problem in close relatives.

Then instrumental examinations may be required:

  • Doppler examination of the state of the vessels of the head and neck;
  • x-ray of the cervical spine, if osteochondrosis is suspected;
  • a blood test will reveal a lack of hemoglobin, glucose;
  • ECG, including Holter monitoring, which helps to detect hidden pathologies of the heart.

Based on the results of the examination and identification of the preliminary cause, the doctor will be able to suggest what to do if the pressure drops sharply and the head is spinning.

Treatment

What and how to treat dizziness, weakness and low blood pressure in women and men, the doctor decides by determining the cause of negative health.

After receiving the results of the study and identifying the factors that provoke attacks of poor health, complex therapy will be prescribed [4].

It can include multi-pronged approaches, in thoughtful combination with each other:

  • Taking medication. Medications are prescribed that affect the root cause of the onset of seizures. Symptomatic treatment is also carried out, a drug is selected that normalizes pressure.
  • Physiotherapy sessions. Procedures are selected that normalize vascular tone, improve blood supply to the brain.
  • Folk remedies, herbs and simple ways to quickly improve your well-being.
  • Tips for changing lifestyle: less stress, plenty of sleep, walks in the fresh air.

Having specified the characteristics of the body, the doctor will be able to give individual effective advice on what to do with low blood pressure, if it hurts and feels dizzy.

Prevention

It is quite possible to prevent blood pressure instability during critical periods of life, to reduce the frequency of attacks, if you follow the advice of professionals.

Effective preventive measures:

  • Adjust diet. Eat a full breakfast, do not skip meals during the day.
  • Restore sleep mode. Sleep at least 8-9 hours and go to bed before 23 hours.
  • Regularly take a contrast shower, as it helps to stabilize vascular tone.
  • Avoid excessive physical activity, avoid sudden movements of the head.
  • Protect yourself from excessive fatigue and severe stressful situations.

If, even with the observance of preventive measures, your blood pressure periodically drops and you feel dizzy, you should contact the clinic.

They will conduct a thorough examination, find and help eliminate the cause that negatively affects the well-being [5].

References

Was this article helpful?

You can subscribe to our newsletter and learn a lot of interesting things about the treatment of the disease, scientific achievements and innovative solutions:

Your e-mail

I agree with the privacy policy and the processing of personal data
Please leave this field empty.