Symptoms and Management of Low BP

Low blood pressure or hypotension is a case where the blood flow to the arteries or the pressure required to execute the blood flow is not sufficient enough. Basically, blood pressure is nothing but the amount of blood that flows against the walls of the arteries to your heart. It is measured as the ratio of the amount of blood towards the heart to the amount of blood that flows to your entire body. When this count drops below 90/60, it is termed as low BP. Though this case does not show any symptoms and is believed to be good, as long as your pressure does not raise beyond a certain level, it is actually dangerous in  prolonged low BP scenarios.

There are different types of hypotension according to the level of blood pressure: 

• Orthostatic is a type which occurs when you change your body position from sitting to lying or vice versa.
• Postprandial is a type wherein the blood pressure drops soon after the person eats his meal.
• When you stand for long hours you tend to fall prey to neurally mediated hypotension.
• Severe – an extreme case wherein you face a drop in blood pressure due to shock. Your body doesn’t pump enough blood due to this.

Symptoms of Low BP

When the blood pressure index drops below the 90/60 count, you might face the below symptoms: 

• Dizziness
• Blurry vision
• Depression
• Nausea
• Tiredness
• Fatigue
• Weakening pulse rate
• Fast breathing
• Increased heartbeat
• Shock

A drop in blood pressure due to shock is a severe case and is fatal. The person has to be given immediate medical treatment.

The main cause of low blood pressure is the lack of enough blood supply in the system internally or due to poor heart functions. Other causes might be due to pregnancy, prolonged rest, a nutritional deficiency, due to some other medications or allergies.

How to Manage Low BP Effectively

The symptoms of low blood pressure don’t usually show and in case you seem to face any of the above stated symptoms, then you need to follow certain steps to manage and raise the blood pressure on your own. Otherwise seeking your doctor’s help is advisable as he might prescribe some medications in extreme cases.

• Avoid standing for long hours in one place. Sit for some time if you feel dizzy.
• Refrain from a prolonged hot shower.
• When your BP drops, drink plenty of water to help your system pump enough blood to the arteries.
• To avoid Orthostatic BP, move slowly whenever the need be and sit cross-legged.
• Reduce your stress levels to refrain from shock.
• Add more salt to your diet to keep your blood pressure levels balanced.
• Consult your doctor for an appropriate medication if the need be.

Though low blood pressure is not always risky, it is wise to understand the above-mentioned symptoms and the ways to manage it on your own for a healthy life ahead.

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Nithya Lakshmi