Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension): Types, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment Methods

Find out what causes low blood pressure, resulting in hypotension. Learn how to treat and prevent it with some healthy lifestyle choices and habits.

Quick Summary

• Low blood pressure may lead to some health problems like dizziness, fainting, lightheadedness, and in some cases, even seizures. You may also suffer from issues such as concentration and memory. 
• Common causes include dehydration, malnutrition, and certain medications. Other possible causes include heart problems, kidney problems, and thyroid problems. 
• If you are experiencing low blood pressure, be sure to drink plenty of fluids, especially water, in order to stay hydrated. Also, try elevating your legs slightly when sitting or lying down. 

If you have ever felt lightheaded or dizzy, you may have experienced low blood pressure. Low blood pressure (hypotension) is a condition in which your blood pressure drops below normal levels.

Low blood pressure isn’t always a cause for concern. It may cause symptoms like dizziness, fainting, and fatigue. 

Many people don’t even know they have it. If your blood pressure is constantly below 90/60 mmHg, it could indicate an underlying condition that needs treatment. 

In this blog post, we’ll explore what low blood pressure is, its causes, and its potential effects on your health. We’ll also provide some prevention tips on how you can keep your blood pressure at a normal level.

Click here to see Low BP on a blood pressure chart.

What Are The Causes of Hypotension?

There are many potential causes of hypotension, including dehydration, heart problems, and medication side effects. However, in most cases, the cause is unknown.

Some people have low blood pressure because their bodies naturally produce less blood than others. Others develop low blood pressure from ageing or after sustained standing or lying down. 

Certain medications and lifestyle choices can also contribute to hypotension, such as smoking and drinking alcohol.

There are many other potential causes of hypotension, including but not limited to

• Dehydration
• Heart valve conditions 
• Anaemia
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Allergy or reaction to medication or food
• Endocrine problems such as Addison’s disease or thyroid dysfunction
• Age (risk increases with age)
• Blood loss
• Gender (women are more likely to experience hypotension than men)
• Having a sedentary lifestyle
• Pregnancy 
• Septicemia (severe infection) 
• Poor diet 
• Diabetes

Symptoms Of Low Blood Pressure

Symptoms of low blood pressure may vary from person to person but often include feeling lightheaded or dizzy, blurred vision, nausea, and a general feeling of weakness.

Here’s a list of symptoms someone with low blood pressure may experience. 

• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Fainting
• Headache
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Lack of concentration or confusion
• Nausea
• Cold hands and feet
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Ringing in the ears 

As you know, there are several possible symptoms of low blood pressure. Some people may not experience symptoms, while others may experience a wide range of symptoms. 

Due to severe hypotension, some may go into shock. It may also result in a life-threatening stroke. Symptoms of shock can vary depending on the underlying cause, but common symptoms include rapid heart rate, shallow breathing, clammy skin, and a sense of impending doom. 

What Happens When Your Blood Pressure Is Too Low?

Hypotension, or low blood pressure, can have a negative impact on the body in several ways. For starters, a person may fall and get into accidents due to lightheadedness and dizziness. 

Low blood pressure may also reduce the amount of oxygen and nutrients that reach organs and tissues throughout the body, impairing organ function. Additionally, hypotension may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. 

Moreover, it may result in kidney damage, cognitive decline, and even death. If you have low blood pressure, it’s important to monitor your symptoms regularly.

How to Prevent Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)?

There are a few things you may do to prevent hypotension, including

• Eating a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables
• Increasing your salt intake
• Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water/fluids throughout the day
• Taking breaks often if you’re working in a sedentary job
• Eating smaller meals more often throughout the day instead of three large meals 
• Sitting with your feet elevated on a stool or ottoman whenever possible  
• Don’t skip meals 
• Avoid self-medication and only take the prescribed ones

Another way to prevent low blood pressure is to avoid heavy lifting and staying in one position, such as sitting and standing for a long time. Also, it’s recommended not to strain too much physically on the toilet. 

To prevent a sudden drop in blood pressure, sit upright on edge and then stand up slowly. Be careful not to bump your head or strain yourself by pushing too hard with one foot in front while balancing yourself!

Use compression socks to support your calves and thighs. This works by controlling the blood flow in these areas, hence, delivering more blood to the upper body. 

Lastly, don’t take too hot showers as the hot water lowers blood pressure. Always have a chair or stool in the shower if you feel lightheaded. This may also prevent injuries from falling down and slipping in the shower. 

Can Hypotension Be Treated?

Hypotension can be treated if the underlying cause of it is curable. The condition is also manageable if there is no specific cause. 

While there is no cure for low blood pressure, you can still have a normal life. Treatment options vary depending on the underlying cause of the condition. Lifestyle changes such as drinking more fluids and increasing salt intake may help in some cases. 

Medications may also be prescribed to raise your blood pressure to a healthy level. Note that low blood pressure may be dangerous if left untreated; however, with proper care, most people living with this condition can enjoy good health.

Most Effective Hypotension Treatment Methods

There are a few things that may be done to treat hypotension. Increasing salt intake and drinking lots of fluids may be enough for mild cases. 

More severe cases may require medications. One of the most common treatments for hypotension is medications that can retain sodium and fluid in the kidneys. 

Other prescription medications that may be used to treat hypotension include fludrocortisone and midodrine. Fludrocortisone works by boosting blood volume to increase blood pressure. Midodrine prevents the blood vessels from expanding, raising blood pressure. 

Lifestyle changes to make to treat hypotension

There are many strong reasons why you may want to make lifestyle changes to treat hypotension. For one, making healthy changes may help to improve your overall health and well-being, which in turn can help to regulate blood pressure. 

Additionally, changing your lifestyle can be an effective way to avoid the use of medication for treating hypotension. Having an active lifestyle may make you lose weight or maintain a healthy weight, which is important for people with hypotension. 

Lastly, Making healthy changes to your lifestyle can also lower your risk of other chronic diseases like heart disease and stroke. Here are a few days to live a healthier life:

Eating a healthy diet

A healthy diet is effective in treating hypotension. A healthy diet includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats. 

There are a few specific foods that are known to help regulate blood pressure, including celery, beets, and garlic. All of these foods are rich in nitrates, which help improve blood flow and lower blood pressure. 

In addition, potassium-rich foods like bananas can also help to regulate blood pressure by balancing out the effects of sodium. These foods are high in nutrients and antioxidants that help support optimal health.

More on best foods that support healthy blood pressure you can find here.

Getting regular exercise

Regular exercise may help to treat hypotension (low blood pressure). Exercise helps the body to produce more blood and to improve overall cardiovascular health, which can help to maintain healthy blood pressure levels. 

In addition, exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects and can help to combat stress, another common contributor to low blood pressure.

Avoiding alcohol 

There’s a lot of evidence that avoiding alcohol can help treat hypotension. That said, alcohol can cause dehydration, which may lead to a drop in blood pressure. 

So if you’re suffering from hypotension, it might be worth avoiding any dehydrating substances until you’ve regained your equilibrium.

Managing stress levels

There are a few things that you may do to help manage your stress levels and, as a result, help treat your hypotension. Some of the most effective methods include exercise, sound baths, and deep breathing exercises.

Meditation is another great way to manage stress. It allows you to take a step back from the chaos of life and focus on your breath and your thoughts. There are many different types of meditation.

Following a keto diet

A keto diet is a fantastic way to keep your blood pressure under control because it’s low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats. When you eat a lot of carbs, your body produces insulin in response to the sugar.

Insulin causes your blood pressure to rise by causing your arteries to narrow. But when you eat fewer carbs and more healthy fats, your body produces less insulin, and your blood pressure stays stable. 

You may consume keto supplements for improved health. Following a keto diet is a good way to keep your blood pressure under control and stay healthy.

In Conclusion 

Low blood pressure is a serious issue that should not be taken lightly. It may lead to numerous health consequences if left untreated. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms of low blood pressure, please see your doctor right away. 

Treatment is available, and with early diagnosis and treatment, many people with low blood pressure can live normal, healthy lives. Also, follow a healthy and active lifestyle for optimal body functions and use blood pressure supporting articles that we recommend here.