What to do with low blood pressure at home

Normal blood pressure and its regulation

Blood pressure (or arterial pressure) is the force with which blood pushes against the walls of the arteries as it is pumped by the heart throughout the body. It keeps blood moving through the arteries and capillaries, delivering oxygen and nutrients to cells and organs. As blood circulates throughout the body, it picks up carbon dioxide and other waste products, which are then removed through the lungs, kidneys, and liver.

Normal blood pressure for an adult isabout 120/80 millimeters of mercury (mmHg), said David Beknazaryan, a cardiologist at the Expert Health Center, in an interview with Gazeta.Ru. The upper value (systolic pressure) shows the pressure in the arteries during heart contraction, and the lower value (diastolic pressure) – at the moment of relaxation.

Blood pressure can be affected by a variety of factors:

• diet;
• level of physical activity;
• stress;
• genetic predisposition.

Foods that contain a lot of salt (sodium) can increase blood pressure. Excess sodium in the body retains water, which increases the volume of blood. Consequently, the pressure on the walls of the arteries also increases.

At the same time, foods rich in potassium, magnesium and calcium can lower blood pressure. These microelements help dilate blood vessels and remove excess sodium from the body. Potassium is found in large quantities in bananas, oranges, potatoes and spinach, magnesium in nuts, seeds and greens, and calcium in dairy products and green leafy vegetables.

Regular physical activity also plays an important role in maintaining normal blood pressure. Exercise strengthens the cardiovascular system, improves blood circulation and helps maintain a healthy weight. Walking, running, swimming and cycling are especially beneficial for the heart and blood vessels. Stress, on the other hand, can significantly increase blood pressure because it causes the release of hormones that constrict blood vessels and increase heart rate.

Low blood pressure and its symptoms

 

Low blood pressure, or hypotension, is characterized by the following indicators:below 90/60 mmHgThis condition can be either temporary or chronic, depending on the reasons for its occurrence. Temporary hypotension is usually caused by dehydration, blood loss, overwork, malnutrition, or lack of sleep. Beknazaryan emphasized that in the summer, due to the heat, blood pressure can also decrease.

Chronic hypotension is associated with genetic predisposition, endocrine disorders, cardiovascular diseases or side effects of certain medications.

Symptoms of hypotension include:

• dizziness;
• weakness;
• fatigue;
• headache;
• nausea;
• fainting.

With hypotension, the brain and other vital organs may not receive enough blood and oxygen. It is not always possible to track this condition, so it is important to listen to your body.

Some people with low blood pressure may experience a constant feeling of fatigue and weakness. Others may not notice any symptoms at all and only accidentally learn about their condition during a medical examination. This is due to the fact that in some cases the body has time to adapt to low blood pressure, and symptoms do not appear or appear weakly.

Methods of increasing blood pressure in case of hypotension

With low blood pressure, it is important to take action quickly to avoid worsening the condition. At home, you can increase your salt intake, drink strong coffee or tea – drinks containing caffeine.

Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system and increases heart rate, which leads to a temporary increase in blood pressure. However, excessive caffeine can have the opposite effect and lead to dehydration, so it is important to drink in moderation.

It is also recommended to drink more water , because the increased blood volume can increase blood pressure. It is especially useful to drink water with a small amount of salt or electrolytes added to quickly restore the balance of fluids in the body.

Wearing compression stockings has a positive effect , as they help improve blood circulation. They prevent stagnation in the lower extremities and help blood return to the heart more easily. This is especially useful for people who spend a lot of time on their feet or suffer from varicose veins.

To avoid sudden changes in pressure, doctors also advise avoiding sudden changes in body position . Slow and gradual movements when getting up from a sitting or lying position allow the body to adapt and prevent dizziness and fainting.

Choosing Medications for Low Blood Pressure

Choosing Medications for Low Blood Pressureshould only be carried out under the supervision of a physician, Beknazaryan emphasized. Self-medication can be dangerous and lead to undesirable consequences. Only a doctor can prescribe drugs that increase vascular tone or stimulate cardiac activity. It is important to follow the specialist’s recommendations and not exceed the specified dosages.

Commonly used medications include fludrocortisone, which helps increase blood volume by retaining sodium and water in the body. Midodrine, which constricts blood vessels and increases blood pressure, may also be prescribed. However, these medications can cause side effects, such as headaches, high blood pressure at rest, and abnormal heart rhythms. That is why their use should be strictly controlled and should not be taken without a prescription.

In addition, a cardiologist may recommend taking adaptogens – natural substances that help the body adapt to stress and improve overall health. Adaptogens include ginseng extracts, eleutherococcus extracts, Rhodiola rosea extracts, and others. These drugs can be useful in the treatment of arterial hypotension, but again, only a doctor should recommend taking them.

Low blood pressure and the need to call an ambulance

Low blood pressure alone is not always a reason to call an ambulance. However, if hypotension is accompanied by serious symptoms such as severe dizziness, loss of consciousness, chest pain or difficulty breathing, you should immediately seek medical help.

These symptoms may indicate  hypovolemic shock , a condition in which the volume of blood in the body decreases dramatically, requiring immediate medical attention. Hypovolemic shock can be caused by severe trauma, internal bleeding, or dehydration.

In addition, low pressure may indicate  hypoxia – a lack of oxygen in tissues and organs, which also requires urgent medical attention. In the case of hypoxia, a person may experience severe fatigue, shortness of breath, deterioration of cognitive functions and other symptoms.

When to see a doctor

You should contact a doctor at a medical institution in cases where low blood pressure becomes chronic and significantly worsens the quality of life, the cardiologist explained. Doctors can help in adjusting blood pressure: the patient will be given the necessary medications, a diet, and will be advised on how to change their lifestyle.