How to Correct Low Blood Pressure

While a large percentage of Americans struggle with high blood pressure, some are suffering from the opposite problem--low blood pressure. This disease, which is medically known as hypotension, occurs when people's blood pressure drops below 100/70, and they begin feeling symptoms associated with low blood pressure such as dizziness or fainting. Treatment and medication is available for patients though who seek to correct their low blood pressure.

Instructions

• 1

  Drink plenty of fluids. Low blood pressure occurs when the blood within the body moves slowly through the veins and arteries. This can be caused by dehydration, which thickens your blood. You can correct this by making sure you drink plenty of non-caffeinated fluids and rehydrating your body.

• 2

  Include more salt in your diet. Eating more salt can help correct low blood pressure by keeping more fluids in the body as salt helps retain water. This water and fluid increase raises your blood pressure just as is does for someone who suffers from high blood pressure and consumes salt.

• 3

  Wear compression stockings. People who suffer from low blood pressure can become dizzy or faint when they stand up. Not enough pressure is available to push the blood up from the legs to the upper body. To prevent this, you can wear compression stockings, which prevent blood from pooling in the legs. You can also move your feet and legs up and down a few times before you stand up.

• 4

  Review your medications with your doctor. Any time you have low blood pressure it's important to check with your doctor about any types of medication you are taking that could have an effect on blood pressure. This includes prescription medication as well as over-the-counter drugs.

• 5

  Use blood pressure medications. There are a number of different medications that can be used to treat and correct low blood pressure. Consult with your doctor about what medication to try.