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Low Blood Pressure Explained

A normal blood pressure reading is when your systolic blood pressure is close to 120 mm Hg and your diastolic blood pressure reads 80 mm Hg. Your systolic pressure, the top number in the blood pressure reading, is the amount of pressure your heart generates when pumping blood through your arteries to the rest of your heart. The diastolic pressure, the bottom number, refers to the amount of pressure in your arteries when your heart is at rest between beats. Low blood pressure, or hypotension, occurs when blood pressure during and after each heartbeat is much lower than usual.

  1. Dangers of Low Blood Pressure

    • According to Mayo Clinic.com, when systolic blood pressure dips down to 90 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure to 60 mm Hg, it is considered dangerously low. Blood pressure readings and symptoms will vary with each person. When blood pressure is extremely low it deprives the brain of oxygen and in turn can cause damage to the heart and brain.

    Causes

    • There are several causes for low blood pressure. Some prescribed drugs, such as beta blockers, drugs for Parkinsons disease and tricyclic anti-depressants, can cause low blood pressure. Your doctor can readjust your dosage if this is the case. Over-the-counter medications can also be the culprits in lowering blood pressure. Serious heart conditions can be responsible for a drop in blood pressure. During the first 24 weeks of pregnancy, it is common for blood pressure to drop, according to the American Heart Association website. On rare occasions, very premature babies can be born with low blood pressure.

    Symptoms

    • If you feel very dizzy or actually faint, you could be experiencing low blood pressure. You might have blurred vision and feel sick to your stomach. If you are feeling depressed for no particular reason, this could also be a symptom. Many ailments other than low blood pressure can cause these symptoms. It is best to consult with your doctor.

    Food and Drink

    • Food and drink play an important part in regulating your blood pressure. Try to increase your drinking of water to avoid dehydration as it could increase your blood volume. Follow a healthy diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, grains and protein. Eat small low-carb meals, which can help prevent blood pressure from dropping rapidly.

    Sodium and Low Blood Pressure

    • Sodium (salt) is fairly well known to raise blood pressure, and it can be used successfully to treat low blood pressure, says MayoClinic.com. Salt should not be used randomly until you talk with your health provider, because too much sodium might lead to heart problems. Soy sauce is a great alternative and has a high sodium content.

    Other Solutions

    • MayoClinic.com offers some suggestions that are useful in alleviating symptoms of low blood pressure. When you change your position, whether standing or sitting, move very slowly. Before you get out of bed in the morning, take several deep breaths. Sleep with your head slightly elevated, as this can help fight the effects of gravity.

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