Home Daily Tips What You Need To Know About Hypotension

What You Need To Know About Hypotension


know-hypotensionHypertension is one of the most common (also called high blood pressure) diseases in the world but not a lot has been said about its cousin on the other end of the blood pressure sickness spectrum.

Hypotension or low blood pressure occurs when the force of the blood on the walls of your arteries during its flow is much lower than the normal blood pressure range (usually between 90/60 to 140/90).

Hypotension is characterized by dizziness, cold skin, rapid and shallow breathing, fatigue and lack of concentration. Though usually it is nothing to be worried about, it can also be fatal as it causes the restriction of the amount of blood flowing to your brain and other vital organs.

A lot of times, hypotension acts only as a symptom of another ailment so addressing that ailment can be the first step that the doctor will take.

Sometimes, hypotension is caused by the medications. Often, it is solved by either stopping its intake or changing the dose of the medication.

Treatment for its symptoms and prevention of the symptoms from manifesting is easy and you can administer it to yourself, depending on the severity. You have to ensure that you are always hydrated. Adding a bit more salt (not too much as too much sodium can also cause hypertension) and eating smaller and low-carb meals can also help. If you do not like adding salt, you can try using a little soy sauce instead.

When working, standing up once in a while and avoiding standing for long periods of time is also a preventive measure. Just make sure that you take it easy in changing body positions. For example, before getting out of bed every morning, breathe deeply for minutes or sit before standing up. You can also sleep with the head slightly elevated with a pillow.

Avoid alcohol as it is known to dehydrate and lower blood pressure. Even two shots of alcohol can trigger dehydration which you do not want when you have hypotension.

Another option would be to drink coffee or tea as caffeine can temporarily raise blood pressure but check with your doctor if it would trigger other ailments.

There is also a drug called midodrine (orvaten) which can help but only use it when recommended by the doctor. It helps by lessening the blood vessels’ ability to expend, therefore increasing the blood pressure. It is usually given to those suffering from chronic orthostatic hypotension.