What is low blood pressure? Blood pressure refers to the force with which circulating blood acts on the walls of blood vessels. It is expressed as systolic / diastolic, for example, 120/80. The upper value is systolic blood pressure, which is the pressure in the arteries when the heart muscles contract and pump blood. The lower value is diastolic, which is the pressure in the arteries after contraction of the heart muscles. The upper value is always higher.
Systolic blood pressure for most healthy healthy adults is within 120 millimeters of a mercury column, and normal diastolic blood pressure is between 60 and 80 mmHg.
Low blood pressure (or hypotension) leads to the fact that blood cannot deliver enough nutrients and oxygen to such organs as the brain, kidneys, heart, etc. As a result, they do not function normally.
Unlike high, low blood pressure is determined primarily by signs and symptoms, and not a specific figure. Some people may have 90/50 pressure without symptoms, while others may develop symptoms at 100/60.
Low blood pressure in healthy people without any symptoms or damage to internal organs does not need treatment. But health problems can occur when it falls suddenly, and the brain is deprived of adequate blood supply. This may cause dizziness. A sudden fall most often occurs in a person who rises from an inclined position or rises abruptly. This drop in numbers is called postural or orthostatic hypotension. If it is lowered when a person is standing for a long time, then this is neuromediated hypotension.
The risk of developing this disease increases over the years, in part due to normal changes in the aging process. In addition, blood flow to the brain and heart muscle decreases with age as a result of deposits in the blood vessels. It is estimated that between 15% and 25% of older people have postural hypotension.
In addition, both low lower blood pressure and upper blood pressure can be caused by the following:
• arrhythmia;
• hormonal problems, such as hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus or hypoglycemia;
• some medications;
• heart failure;
• pregnancy;
• expansion of blood vessels;
• liver diseases;
• heat stroke.
A sharp and unexpected drop in blood pressure is life threatening. The causes of this type of hypotension include:
• loss of blood due to bleeding;
• low or high body temperature;
• sepsis, severe infections;
• severe dehydration due to vomiting, fever, or diarrhea;
• reaction to alcohol or drugs;
• severe allergic reaction - anaphylactic shock.
If you have
low blood pressure, treatment will have the following directions:
1. Diet:
- An increase in the amount of salt in the diet. Although this method may be useful for patients with hypotension, the supplement should be used in moderation and at the discretion of the doctor. Too much salt in the diet can lead to heart problems.
- Increasing the amount of water can also help with treatment, especially if the cause is dehydration.
- High carbohydrate foods can help increase blood pressure. In addition, it can be prevented from falling by eating several times a day, in small portions, whole grain products, proteins, fruits and vegetables.
2. Compression stockings:
They are available over-the-counter in pharmacies and can be worn as a home treatment for low blood pressure. They can not only reduce pain and swelling in the legs, but also prevent blood from stagnating in the limbs.
3. Change in body position:
- Raising too quickly from a prone position can cause a sharp drop in pressure. To prevent this, take your time and sit down before getting up.