Blood pressure variation is a lifestyle disease widely prevalent in Asian countries.
Despite it being less common compared to high blood pressure, low blood pressure, too, is present in the Asian population.
Hypotension is a condition where blood pressure falls below 90/60 mmHg. The normal blood pressure of a healthy person varies between 90/60 mmHg and 120/80 mmHg, depending on the person’s age. If indications falls below 90/60 mmHg, the person is said to be experiencing low blood pressure.
The peculiarity is that it does not show any symptoms. In some cases, a person might experience dizziness or fainting. But in most cases, the symptoms are not noticeable.
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Causes of Low Blood Pressure
The normal blood pressure of a person is between 90/60 mm/Hg and 120/80 mm/Hg. This varies depending on the time of the day, the body position, physical condition and stress level.
Blood pressure will generally be low during nighttime. But as you wake up in the morning, your blood pressure rises. Certain factors can cause blood pressure to be low throughout the day. This includes the following.
Dehydration
Dehydration occurs when you have insufficient water in the body. When this happens, proper circulation of blood does not happen. This can cause the blood pressure to drop.
Loss of Blood
Loss of blood due to an injury or internal bleeding can reduce the blood volume in the body. When this happens, the blood pressure drops, resulting in low blood pressure.
Lack of Nutrients
Nutrients like vitamin B-12, iron and folate are essential to produce red blood cells in the body. When these nutrients are deficient, it can lead to low blood pressure.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy brings a lot of changes in the body, causing a rapid expansion of blood vessels. When this happens, the blood pressure drops drastically. This usually happens during the first 24 weeks of pregnancy. In most cases, it returns to normal after delivery.
Other Health Conditions
Your general health condition can also be a factor. The heart rate naturally falls if you suffer a heart attack, heart valve disease or heart failure. In addition, conditions like Addison’s disease, hypoglycemia and diabetes can also result in low blood pressure.
Is Low Blood Pressure Fatal?
A small change in blood pressure, such as 20mm Hg, may not be life-threatening. But a drastic drop in blood pressure caused by internal bleeding or any infection can prove to be fatal.
Sometimes low blood pressure can lead to shocks with rapid and shallow breath, weak pulse and cold skin. This requires immediate medical attention.
Who Are at Risk of Developing Low Blood Pressure?
Your chances of developing low blood pressure increases
- If you are above 65 years of age
- If you take certain medications like drugs for blood pressure
- If you suffer from conditions like Parkinson’s and diabetes
What are the Treatment Options Available for Low Blood Pressure?
If low blood pressure does not cause symptoms, there is no need for any treatment. In cases where symptoms are present, respective treatments are given.
The following treatments are generally suggested by doctors for patients:
Increase salt consumption
The sodium present in salt increases blood pressure levels. Thus, for those with low blood pressure, increasing the quantity of salt is one way to raise blood pressure. However, overconsumption of sodium may also lead to heart problems.
Using compression socks
Compression socks put pressure on the veins in the leg and relieve pain and swelling. It improves blood flow, resulting in regulated blood pressure levels.
Consume liquid
Drinking more liquid helps increase blood circulation in the body. This helps to bring the blood pressure to a normal level.
In addition to the above, the below lifestyle changes will also help bring the blood pressure to a normal level.
- Drink more water and reduce the consumption of alcohol. Since alcohol is dehydrating, it can aggravate the condition.
- If certain body positions make you dizzy, be gentle while you move. E.g.; some people feel dizziness while shifting from a lying position to a standing position. Instead of jumping to a standing position, you should sit for some time and then stand.
- Eat small meals several times a day
- Do moderate exercise daily
