Blood Pressure Guide » Low Blood Pressure

What are the Dangers of Low Blood Pressure

admin — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 08:24:25 +0000

People often think that high blood pressure is a problem, however, if the blood pressure drops suddenly, it can be life threatening. Blood pressure is the force with which heart pumps the blood into arteries. Depending on the time of the day, type of food we eat and stress level, the blood pressure levels vary.
Dangers of Low Blood Pressure
Some of the most common dangers of low blood pressure are blurred vision, nausea, dizziness and fainting. It is normal to have low blood pressure without these symptoms, however if the blood pressure drops suddenly, it can be very dangerous.
One of the biggest dangers of low blood pressure is that when the drop is sudden, the heart, brain and other vital organs do not get the required amount of blood. This can hamper the proper functioning of the organs, and they can even get permanently damaged. The lack of oxygen can also cause black outs, especially when sitting up or standing up suddenly after lying down. This is also referred to as orthostatic hypotension.
It is important to understand that the dangers of low blood pressure are as serious as those of high blood pressure or hypertension. Very few people realize that the patients of hypertension suddenly become hyposensitive, without warning. Most patients who have low blood pressure have a difficult challenge to get their blood pressure to rise.
The best way to evaluate the dangers of low blood pressure is to check the pressure while the patient is sleeping, and. Then incline the bed at 65-degrees, and check the blood pressure again. In the healthy individual, at the slope of 65 degrees, the blood pressure falls, but it immediately returns to normal. But for people suffering from low blood pressure, it can take several minutes or hours to normalize, and there is a possibility that it will never come back to normal.
To avoid the dangers of low blood pressure, it is important to make few changes in the diet and daily lifestyle. If your job involves standing for long hours, the gravity pulls the blood in lower extremities. A pair of tight or fishnet stocking can greatly help. If you feel experience blood pressure before or after the meal, drink a cup of coffee. It is also beneficial to drink plenty of water, avoid smoking and alcohol, get regular exercise, and eliminate stress.
It is important to measure your blood pressure accurately. If you are using the blood pressure monitor at home, make sure that you take the readings correctly and you are able to interpret the results.

What are the Causes of Low Blood Pressure

admin — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 02:55:13 +0000

Blood pressure is the force exerted by the blood on the walls of arteries while pumping the blood and during the resting position. Heart beat, temperature, rate of breathing and blood pressure are vital signs of life. The pressure of blood circulated by the heart is regulated by the response of arteries to the blood flow.
Blood pressure is represented as the ratio of systolic/diastolic pressure. Systolic pressure represents the pressure inside arteries when the heart contracts and pumps blood. Diastolic pressure is the pressure inside arteries when heart relaxes after contracting.
Various Causes of Low Blood Pressure
The normal range of systolic pressure lies in the range of 90-120 mm/Hg for healthy adults, and diastolic pressure ideal range is 60-80 mm/Hg. If the lower blood pressure is too low, the oxygen and nutrients supply to brain and other vital organs is not adequate, resulting in improper functioning, and in certain cases, permanent damage of the organs. The low blood pressure is defined by signs and symptoms associated with low blood supply.
Dehydration is one of the most common causes of low blood pressure. Dehydration is common among the people suffering from prolonged diarrhea, vomiting and nausea. If the water is not replenished, large amounts of water is lost from the body due to vomiting and diarrhea. Heat exhaustion, excessive sweating and fever are other causes of dehydration.
Another cause of low blood pressure is the moderate or severe bleeding, as it can rapidly deplete the blood from the body. Bleeding can be caused due to trauma, gastrointestinal abnormalities or surgical complications. At times, the bleeding can be so rapid or severe that it can cause shock or even death.
Severe inflammation of internal organs, such as acute pancreatitis can also be the cause of low blood pressure. The blood pressure can also drop due to weakened heart muscles, Pericarditis, pulmonary embolism, slow heart rate, or abnormally fast heart rate.
There are certain medications that can be the cause of low blood pressure. These medications include beta blockers, calcium channel brokers and digoxin. Vasovagal reaction is another cause of low blood pressure, and is a condition where a normal person develops the slow heart rate, low blood pressure and at times, fainting. The reaction is caused due to emotion of pain or fear such as starting the intravenous infusion, having blood drawn or due to gastrointestinal upset.
Some of the other causes of low blood pressure include postural hypotension, micturition syncope, adrenal insufficiency, septicemia and anaphylaxis.
There are many dangers of low blood pressure if it drops below a certain level. When the blood pressure drops, the sudden change can cause the interruption in the supply of the blood to the heart, brain and kidneys, and can prove fatal.

A Guide to Low Diastolic Blood Pressure

admin — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 02:16:44 +0000

Blood pressure and heart rate are related to each other. Blood pressure is the pressure exerted by the blood on the arteries of the body. Blood pressure is the key force that drives blood flow through the body from arteries, into the organs and then into veins. Pumping of blood by the heart generates blood pressure. Systolic pressure is the amount of pressure generated by heart while pumping the blood through arteries and diastolic pressure is the pressure of blood inside arteries when heart is at rest.
Symptoms and Treatment for Low Diastolic Blood Pressure
Low diastolic blood pressure has been linked with increased cardiovascular risk. Diastolic blood pressure fluctuates depending on the physical exertion and other strenuous activities. Regular monitoring of blood pressure is essential to determine the average reading. Average diastolic reading less than 60 mmHG is considered low diastolic blood pressure, and this condition is also called hypotension.
In low diastolic blood pressure condition, the blood flow to the body tissues and cells is decreased, and hence the supply of nutrients and oxygen is also reduced. Among elderly people, low diastolic blood pressure accompanies cardiovascular disease. The causes of low diastolic blood pressure include stiffening of arterial walls, abnormality in coronary blood flow, side-effects of medications or any other underlying medical condition such as organ inflammation or dehydration. If low diastolic blood pressure is ignored for long, it can lead to cell damage. Nausea, lightheadedness, and vomiting are some of the common effects of low blood pressure.
Sudden dip in the blood pressure can be dangerous, and just a change of 20 mm HG can cause nausea, dizziness and fainting, as brain does not get required supply of blood. If the big plunge is due to severe infection, uncontrolled bleeding or allergic reactions, the condition can be life-threatening.
If suffering from low diastolic blood pressure, the aim is to raise the blood pressure using various means such as taking more salt, wearing compression stocking, drinking more water or with the help of medications. To treat low diastolic blood pressure, you must follow a healthy diet, which is the right combination of various foods, and avoid high-carbohydrate diets. To reduce lightheadedness or dizziness, try changing the body positions slowly. Take few deep breaths before getting up from lying down position.
Some of the treatments for low diastolic blood pressure include balloon angioplasty, dialysis, carotid endarterectomy and carioverions. Commonly prescribed medications and drugs to treat low blood pressure are Pramlintide, Insulin, Glyburide, Glucagon, Mecasermin, and Human placental lactogen. Ackee, vitamin b12, gymnema, and Brewer s yeast are most commonly used herbal and natural treatments for low diastolic blood pressure.

A Guide to Treatment for Low Blood Pressure

admin — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 02:56:26 +0000

Low blood pressure, or hypotension is a difficult condition for the healthcare provider to address. Blood pressure is the force of the blood pushing against the walls of arteries. With each beat, the heart pumps out the blood into arteries, creating pressure. Blood pressure reading has two components, and is expressed as a ratio. Systolic pressure measures the pressure inside arteries while heart is contracting to pump the blood. Diastolic pressure measures the pressure within the arteries while the heart is at rest.
Treatment for Low Blood Pressure
Some people have low blood pressure all the time. For others, the pressure may drop due to medical condition or some event. Many people feel the symptoms of low diastolic blood pressure when they suddenly change the position, or stand up too quickly.
Usually, the low blood pressure that has no symptoms requires little intervention. However, if the blood pressure is associated with shortness of breath, chest pain, or occurs due to excessive bleeding, the treatment for low blood pressure must be given immediately in the emergency room.
In the emergency room, oxygen and intravenous fluids may be given, and monitoring of heart must be done. Blood transfusion for the bleeding patient, antihistamine and adrenaline for the patient having allergic reaction and antibiotics for the patient with infection is given. If blood pressure is abnormally low, doctor will prescribe observation in the hospital.
Causes of low blood pressure are not known clearly, hence no single effective treatment exists. The goal is to reduce the signs and symptoms of the blood pressure, and bring it to normal level. Some of the commonly used treatments for low blood pressure include using more salt, drinking more water, wearing compression stockings and using medications.
One of the most effective treatments for low blood pressure is to follow a healthy diet. You must get all the essential nutrients by consuming variety of foods. It is also essential to go slow when changing the body positions. Eating small, low-carbohydrate meals is also an effective treatment for low blood pressure. Eat several small portions throughout the day, but avoid high-carbohydrate foods such as breads, pastas, rice, potatoes and so on. Avoid drinking alcohol and caffeinated beverages as they are dehydrating, and can lower the blood pressure. Drink plenty of water as it combats dehydration and increases blood volume. Some home treatments for low blood pressure include using Indian Spikenard, Epsom salts bath and beetroot. It is also beneficial to exercise regularly as it promotes blood flow. If you have symptoms of low BP, do not take long hot baths, and do not strain while in the toilet.

A Guide to Symptoms of Low Blood Pressure

admin — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 07:31:13 +0000

Blood pressure is a force exerted on the walls of blood vessels by the circulating blood. The pressure in the blood is generated by heart pumping the blood into arteries, and is regulated by response of arteries to this blood flow. The blood pressure is expresses as systolic/diastolic, where top number indicates the pressure in the arteries when heart muscles contract and pump blood into them. The bottom number represents the pressure inside arteries when heart muscles relax after contracting. Low blood pressure is also known as hypotension.
For most healthy adults, systolic blood pressure is in the range of 90-120, and diastolic blood pressure is in the range of 60-80 mm Hg. Blood pressure lower than 120/80 is defined as low blood pressure, and 130/80 is considered high blood pressure.
Symptoms of Low Blood Pressure
For some people, low blood pressure is an indication of serious underlying health problem. Some of the most commonly experienced symptoms of low blood pressure are lightheadedness or dizziness, nausea, lack of concentration, fainting, rapid or shallow breathing, cold and pale skin, thirst, fatigue and depression.
In most instances, low blood pressure is not serious. If despite the low readings you feel fine, the doctor may just prescribe the routine exams. Occasional lightheadedness or dizziness are also relatively minor problems that can be caused due to mild dehydration. It is however important to keep the record of all your symptoms of low blood pressure when they occur. If you develop fainting along with chest pain, nausea vomiting or numbness/weakness in the body, call the emergency services. These could be the indicators of ongoing heart attack or other dangerous problems with central nervous system.
The first symptom of low blood pressure comes from the most sensitive organ to the blood flow, the brain. Dizziness, lightheadedness and loss of balance occur when getting up from a sitting or lying down positions. In severe cases, fainting occurs. Heart is also immediately affected by the low BP. Shortness of breath and chest pain along with palpitations can occur due to rapid heart rate and increased force of beat.
The paleness of the skin is caused as venous system dilates, and pools blood, requiring more blood from the skin. The symptoms of low blood pressure also affect kidney, liver and GI tract gradually.
For most of the people, the low blood pressure treatment includes making few diet and lifestyle changes. However, in certain cases, doctor may also prescribe Fludrocortisone or Midodrine for treating low blood pressure.

A Guide to Low Blood Pressure

admin — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 05:16:37 +0000

Blood pressure is the force with which the blood pushes against the walls of the arteries. Each time the heart beats, it pumps the blood into arteries, and blood pressure is highest when heart is pumping the blood. This is known as systolic pressure. Between the beats, the heart is at rest and the blood pressure falls, this is known as diastolic pressure. Both these pressure are important for the body. The normal range for blood pressure is 120/80, and if your blood pressure reading is 90/60, you have low blood pressure. Some people suffer from low blood pressure all the time, and for some people, the blood pressure falls due to medical condition or some event. Low blood pressure is a problem only if it causes fainting, dizziness or in rare cases, shock.
Causes of Low Blood Pressure
Blood pressure varies from person to person, depending on sex, race, age and environment. People who exercise regularly and athletes tend to have low blood pressure, and their heart rate is slower. In rare instances, it can be a sign of a serious or life-threatening disorder.
There are many conditions that can cause low blood pressure. During pregnancy, the circulatory system of the woman expands rapidly, and blood pressure tends to drop by 5-15 points. Some heart conditions such as heart valve problem, low heart rate and heart failure also lead to low blood pressure as these conditions prevent the body from circulating enough blood.
Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) or underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can also cause low blood pressure. In some cases, diabetes, low blood sugar and adrenal insufficiency can also cause blood pressure to fall. Dehydration, severe infection, blood loss, lack of nutrients in the diet and severe allergic reactions can also cause low blood pressure.
There are certain medications such as diuretics, beta blockers, alpha blockers, sildnafil and few anti-depressants that can cause low blood pressure.
Some of the most common symptoms of low blood pressure include dizziness, lack of concentration, fainting, nausea, blurred vision, rapid and shallow breathing, cold and pale skin, depression, thirst and fatigue. In many cases, low blood pressure is not a cause of concern, however if you often feel the symptoms of hypotension, it can be an indication of other underlying health problem.
Treatment of Low Blood Pressure
Using more salt, wearing compression stocking, drinking more water, and taking medications are few things that you can do to raise you blood pressure. Drug fludrocortisones is used to treat the drop in blood pressure when you stand up. It boosts the blood volume, raising blood pressure. To treat low blood pressure, you can make some lifestyle changes such as avoiding alcohol, drinking more water, changing the body positions slowly, following a healthy diet, and eating small, low carbohydrate meals throughout the day.