What is low blood pressure? The cause and how to fix it

Low blood pressure is one of the health problems many people have today. To have a better view of low blood pressure as well as its causes and remedies. Please refer to the following article with Tnhelearning.edu.vn!

What is low blood pressure?

Hypotension, also known as hypotension, is a sudden drop in blood pressure below 90/60 mmHg. Hypotension causes blood volume to decrease because the heart’s contractions are not strong enough.

Blood pressure measurement is expressed in two numbers: the first number is the systolic or arterial pressure when the heart beats and pumps blood, the second number is the diastolic or arterial pressure. pulse when the heart is at rest between beats.

Low blood pressure is a symptom of many diseases and can cause many effects on human health, especially the elderly. However, exercising regularly, standing for too long or even getting up from sitting or lying down can lower your blood pressure. This condition is called orthostatic hypotension .

Common symptoms of low blood pressure

Chronic low blood pressure with no symptoms is hardly serious. But a sudden drop in blood pressure can lead to impaired blood supply to vital organs, especially the brain. Decreased blood volume causes multi-organ damage.

The disease has the following signs and symptoms: lightheadedness, blurred vision, fainting, lack of concentration, thirst, dizziness or headache,… The body becomes tired, depressed, nauseated, skin cold, damp and pale.

Who is prone to low blood pressure?

Hypotension is very common and can affect people of all ages. However, the elderly and pregnant women have a higher risk of this disease than others. An estimated 10% to 20% of people over the age of 65 have low blood pressure.

Causes of low blood pressure

There are many causes of low blood pressure such as:

• Not enough fluid in your arteries, which happens if you lose blood or become dehydrated. You can become dehydrated if you don’t drink enough water, have severe diarrhea or vomiting, or sweat a lot.
• The heart doesn’t pump blood hard enough.
• The nerves and hormones in the body that control blood vessels don’t work properly.
• Pregnant.
• Endocrine problems such as an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), diabetes, or low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
• Heat stroke or heat stroke.
• Some medications do not require a prescription.
• Certain medications are prescribed for high blood pressure, depression, or Parkinson’s disease.

In some cases, blood pressure can drop suddenly. In these cases, the cause could be:

• Blood loss due to bleeding.
• Low body temperature.
• High body temperature.
• Cardiomyopathy causes heart failure.
• Sepsis.
• Severe dehydration from vomiting, diarrhea, or fever.
• Reactions to drugs or alcohol.
• Anaphylaxis.

Effective treatment for low blood pressure

Hypotension causes no signs or symptoms or causes only mild symptoms, such as brief episodes of dizziness on standing, and rarely requires treatment.

Your doctor will determine if the illness is caused by any medications you take. If that’s the case, your doctor may change your medication or reduce your dose.

If the disease presents with a number of symptoms, the doctor will select the most appropriate treatment based on the underlying cause, usually trying to address the underlying health problem.

Depending on your age, medical condition, and the type of low blood pressure you have, you can treat it by:

• Increase the amount of salt in the diet. Be sure to check with your doctor before doing so because excess sodium can lead to heart failure, especially in older adults.
• Drink a lot of water. This will increase blood volume and prevent dehydration.
• Wear socks.
• Use medicine. Certain medications can be used to treat hypotension that occurs when you stand up (orthostatic hypotension).

You will be able to control this disease if you take the following measures:

• Stand up slowly and give your body time to adapt: especially important when you get out of bed in the morning. Start by sitting and waiting for a while. Then turn your legs off the side of the bed and wait a moment. When standing, make sure you can hold onto something firmly in case you get dizzy.
• Avoid running, hiking, or doing anything that takes a lot of energy in hot weather. These can make orthostatic hypotension worse.
• Make sure to drink enough water, especially in hot weather.
• Sleeping with a pillow: raise your head slightly above your heart.
• Wear socks.
• Avoid drinking a lot of alcohol.

Reference and synthesis: Hellobacsi.

With the above information, hope you have a more specific view of low blood pressure to prevent as well as protect the health of your family!