Darrick Robles Blood pressure that is too low can manifest itself with the symptoms of dizziness, headaches and brief periods of unconsciousness. Although low blood pressure is not a disease in itself, there is often a need for action if the symptoms are severe. Low blood pressure can be counteracted by observing a few rules of conduct. There is also the option of treating the symptoms with medication.
Definition
Blood pressure is the pressure with which the heart pumps blood through the vessels. It depends on the amount of blood, the heart rate and the wall tension of the vessels. Normally, arterial blood pressure is around 120-140/60-90 mmHg.
Low blood pressure (hypotension) is present when blood pressure falls below 100 mmHg systolic in women and 110 mmHg in men . As a rule, there are regulatory mechanisms in the body that counteract low blood pressure: the heartbeat and, consequently, the pulse that can be felt increase in order to maintain blood flow. If these regulatory mechanisms are exhausted, normal bodily functions can sometimes no longer be maintained.
As part of low blood pressure, there can be a short-term reduced oxygen supply to the brain, which manifests itself as a loss of consciousness (syncope) . The patients notice a “blackening out of their eyes” and are then unresponsive for a brief moment. Syncope carries the risk of patients falling and injuring themselves as a result.
The pulse is the heartbeat that can be felt on the body (eg wrist, neck or other places where tactile arteries flow). During physical activity or in stressful situations, the heart rate may increase. In order to counteract the sinking of the blood into the leg vessels when standing up, the heart rate increases for a short moment.
A shock describes a medical emergency. The blood pressure is severely reduced and the blood flow to vital organs can no longer be guaranteed.
Causes of hypotension
There are many causes of low blood pressure. They are divided into different forms of hypotension.
Primary hypotension: With this form of low blood pressure, there is no cause for the symptoms. The patients are mostly young, thin women or athletes.
Secondary hypotension: There is a definable reason that leads to low blood pressure. Possible reasons include previous illnesses or medication . These include, for example, heart failure, aortic stenosis and pericardial effusion. Excessive consumption of alcohol, nicotine and intoxicants can also lead to circulatory problems. Hormonal diseases such as hypothyroidism or adrenal insufficiency through to nerve diseases (polyneuropathy, parkinsonism, etc.) can also be possible causes. Secondly, a decreased amount of blood can induce a secondary hypotension in question. This can be the case, for example, with loss of fluidsoccur as part of diarrhea or vomiting . Too little drinking and any bleeding can also reduce blood volume and consequently blood pressure.
Orthostatic hypotension: Due to a dysregulation of the body, the blood pressure cannot be maintained when standing. After getting up, the blood falls towards the legs according to gravity and there is reduced blood flow to the brain. After getting up, the patients suffer from drowsiness, dizziness, headaches and tachycardia up to unconsciousness (syncope).
Symptoms of low blood pressure
- Cold hands and feet
- Tiredness (in the morning), lack of concentration and reduced performance
- Syncope (short-lived loss of consciousness) with light-headedness and “blacking out”
- Dizziness, headache and tachycardia after getting up
- sweating and facial pallor
- ringing in the ears and hearing impairment
- sleep disorders
- Depressive mood and inner restlessness
Diagnose
Although hypotension often seems harmless, it should be clarified by a doctor, especially in older people. Here, a serious cause of the complaints can be ruled out.
The first point of contact in the event of low blood pressure is usually the general practitioner. He will ask you some questions about your complaints. This is followed by a physical examination, in which the circulation and heart activity are examined. Repeated blood pressure measurement is also part of the evaluation of low blood pressure. A Schellong test can be used to evaluate whether orthostatic hypotension may be present. The patient is brought from a lying to a standing position several times and then the pulse and blood pressure are measured over several minutes.
Sometimes the patient may be referred to a heart disease specialist. The cardiologist can also carry out a heart ultrasound ( echocardiography ) and a long-term blood pressure measurement.
You can do this if you have low blood pressure
- Regular exercise helps get the cardiovascular system going. Endurance sports such as jogging, swimming or hiking train the circulation and keep you fit.
- Alternating showers and cold Kneipp baths stimulate blood circulation.
- Avoid saunas, hot baths, and hot showers.
- Meals rich in salt and drinking more (2-3 liters a day) can also help raise blood pressure. A salted bread and butter for breakfast and several small meals throughout the day work against low blood pressure.
- The consumption of alcohol, nicotine and drugs should be avoided completely.
- Compression stockings can help blood return to the heart.
- Try to sleep at night with your upper body 20-30 degrees elevated.
- After sleeping , get up slowly to avoid syncope. It can also help to drink some water before getting up.
- If there is a risk of fainting (syncope), tensing the leg muscles or briefly squatting can counteract the loss of consciousness. The so-called “party cocktail position” can also help here: the legs are crossed while standing.
therapy
Therapy is usually necessary when symptomatic hypotension is present. If there is an underlying medical condition, it should be treated appropriately. If the hypotension is caused by medications taken, a change in medication should be carried out by the doctor.
D-camphor and crataegus are available as herbal remedies for low blood pressure. These phytotherapeutics take effect within a few minutes. Ingestion is suitable in the presence of orthostatic hypotension. Full baths (not too warm) with rosemary oil and camphor can also have a beneficial effect.
The low blood pressure itself can be treated with so-called antihypotensives if the patient is suffering severely. Antihypotensives are drugs that increase blood pressure.
When to seek help
It is recommended that if you have low blood pressure and related symptoms, you should seek medical attention. Serious underlying diseases should be discovered and treated, especially in older patients. Recent studies also show that low blood pressure is bad for heart health and increases mortality.
How can Med-Healths help?
Are you suffering from the above symptoms and not sure what it is? Via our Med-Healths app you can reach doctors who can help you with the diagnosis. They can advise you and give you good tips on how to change your lifestyle and counteract low blood pressure. In addition, they can recommend experts for further treatment and refer you to them.
