Low blood pressure is in most cases completely harmless and does not require any treatment. Most people who have low blood pressure have no symptoms. If you have a sudden drop in blood pressure, you should sit down or lie down. Sometimes you may need to seek care.
Low blood pressure is more common among young, long and narrow people. Blood pressure varies from person to person. Low blood pressure is also called hypotension or hypotension.
Blood pressure is not constant but varies during the day, between different days and between different periods of life. It is higher when you are physically active and when you feel stressed or upset. If you become frightened, you may react with a drop in blood pressure. Blood pressure is also lower when you relax and rest, as well as when you have been sleeping in some illness.
Several drugs lower blood pressure, including so-called blood pressure-lowering drugs. Some diseases can cause poor blood pressure control.
To measure blood pressure
As the heart pumps out blood to the blood vessels, the pressure in them increases. It is called the upper pressure or systolic blood pressure. The lower pressure called the diastolic blood pressure is the pressure found in the blood vessels between the heartbeats. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury, mm Hg, and is indicated by two values, for example, 120/80. First, the upper pressure is indicated and after the slash, the lower pressure is indicated.
As an adult, you have low blood pressure if your blood pressure is below 90/60 and you feel symptoms. But if your blood pressure is just below 90/60 and you have no symptoms it is not considered too low.
Symptoms of low blood pressure
If you experience a fall in blood pressure, the blood supply to the brain is temporarily reduced. It is then common for you to experience any of the following symptoms of low blood pressure:
- You can get dizzy.
- You may feel weak.
- You can get cold sweaty.
- You feel dizzy.
When the body tries to increase blood flow, it can be seen by heart palpitations. For more obvious problems, you can faint for a brief moment. This can happen during toilet visits and even if you are standing still, for example in a queue. As soon as the brain gets enough blood again, the symptoms disappear.
In severe conditions of low blood pressure, you get dizzy even when you stand up slowly and carefully. In these unusual cases, low blood pressure can also cause fatigue.
Remedies for acute hypotension
If you agree that someone has an acute blood pressure drop and becomes pale and dizzy, you can help the person to sit down or lie down. If someone faints, you can raise the legs of the fainting so that the blood flows back to the head. If the person has recovered, it may be good to give something to drink before they get up.
Prevent low blood pressure
Physical activity and regular exercise counteract low blood pressure. Be sure to drink enough fluid, especially in the summer when it is hot or if you have a fever , vomiting or diarrhea.
Be careful when you get up if you know you will easily get dizzy. If you have been lying down, you can first sit on the bed edge for a while before getting up. Also, consider this if you need to get up at night since fatigue can help you fall easier.
When and where should I seek care?
You do not need to seek care if you have low blood pressure with no or no problems.
Contact a health care center if you have clear symptoms of low blood pressure, such as increasing dizziness, fainting, concomitant irregular heart activity or chest pain. You can contact many receptions by logging in.
Examination of blood pressure
Adults should at some time check their blood pressure to rule out too low or too high blood pressure.
Here you can read about blood pressure measurement.
Treatment of low blood pressure
Being physically active and exercising regularly is good for low blood pressure. Severe low blood pressure problems can sometimes be treated with drugs. In some cases, low blood pressure is caused by drugs. If you develop dizziness after receiving your medicine, you should consult your doctor as the dose may need to be reduced.
Compression stockings
Support socks can be helpful, especially if you have varicose veins.
Influence and participate in your care
You can seek care at any medical center or open specialist clinic you want throughout the country. Sometimes a referral to the open specialized care is required.
You should understand the information
In order for you to be involved in your care and treatment, it is important that you understand the information you receive from the healthcare staff. Ask questions if you don’t understand. For example, you should get information about treatment options and how long you may have to wait for care and treatment.