The Facts about Low Blood Pressure

We hear a lot about high blood pressure but not so much about low blood pressure. However, it is as essential to be aware of both low blood pressure and high blood pressure. This article will illuminate the facts about low blood pressure.

What is Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is the power of flowing blood on the walls of blood vessels, mainly arteries. This pressure is primarily a consequence of the heart pumping blood through the circulatory system.

 What is Low Blood Pressure?

Low blood pressure (Also known as hypotension) transpires when blood pressure decreases below the normal range. Physicians generally identify low blood pressure as 90/60 mm Hg or below, commonly stated as “90 over 60” typically, physicians only treat hypotension if it is critical enough to cause symptoms.

Low blood pressure may be temporary, or it can be a chronic or long-lasting condition. The main types of hypotension are:

  • Postprandial hypotension:
    This condition causes individuals to experience lightheadedness or dizziness after ingesting a meal as their blood pressure suddenly declines.
  • Orthostatic hypotension:
    Individuals with Orthostatic hypotension (sometimes called postural hypotension) will feel faint or lightheaded whenever they stand up or change position suddenly.
  • Neurally mediated hypotension: Individuals with this condition feel faint, dizzy, and nauseous post-exercise or standing for a lengthy time.
  • Severe hypotension linked to shock: Shock is the most severe form of hypotension. When an individual is in shock, blood pressure drops to critically low levels, and the brain and organs cannot get sufficient enough blood to perform.

Hypotension is relatively widespread, and various types are more probable to transpire in specific groups of individuals. For example, orthostatic hypotension is usual in pregnant women and older adults. Postprandial hypotension, on the other hand, is common in older individuals.

How is Low Blood Pressure Diagnosed?

After reviewing the symptoms, the doctor will observe blood pressure by placing a blood pressure cuff around the upper arm. The cuff will tighten on the arm, and the monitor will measure your systolic and diastolic pressure.

  • Systolic blood pressure, the top number, indicates how much pressure the blood is thrusting against the artery walls during heartbeats.
  • Diastolic blood pressure, the bottom number, indicates how much pressure the blood is thrusting against the artery walls while the heart is resting between beats.

A blood pressure reading of 90/60 mm Hg (or lower) is regarded as low blood pressure.

As mentioned earlier, low blood pressure can be a sign of an underlying condition. Therefore, a doctor will try to establish what initially caused the blood pressure to decline. The doctor may also check the heart using an echocardiogram, electrocardiogram, or stress test, depending on medical history and symptoms. The doctor may additionally perform blood tests to check for the following:

  • Anemia
  • Diabetes
  • Hormonal imbalances
  • Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
  • Thyroid problems
  • Vitamin deficiencies

What Causes Low Blood Pressure?The Facts about Low Blood Pressure - Low Blood Pressure Causes

Low blood pressure is frequently an indication of an additional medical condition. Low blood sugar has a variety of causes. They include:

  • Blood loss or blood infection
  • Dehydration
  • Extreme emotions such as fear or pain
  • Heart disease or other heart problems include fast heart rate (tachycardia) or prolonged heart rate (bradycardia)
  • Pregnancy
  • Severe changes in body temperature
  • Specific medications, such as those for depression, Parkinson’s disease, or erectile dysfunction

Symptoms of Low Blood Pressure

Symptoms of low blood pressure may come on the scene suddenly or gradually become worse over time. They include:

  • Blurred visionThe Facts about Low Blood Pressure - Low Blood Pressure Symptoms
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Quick, shallow breathing
  • Skin that is cold and sweaty

How to Relieve Symptoms of Low Blood Pressure

Depending on the type of low blood pressure diagnosed, an individual may be able to relieve some of the symptoms by the following:

  • Consuming a healthy diet with smaller amounts of carbohydrates and smaller meals
  • Increasing water intake and steering clear of alcohol
  • Rising slowly after sitting or lying down
  • Concentrating on breathing a few times before changing position
  • Using compression stockings

Who is at Risk for Low Blood Pressure?

Individuals of all ages can be affected with low blood pressure, even though it is more usual in elderly individuals who are frail or bedridden. Pregnant females and elderly adults are more likely to have the orthostatic version of hypotension. Children and young adults are most likely to experience the neurally mediated version of hypotension. However, they usually outgrow it.

Hypotension usually involves individuals that:

  • Are taking specific medications that trigger low blood pressure
  • Have certain hormonal imbalances or vitamin deficits
  • Additionally, have heart problems or liver disease

How is Low Blood Pressure Treated?

The treatments for low blood pressure greatly depend on the cause of the condition. Collaboration with a physician is the best route to take to address the cause of the hypotension. In severe cases of hypotension, a doctor may administer IV fluids to raise the blood pressure.The Facts about Low Blood Pressure - Low Blood Pressure Treatment

Depending on a variety of factors, such as age and the type of hypotension, a physician may advise one or more of the following: dietary changes, lifestyle changes, and possibly medications.

For the dietary changes, a physician might advise an individual to:

  • Drink less alcohol
  • Consume slighter, healthy meals and reduce carbohydrates
  • Increase salt consumption slightly as sodium raises blood pressure
  • Remain hydrated by consuming more water all through the day.

A patient can take several steps to avoid a sudden drop in blood pressure. A physician may suggest the following lifestyle changes:

  • Evade standing for long periods of time.
  • Rise up gradually after sitting or lying down.
  • Sit up and breathe thoroughly for a few minutes prior to getting out of bed.
  • Wear compression stockings.

The doctor may prescribe medications such as:

Side Effects of Low Blood Pressure Treatment

For the lifestyle and dietary changes that can treat hypotension, there are no side effects.

On the other hand, the medications used to treat hypotension can have a number of side effects, some of which may be serious. For example, Fludrocortisone can make certain infections worse. Therefore, it is essential to discuss this medication with the physician. The most frequent  undesirable secondary effects from Fludrocortisone are:

  • Dizziness
  • Increased risk of infection
  • Insomnia (problems sleeping)
  • Nausea, bloating, or other stomach problems

The most usual side effects with midodrine are:

  • Goosebumps and chills
  • Itching
  • Numbness or tingling

Complications from Low Blood Pressure

Although it is not typically a severe medical condition, low blood pressure-hypotension can cause injuries due to fainting and falling. Additionally, if low blood pressure-hypotension is left untreated, the heart, brain, and other organs cannot receive sufficient amounts of blood and cannot function correctly. Severe low blood pressure-hypotension can lead to shock, which can be fatal.

Preventing Low Blood Pressure

Hypotension is preventable by making changes to lifestyle and diet, for instance:

  • Eating smaller amounts of carbohydrates and choosing small, healthy meals
  • Staying hydrated and avoiding alcoholic drinks
  • Rising slowly when sitting or lying down
  • Engaging a few deep breaths before changing position
  • Wearing compression stockings

If an individual has recurring fainting, dizziness, or other symptoms of low blood pressure, they should visit their doctor. Abrupt declines in blood pressure can be dangerous. It is crucial to determine why the blood pressure is dropping and treat the cause.

Monitored and controlled low blood pressure does not generally cause serious or long-term health problems, especially since physicians can treat any underlying condition. Numerous individuals learn to control hypotension with dietary and lifestyle changes.

You are welcome to leave any question, comment, concern, or any experience with low blood pressure you would like to share below.

Good Health!!

 

 

 

All about High Blood Pressure

There is a chronic condition known as the silent killer. This condition is high blood pressure. But it doesn’t have to be. Find out why and read all about high blood pressure.

What is Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is the force of circulating blood against the walls of blood vessels, mainly arteries. The majority of this pressure is a consequence of the heart pumping blood through the circulatory system.

What is High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure, aka hypertension, is blood pressure that is elevated higher than normal. It is a condition where the power or force of the blood against the artery walls is excessive. An individual’s blood pressure changes throughout the day based on their activities. However, having blood pressure measures that are consistently above normal may result in a diagnosis of high blood pressure (or hypertension).

The higher an individual’s blood pressure levels, the more risk they have for other health issues, such as stroke, heart disease, and heart attack.

There are more than three million cases annually in the US.

Detecting High Blood Pressure

The best way to diagnose high blood pressure is to measure the blood pressure by having it tested.

Below is how a blood pressure test is usually performed:

  • A blood pressure reading is achieved with a pressure cuff (sphygmomanometer).
  • The cuff is then placed around the upper arm during the test before being manually or electronically inflated.
  • Once the cuff is inflated, it constricts the brachial artery, temporarily terminating blood flow.
  • The air in the cuff is then slowly released while the individual performing the measurement listens with a stethoscope or monitors an electronic readout.

The blood pressure reading is then recorded as two (2) numbers:

  • Systolic blood pressure (the top number) — indicates how much pressure the blood is applying against the artery walls during heartbeats.
  • Diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) — indicates how much pressure the blood is applying against the artery walls while the heart is resting between beats.

In general, more consideration is given to systolic blood pressure (the first number) as a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease for individuals over 50. In most individuals, systolic blood pressure rises progressively with age, attributable to the increasing stiffness of large arteries, long-term buildup of plaque, and increased cardiac and vascular disease incidence.

However, a physician can use either an elevated systolic or an elevated diastolic blood pressure reading to diagnose high blood pressure. According to recent studies, the risk of death from ischemic heart disease and stroke doubles with every 20 mm Hg systolic or 10 mm Hg diastolic increase among individuals aged 40 to 89.

Note: the abbreviation mm Hg means millimeters of mercury. Mercury was utilized in the 1st accurate pressure gauges and continues to be used in medicine today as the standard unit of measurement for pressure.

Blood pressure categories

There are five (5) blood pressure categories as established by the American Heart Association, which are:

Normal – Blood pressure numbers less than 120/80 mm Hg are considered within the normal range. If the results fall into this category, stay with heart-healthy habits such as following a balanced diet and exercising regularly.

Elevated – Elevated blood pressure readings occur when they consistently range from 120-129 systolic and less than 80 mm Hg diastolic. Individuals with elevated blood pressure are prone to develop high blood pressure unless they take steps to manage the condition.

Hypertension Stage 1 – Hypertension Stage 1 is when blood pressure regularly ranges from 130-139 systolic or 80-89 mm Hg diastolic. At this stage of high blood pressure, physicians are likely to prescribe lifestyle changes. They may consider adding blood pressure medication based on the possibility of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), like a heart attack or stroke.

Hypertension Stage 2 – Hypertension Stage 2 is when blood pressure persistently scales at 140/90 mm Hg or higher. At this level of high blood pressure, physicians are prone to prescribe a blend of blood pressure medications and lifestyle changes.

Hypertensive crisis – This stage of high blood pressure requires medical attention. If an individual’s blood pressure readings suddenly exceed 180/120 mm Hg, it is required to wait five minutes and then test the blood pressure again. If the readings are still excessively elevated, a doctor must be contacted immediately as this individual could be experiencing a hypertensive crisis.All about High Blood Pressure - Blood pressure Chart

Suppose an individual’s blood pressure is higher than 180/120 mm Hg and they are experiencing signs of possible organ damage such as chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness/weakness, change in vision, or difficulty speaking. In that case, they should not wait to see if their pressure declines on its own—call 911.

Symptoms of High Blood Pressure

Generally, high blood pressure (HBP or hypertension) has no apparent indicators to denote something wrong. This is why it is labeled as “the silent killer.” The best ways of protection are being aware of the risks and making changes that matter.

Knowing the Risks and Causes

General genetic and physical risk Characteristics for high blood pressure encompass:

  • Family history. If an individual’s parents or other close blood relatives have high blood pressure, there is an increased chance that that individual will acquire it. However, it is important to note that it is not always HBP itself that runs through families, but the harmful lifestyles that lead to it (e.g., diet, lack of exercise, etc.). These lifestyle habits are often passed down through generations.
  • Age. The older the individual, the more likely they are to get diagnosed with high blood pressure. As individuals age, blood vessels slowly lose some of their elasticity, leading to increased blood pressure. On the other hand, children may also acquire high blood pressure.
  • Gender. Up until age 64, men are more prone to acquire high blood pressure than women are. At 65 and older, women are more prone to acquire high blood pressure. Find out more regarding women and high blood pressure.
  • Race. African-Americans tend to form high blood pressure more frequently than individuals of any other racial background in the United States. It additionally tends to be more acute in African Americans, and some medications are not as effective in treating HBP in African-Americans.
  • Chronic kidney disease (CKD) HBP can become apparent as a result of kidney disease. Additionally, having HBP can also cause further kidney damage.

Modifiable risk factors that can be changed to help prevent and manage high blood pressure includes:

All about High Blood Pressure - High Blood Pressure Prevention
High Blood Pressure Prevention
  • Lack of physical activity: Not getting enough physical activity as part of a lifestyle increases the risk of acquiring high blood pressure. Physical activity is immensely advantageous for the heart and circulatory system in general, and blood pressure is no exception.
  • An unhealthy diet, particularly one high in sodium: Good nutrition from various sources is vital to one’s health. A diet that is excessive in salt consumption, in addition to calories, saturated and trans fat, and sugar, carries an additional risk of high blood pressure. Alternatively, making healthy food choices can effectively assist in lowering blood pressure.
  • Being overweight or obese: Carrying excess weight puts an additional strain on the heart and circulatory system, leading to serious health problems. It additionally increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Learn more about managing your weight.
  • Consuming excessive alcohol: Regular, heavy alcohol consumption may cause numerous health issues, including heart failure, stroke, and an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). It can cause blood pressure to increase radically and increase the risk of alcoholism, obesity, cancer, suicide, and accidents.
  • Sleep apnea: Obstructive sleep apnea can increase the probability of developing HBP and is frequent in individuals with resistant hypertension.
  • High cholesterol: More than half of people with HBP additionally have high cholesterol.
  • Diabetes: Most individuals with diabetes also develop HBP.
  • Smoking and tobacco use: Using tobacco may cause blood pressure to increase temporarily and may also contribute to damaged arteries. Secondhand smoke, contact with other individuals smoke additionally elevates the risk of heart disease for nonsmokers.
  • Stress: Stress is not inevitably a bad thing in and of itself. However, excessive stress can play a role in increased blood pressure. Additionally, undue stress can advance behaviors that increase blood pressure, such as physical inactivity, poor diet, and using tobacco or drinking excessive alcohol. Socioeconomic status and psychosocial stress can affect access to basic living necessities, medication, healthcare providers, and the capacity to adopt healthy lifestyle changes.

Controlling these conditions can prevent and even reverse high blood pressure. Discipline and persistence are the keys.

A minute number of high blood pressure cases are secondary hypertension, which is high blood pressure that is caused by another medical condition that was first present. Examples include certain heart defects, kidney disorders, and pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH). In most cases, if the situation causing the high blood pressure is resolved, the patient’s blood pressure will also normalize. Most of the discussion in this article and throughout this website refers to primary hypertension, high blood pressure with no condition linked cause. Most individuals with high blood pressure have a form of primary hypertension.

Questions, comments, concerns, or experiences with high blood pressure you would like to share can be left below.

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Good Health!!

 

 

 

 

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