Low blood pressure (Hypotension) is when blood flows through blood vessels with lower than normal pressure.
The blood pressure measured on the artery walls is diastolic. The force that occurs when the heart contracts are called systolic, while the tension between heartbeats is diastolic. Both measures are in millimeters (mm Hg). Doctors write the systolic measurement above the diastolic.
Most people have a healthy blood pressure of less than 120/80 mmHg.
Although there is no accepted standard, medical experts consider a blood pressure value less than 90/60 mmHgTrusted Source to be hypotensive.
Low blood pressure symptoms
Most people with low blood tension have no symptoms. Hypotension only becomes a problem when the blood pressure pumping is insufficient to oxygenate the organs. This can cause symptoms like:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- nausea
- fainting
- dehydration unusual thirst
- Blurred vision
- fatigue
- Rapid, shallow breathing
- Cold, clammy, and pale skin
- depression
- Lack of concentration
Causes of Low Blood Pressure
It can be temporary, or it can last for a long time. It may also be a sign of underlying medical conditions.
According to the American Heart Association Trusted Source and National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Trusted Source, low blood pressure may be caused by the following factors:
- Aging
- Bed rest for prolonged periods
- Certain medications
- High Blood Pressure Medication Side Effects
- diabetes
- pregnancy
- Heart problems
- endocrine problems
- Severe infection
- severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
- Blood volume decreases due to bleeding or dehydration
- Hypotension mediated by the nervous system
- folic Acid, Vitamin B12, Vitamin
Types and causes of low blood pressure
Hypotension can be classified into different types, depending on when blood pressure falls. There are three main types:
Orthostatic Hypotension
This is also known as postural hypertension. It occurs when someone’s heart rate drops after they get up from a seated or lying position. This can lead to lightheadedness, fainting, or even injuries in older people.
Orthostatic Hypotension can be caused by the following:
- Dehydration
- Certain medications
- A neurological condition is a common underlying cause
- A heart problem
Postprandial Hypotension
Low blood pressure occurs after eating. The body must pump more blood in the small intestine and stomach to digest food. This can lead to low blood pressure in some people if it is not done efficiently.
After a stroke or an accident, postprandial hypertension may occur. This can be due to age or genetics.
Hypotension is severely linked to shock.
Hypotension is when the blood pressure falls to dangerously low values. Shock is a medical crisis, and anyone with shock symptoms needs to seek immediate medical care. Bleeding, severe burns, or an excessive loss of body fluids may cause shock.
Foods that you can eat
What foods and drinks benefit someone with high blood pressure depends on the cause. To check, a person should consult their doctor.
Salt
The sodium chloride in Salt affects the hormones that regulate water balance. It can increase blood pressure if you consume too much Salt.
Those with low blood pressure can benefit from increasing salt intake.
You can do this by:
- Add a pinch of sea salt to a glass of water
- Seasoning food with Salt
- Choosing salty foods such as anchovies or olives
- Salted nuts are a great snack.
Vitamin B12 and folate-rich foods
According to AHATrustedSource, lacking vitamin B12 or folate can lead to anemia and low blood pressure. The doctor can check a person’s blood for deficiencies in these nutrients.
Vitamin B12 foods
Meat, eggs, dairy products such as cheese and milk, and fish are all good sources of vitamin B12. You can choose foods fortified with B12, such as breakfast cereals or plant-based milk.
