LOW BLOOD PRESSURE may be less common than high blood pressure, but that certainly doesn’t mean it’s not as problematic. In fact, it can lead to serious complications, including an increased risk of experiencing a heart attack and stroke.
Hypotension, or low blood pressure, is indicated when a blood pressure reading is less than 90 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) over 60 mm Hg. A good friend had to be rushed to the hospital recently because her blood pressure dipped to an incredibly low level. She was lucky in a way because sometimes what makes it hard to diagnose is that you may or may not experience low blood pressure symptoms.
Based on a study, here are five signs and symptoms that may indicate low blood pressure:
1. Constant Dizziness. This is due to a decrease in salt and carbohydrate intakes. Because carbohydrates and sodium hang onto water, blood volume is lower, thus causing low blood pressure.
2. Headaches and Blurry Vision. It can occur even when you change positions, such as going from sitting to standing. This occurs as blood flow back to the brain and body organs can be delayed in some individuals.
3. Fatigue and Lightheadedness. Those who experience low blood pressure may not receive adequate blood flow to the brain, making them feel tired, lightheaded and even faint.
4. Rapid or Abnormal Heart Rate. When this occurs, your body has difficulty delivering oxygen-rich blood to your vital organs. As a result, your heart compensates for this by pumping blood out more quickly to help deliver needed oxygen, resulting in an increased pulse yet lower blood pressure.
5. Excessive Sweating. Low blood pressure can result when you have an imbalance of electrolytes, such as sodium loss due to sweating.
Thus, given the real complications of low blood pressure, experts advise to be proactive and implement healthy routines to keep your blood pressure as close to normal as possible:
Focus on Hydration: Staying hydrated is one of the most important ways to combat low blood pressure, since dehydration can lower your blood pressure. Water, herbal teas and even water-rich foods can all help with hydration needs.
Have Vitamin B12- and Folate-Rich Foods: Eating a variety of foods, including foods that contain vitamin B12 and folate, can help keep your blood pressure within a healthy range.
Increase Your Sodium Intake: Eating adequate sodium can help raise your blood pressure. Consider adding fermented higher-sodium foods, like miso, to your salad dressings and dishes.
Exercise Regularly: When you exercise, blood volume increases as your heart pumps more blood to deliver oxygen to your body, helping maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
Seek Medical Help: Figuring out what’s causing the low blood pressure and correcting that, whether it’s undereating, dehydration or a medication that you’re taking, is crucial to managing your health long-term. By Manny Palomar, PhD (EV Mail July 15-21, 2024 issue)
