Low blood pressure, also known as hypotension, is a condition where the blood pressure is lower than normal. If low blood pressure is causing symptoms, the treatment depends on the cause. For instance, if medication causes low blood pressure, your healthcare provider may recommend changing or stopping the medication or lowering the dose. Dont change or stop taking your medication without first talking to your care provider. Depending on age, health, and the type of low blood pressure, there are several ways to raise blood pressure and reduce symptoms:
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Use more salt: Experts usually recommend limiting salt (sodium) because it can raise blood pressure, sometimes dramatically. For people with low blood pressure, however, that can be a good thing. But too much sodium can lead to heart failure, especially in older adults. So its important to check with a healthcare provider before increasing salt.
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Drink more water: Water increases the amount of blood in the body and prevents dehydration. Drinking more water can help reduce or prevent symptoms of low blood pressure.
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Pay attention to body positions: Gently move from lying flat or squatting to a standing position. Dont sit with legs crossed. If symptoms of low blood pressure occur, sit or lie down right away. Then raise your feet above heart level.
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Eat smaller, low-carbohydrate meals: Eating small, low-carbohydrate meals, drinking more water, and avoiding alcohol might help reduce symptoms.
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Compression stockings: Elastic support (compression) stockings that cover the calf and thigh can help restrict blood flow to your legs, thus keeping more blood in your upper body.
If you have symptoms of extreme low blood pressure or shock, seek emergency medical help. Most healthcare providers consider blood pressure to be too low only if it causes symptoms. Occasional minor dizziness or lightheadedness can be caused by many things, such as spending too much time in the sun or in a hot tub. Its important to see a healthcare provider to get a correct diagnosis. If you have low blood pressure, its usually not possible to reduce your risk of or prevent hypotension. The only exception is avoiding circumstances or actions that can lead to it, such as taking recreational drugs or supplements/herbal remedies that can lower your blood pressure.
