LOW BLOOD PRESSURE - How to prevent and treat low blood pressure

Low blood pressure can affect anyone when a situation 

prompts a sudden drop in blood pressure. 

The problem can also be related to specific diseases 

or medications and it's also more likely 

to affect people as they get older.

 

For those prone to low blood pressure these tips may help:

• Stand up slowly from a lying or seated position, especially when you wake up
• Drink enough fluids
• Wear compression tights

The treatment for low blood pressure is determined by its cause. If, for example, low blood pressure is found to be caused by a type of medication, a doctor may alter the dosage. If a specific cause isn't identified, drugs may be used to raise blood pressure.

Source: http://www.bodyandsoul.com.au/

HEALTH - Symptoms of low blood pressure

Low blood pressure is normally a good thing but it may need 

medical attention if not enough blood reaches the organs 

and causes symptoms such as dizziness and fainting

 

The symptoms associated with low blood pressure usually develop over time. These include:

• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Shortness of breath
• Fainting
• Cold hands and feet
• Feeling tired
• Feeling weak and shaky

Often these symptoms become apparent when a person stands suddenly – "postural" (or orthostatic) hypotension. Symptoms that arise after eating a big meal indicate "postprandial" hypotension.

Low blood pressure can affect anyone in certain situations, such as standing for long periods in a hot place or following a period of intense stress or emotion. However, it's when low blood pressure regularly causes symptoms that there may be other factors involved.  These include:

• Heart conditions such as heart failure which mean your heart isn't pumping effectively
• Dehydration
• Internal bleeding
• Blood donation
• Conditions involving your nervous system such as diabetes
• Pregnancy
• Allergic reaction to particular chemicals or drugs
• Reaction to medications for heart conditions, high blood pressure or depression
• Certain types of infection

To diagnose low blood pressure a doctor will examine you, discuss your symptoms and your medical history. Certain tests will be carried out according to whether you have symptoms that indicate postural hypotension or postprandial hypotension.

Source: http://www.bodyandsoul.com.au/

HEALTH - Low blood pressure

Low blood pressure (hypotension) refers to a blood pressure that's lower than normal or lower than would be expected in a particular person.

Blood pressure is a measurement of the force that your blood puts on the walls of your arteries as it's pumped around the body.

There is no set threshold for what's considered too low as a low blood pressure reading for one person might be perfectly okay for that individual, but doctors may consider a reading below about 100/60 mmHg cause for concern if it's having a negative impact on the body.

If blood pressure becomes lower than normal for you, blood flow to vital organs may cause fainting, blurred vision or fatigue.

Source: http://www.bodyandsoul.com.au/