Low BP symptoms

What are the symptoms of low blood pressure?
(28 Jan 2008)

Low blood pressure is a very common medical condition that is known to affect a number of adults. Blood pressure is the force that s exerted by the circulating blood on the walls of the blood vessels and is medically considered to be one of the principal vital signs of life which also include the rate of breathing, temperature and heart beat. The pressure is largely generated by the heart muscle pumping blood into the arteries and is regulated by the arteries to the flow of blood.

Blood pressure is expressed as a systolic / diastolic measure. For example, you will often hear someone refer to their blood pressure as being 120 /80. The first number, or systolic pressure, indicates the pressure in the arteries as the muscle of the heart contracts and pumps blood into them. The diastolic pressure refers to the pressure in the arteries when the heart muscle is in a state of relaxation just after contraction. Blood pressure is always higher at the moment of contraction than compared to when it is in a state of rest. Blood pressure in an adult that is lower than 120/80 is considered to be normal while anything above 130 / 80 is considered to be unnaturally high blood pressure. Since low blood pressure is characterized by low blood flow throughout the body, including to vital organs such as the heart, brain and kidneys, the organs are unable to function properly and may even suffer from some amount of damage. A consistent blood pressure reading of 90/60 or lower is considered to be low blood pressure.

Some of the more common symptoms of low blood pressure include lethargy, weakness, dizziness and fatigue. Some individuals may also experience a change in their mental status, a significant difficulty in concentrating as well as sudden changes in breathing patterns. There are a number of factors that can cause low blood pressure. The most common ones include a recent heart attack, a heart failure, a severe infection, certain medications such as those used to treat high blood pressure as well as dehydration by way of sweating or diarrhea. An individual’s diet also plays a significant role in the development of low blood pressure. A healthy diet must contain a significant amount of vitamin B complex, vitamin C as well as sufficient amounts of protein. Instead of eating three large meals over the course of the day, split them up into 6 smaller meals with low carbohydrate content. Salt is considered to be very god for people suffering from cases of low blood pressure and an intake of half a teaspoon of salt with some water on a daily basis is highly recommended.

answered by M W on 7 Apr 2010, 1:29:25

In spite of blood pressure being a common concern amongst a majority of people nowadays, very little is known to the layman about what it can cause or how it can be diagnosed. It must be remembered, though, that there are quite a few people who have low blood pressure at all times. The lower readings are quite normal for them and they will exhibit no symptoms. You may also experience symptoms of low blood pressure from standing up too quickly. To diagnose the problem, it is important to know how to measure the blood pressure. Blood pressure is the force with which your blood pushes against the wall of your arteries. Every time your heart beats, it pumps blood through your arteries. Blood pressure is measured using two different pressure readings. The systolic pressure is the highest point of pressure exuded by the blood. This is at the exact moment of a heart beat. The second reading is the diastolic pressure taken at the time you heart is at rest. The systolic pressure is always read first. As a result, you will hear people talk about their blood pressure in fractions like 120/80. The normal readings vary between 100 – 140 for the systolic measurement and 60 – 90 for the diastolic reading. Any blood pressure reading of 90/60 or below would mean that a person suffers from low blood pressure.

Low blood pressure can be caused by a bad diet, heavy loss of blood as well as emotional factors like stress and severe disappointment, amongst many others. Malnutrition is the greatest cause of low blood pressure and a deficiency in calories, proteins, vitamin C or any vitamins from the B family as well.

You can try a few remedies made with ingredients easily found in your kitchen or easily available. Drink a cup of raw beetroot juice twice a day as it is one of the most successful remedies for this condition. You could also create an Epsom salt bath by using 1 ½ kilograms of commercial Epsom salt and mix it with your bath water. Stay in the bath for about 20 to 30 minutes and make sure this is done just before going to sleep. It is also very important to treat your body correctly and make sure that your body gets enough of salt. Drink salt water containing half a teaspoon of salt daily. From an emotional point of view, avoid getting overworked or worried.

answered by G M on 8 Dec 2009, 5:43:13

Symptoms of Low Blood Pressure

Understanding low blood pressure is important for many people. While a large majority of people naturally have blood pressure that falls below the normal standard, some people may experience a sudden drop in their blood pressure. This is when low blood pressure, also called “hypotension” could become a problem. In addition, most people know when they have low blood pressure because they don’t “feel right”. Here are some common symptoms of low blood pressure.

The two most common symptoms of low blood pressure include dizziness and lightheadedness. This is often most noticeable when standing from a sitting position or sitting up from lying down. A person who experiences these symptoms may feel odd or even faint. A general feeling of unsteadiness is often reported during a bout of low blood pressure as well. Of course, fainting has its own problems—with elderly people, falling from fainting can easily led to breaking bones.

Sometimes a person that suffers from low blood pressure may also experience blurry vision or what is called “dimming”. That is when lighting seems dim or not as bright as they normally would. If you suffer from low blood pressure, it is important to not drive a car while your vision is blurred.

Many people that suffer from low blood pressure also report feeling weak, tired and having cloudy thoughts, or making poor judgment. This is often caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain. Headaches, cold or clammy skin and head and neck pain are also common symptoms of low blood pressure. These are classic signs that you need to talk to your doctor about your condition.

If you find that you do have low blood pressure and it becomes a chronic problem, then your doctor may talk to you about finding relief for your symptoms. Many times, changing your diet can help. Your doctor may also want to know whether or not you are taking any other prescription or over the counter medications that could worsen your condition.

answered by A K on 28 Jan 2008, 3:11:25

Low BP symptoms

What are the symptoms of low blood pressure? (28 Jan 2008)

What are the symptoms of low blood pressure?
(28 Jan 2008)