Low blood pressure treatments

What are the cures for low BP?
(28 Jan 2008)

Low blood pressure is a very common medical condition and can cause a significant amount of discomfort and inconvenience to the patient’s daily routine. However, before going into the details of the condition and its possible treatment options, one must clearly understand the meaning of the term blood pressure. Although the term is bandied about very often, rarely do people completely grasp the seriousness of the condition.

Blood pressure is the amount of pressure applied to the arteries by the blood flowing through it as a result of the initial force with which the heart pumps the blood through the human body. Blood pressure is expressed as a fractional number. For example, you will often hear someone refer to their blood pressure as being 120 / 60. The first number indicates the systolic pressure which is measured at the point of maximum pressure which is simultaneous with the contraction of the heart muscle. The second number indicates the pressure reading at the time the heart muscle is in a state of relaxation. Normal blood pressure reads at 120 / 60 or below but anything under a reading of 90 / 60 is considered to be low blood pressure. This would then indicate the presence of low blood flow in the human body and could lead to a lack of blood and oxygen being supplied to vital organs such as the heart, brain and kidneys. As a result, the most common symptoms of low blood pressure include dizziness, fatigue, weakness and lethargy. Furthermore, the patient is likely to experience significant difficulty in concentration as well.

The diet plays a very important role in maintaining blood pressure. A daily diet that lacks the required amounts of vitamin B complex, vitamin C and rich protein content will lead to malnutrition which is one of the foremost causes of low blood pressure. Instead of consuming three large meals over the course of the day, try eating smaller meals that have low carbo-hydrate content. Salt is also known to be very beneficial for people suffering from low blood pressure. Make sure that you have about half a teaspoon of salt with some water on a daily basis in addition to a well balanced diet. A hot Epsom salt bath is very helpful in the treatment of low blood pressure and can be easily prepared by dissolving 1 to 1 ½ kilograms of commercially available Epsom salt into an ordinary bath or hot water. Soak in the bath for about 20 minutes just before retiring for the night for best results.

answered by G M on 7 Apr 2010, 2:41:27

Blood pressure is the force exerted by blood circulating within the blood vessels; low blood pressure or hypotension occurs when the flow of blood is inadequate to deliver enough oxygen and nutrients to vital organs such as the brain, heart, and kidney. Currently, guidelines define normal blood pressure as 120/80; however, low blood pressure is defined by symptoms of blood flow, not by a specific pressure number.

Symptoms of low blood pressure include dizziness, syncope (fainting), lack of concentration, blurred vision, nausea, cold, clammy and pale skin, fatigue, depression, thirst, and rapid, shallow breathing.

Here are some simple home remedies for low blood pressure:

Drink lots of water. Dehydration reduces blood volume and lowers blood pressure.

Avoid consumption of alcohol because it acts as a dehydration agent.

Drink a cup of raw beetroot juice twice a day.

Soak seven almonds in a bowl of water and keep them overnight. Peel the almonds in the morning, prepare a paste, add this paste to lukewarm milk and drink it.

Consume asafetida because it is beneficial in restoring blood pressure levels,

Consume foods rich in proteins and vitamins such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean chicken and fish.

Exercise everyday. Light walking, swimming and cycling help regulate blood pressure levels.

Change your body positions slowly. You may be able to reduce dizziness and lightheadedness that occur with low blood pressure on shifting cautiously from a prone to a standing position.

Breathe deeply for a few minutes before getting out of bed in the morning, and then slowly sit up before standing.

If your blood pressure drops while standing, cross your thighs in a scissors fashion and squeeze, or put one foot on a ledge or chair and lean forward as far as possible. This encourages blood flow from your legs to your heart.

Eat small meals but frequently. To prevent blood pressure from dropping sharply after meals, eat small portions several times a day. Avoid high-carbohydrate foods such as potatoes, rice, pasta and bread.

Drink caffeinated coffee or tea with meals to temporarily raise blood pressure but check with your doctor before increasing your caffeine intake.

Use more salt in your diet. However, please check with your doctor or dietician before using this measure.

Use compression stockings. The elastic stockings commonly used to relieve the pain and swelling of varicose veins may help reduce the pooling of blood in your legs.

answered by G R on 9 Dec 2009, 5:25:41

Treatment for Low Blood Pressure

Most people that experience low blood pressure will not need to take medication. Low blood pressure is only a problem for some people—and some people have low blood pressure and don’t even realize it. If you suffer from symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, headaches or nausea, then take at look at some of your treatment options.

First of all, if you have chronic problems with low blood pressure, your doctor may recommend that you add more salt to your diet. It probably goes against everything you have every heard, but increasing your sodium intake can help your low blood pressure.

You will also want to drink less caffeine during the day. Doctors often recommend that those with low blood pressure have their caffeine in the morning and then concentrate on drinking plenty of water or other healthy beverages. In fact, beverages such as Gatorade and Propel are good choices for those with low blood pressure because they do contain sodium. You will also want to make sure that you avoid alcohol because this can exacerbate problems with low blood pressure. When it is hot outside, make sure you replenish your body with the right kinds of fluids and this can help with your low blood pressure, too. Staying hydrated is the key.

For those with chronic problems with low blood pressure, it is important to check the medications you take on a regular basis. This is especially true if you take several medications or vitamins or supplements. Your doctor can tell you whether or not what you are taking makes an impact on your blood pressure.

Your doctor will also recommend that you try to be careful when you stand or sit up. Many people will feel dizzy when they rise too quickly and those with low blood pressure often have problems with that. It is recommended that you take care and sit up or stand slowly. You can also roll your ankles a couple of time before standing up. This can promote circulation and prevent problems.

answered by A K on 28 Jan 2008, 3:13:27

Low blood pressure treatments

What are the cures for low BP? (28 Jan 2008)

What are the cures for low BP?
(28 Jan 2008)