Low Blood Pressure: Treatment, Diagnosis & More

Table of Contents

1. Hypotension: Normal vs. Low Blood Pressure
2. Hypotension: Symptoms, causes, and risks
3. Low blood pressure diagnosis procedure
4. Low blood pressure immediate remedy at home
5. Innovative Treatments for Hypotension
6. Self-care Tips to Maintain Healthy Blood Pressure
7. Conclusion

Dietary changes, stressful lifestyles, medications, aging, and underlying health conditions are some of the factors contributing to rising cases of hypotension at present. Hypotension, commonly known as low BP, has minor health effects, but it can have severe negative impacts if overlooked and untreated. 

While most of its symptoms are mild and easily correctable, symptoms like rapid breathing, unconsciousness, or shock pose a danger to life. So, to prevent Hypotension complications, it is important to know the diagnostic procedure and immediate treatment for low blood pressure at home. This blog covers hypotension symptoms and treatment steps you need to know to maintain good health.

Hypotension: Normal vs. Low Blood Pressure

Before you understand the treatment for low blood pressure, you need to know how to measure it and what is considered a healthy blood pressure level. The force that blood applies to the artery walls as it circulates throughout the body is known as blood pressure. This force determines whether your blood is reaching all vital organs adequately. The blood pressure monitor at the health center is used to obtain the following values.

• Systolic Pressure: This is a measurement of the arterial pressure during heart contractions. A good systolic blood pressure is between 90 and 120 mm Hg.
• Diastolic Pressure: The lower number, known as the diastolic, represents blood vessel pressure during a heartbeat’s quiet period. 60-80 mm Hg is considered normal diastolic pressure.

If the measurement obtained from a sphygmomanometer indicates a level that is less than 90 for systolic and 60 for diastolic pressure, then this state is referred to as hypotension. For instance, if your BP reading is 85/55 mm Hg, you have a low blood pressure issue. The normal blood pressure rating also depends on age since fluctuating BP levels are more common and normal in older people. Here is a table showing normal blood pressure levels by age:

Age	Normal BP readings (mm Hg)
Newborns up to 1 month	90/60
Toddlers to Preschoolers	95/70
School-aged children	112/71
Adolescents	120/80
18–39 years	120/70
40–59 years	124/77
60+ years	139/68

A BP level lower than 90/60 mmHg is easy to tackle and increase to a normal level through lifestyle changes. BP less than 60/40 mmHg requires medications, while hypotension readings lower than 50/33 mmHg alarm for emergency medical intervention.

Hypotension: Symptoms, Causes, and Risks

Hypotension doesn’t often show severe symptoms, making it difficult for laymen to identify this problem. However, if you observe health issues you experience frequently, you can understand their symptoms and know when to consult a doctor. Below are the most common symptoms, causes, and risks of low blood pressure:

Symptoms	Causes	Risks
DizzinessFaintingBlurred visionFatigue and NauseaLack of concentrationRapid breathingCold and pale skin	Dehydration or fluid lossUnderlying heart problemsEndocrine disordersSevere infection (sepsis)Nutritional deficienciesStressful routine	Injuries and falls resulting from faintingLife-threatening shock due to reduced oxygen supplyDepression, anxiety, and headachesSevere heart disease or heart stroke

Low Blood Pressure Diagnosis Procedure

Once you seek medical help, various diagnostic procedures are performed to identify causes of low BP, types of BP, and suitable treatments. Thus, the hypotension assessment is broken down into several steps:

• Blood Pressure Measurements

The medical professional will first measure your BP level to analyze the severity of the condition. Your healthcare provider may take multiple readings using a sphygmomanometer for a more accurate diagnosis.

• Medical History and Symptom Review

The medical professional will then analyze the patient’s medical history, previous low BP concerns, and current symptoms. Knowing if the patient has any history of heart disease, diabetes, thyroid disorders, or other chronic conditions is essential to prescribing the right medications and treatment plan for frequent drops in BP. The professional will also discuss the frequency, duration, and severity of symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, or fatigue.

• Lab Test and Physical Examination

During a physical exam, the medical expert will measure blood pressure in both arms while the patient is in different positions (lying down, sitting, and standing) to identify orthostatic hypotension. 

In addition, various lab tests, like complete blood count (CBC), electrolyte level diagnosis, blood glucose check, and thyroid function tests, are performed to find underlying health issues.

• Imaging and Other Diagnostic Tests

ECG tests might be recommended to assess the heart’s electrical activity and identify any irregularities causing low blood pressure. An echocardiogram or ultrasound test will be performed to detect heart valve problems or heart inflammation. 

Orthostatic hypotension can be determined by an upright test or tilt table diagnosis. In this assessment, the individual reclines on a table that inclines at various positions while blood pressure is checked.

• Stress Diagnosis and Neurological Examination

The specialist will also assess the patient’s mental health and stress problems. Deep breathing exercises, where the patient blows into a tube to create pressure in the chest, are recommended to assess the autonomic nervous system’s control over blood pressure. 

A thorough neurological examination may be performed to check for conditions like Parkinson’s disease or multiple system atrophy.

Low Blood Pressure Immediate Remedy at Home

Sometimes, low blood pressure causes shortness of breath, increased heart rate, and unconsciousness. All these symptoms indicate shock, which can damage organs or pose a severe danger to one’s life. In such conditions, it is essential to know emergency treatment for low blood pressure at home. Below are the steps to be followed in such an emergency:

1. Lie Down and Elevate Legs

Until you feel better, lie down and raise your legs if you have symptoms of low blood pressure. This position encourages blood flow back to the heart and brain, which can help stabilize blood pressure.

2. Fulfill the Body’s Fluid Needs

Dehydration can drastically reduce blood pressure since the body needs enough fluid to pump and supply enough blood to all the vital organs. Hence, drinking water or an electrolyte-rich drink can help raise blood pressure. Overheating can also cause dehydration due to excessive sweating. Hence, cool yourself down with a cold compress, fan, or air conditioning.

3. Eat Some Salty Snack

Salt helps the body retain fluids and increases blood volume. Thus, people with low blood pressure should consume small snacks with a higher salt content, such as crackers, pretzels, or chips. 

Sometimes, eating a large meal lowers blood pressure. Therefore, eat small and frequent meals. A cup of caffeinated coffee or tea can also temporarily boost blood pressure.

4. Wear Compression Stockings

Compression stockings can enhance circulation and prevent blood from accumulating in the legs. Thus, you should keep compression stockings at home and wear them when you experience low blood pressure symptoms.

5. Avoid Sudden Movements

Sudden movements, such as quickly standing up or bending over, can accelerate the severity of orthostatic hypotension. Avoid sudden and hasty physical activities and move slowly and steadily to prevent dizziness or fainting.

6. Monitor Blood Pressure.

It is essential to keep a blood pressure monitor at home if you often struggle with a drop in BP level. Monitoring your blood pressure regularly helps your healthcare provider evaluate your condition and recommend the needed treatment.

7. Be Prepared for CPR.

If you or any family have frequent complaints of hypotension, ensure you and other family members are well-equipped with CPR techniques for emergencies. If you are trained in CPR and shock treatment first aid, you can prevent complications and make the right decision promptly. In case of shock, contact the medical emergency quickly and then follow the first-aid steps. You can identify a medical emergency from symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe weakness, or loss of consciousness.

Innovative New Treatments for Low Blood Pressure

Recent advancements in the treatment of hypotension address the underlying causes, improving the quality of life for those affected. The advanced new treatments for low blood pressure are listed below;

• Vasoconstrictor Medicines: Newer vasoconstrictor drugs, such as medications belonging to vasopressor drug classes, have been developed to treat chronic hypotension.
• Implantable Devices: These devices regulate blood pressure by stimulating the autonomic nervous system. These devices, surgically placed in the body, send signals to control blood pressure levels. This technology offers a new approach to managing high as well as low blood pressure in patients who don’t respond well to medication.
• Personalized Fluid Therapy: Fluid therapy is an effective treatment for severe hypotension and shock caused by dehydration or injury. Personalized Fluid Therapy allows healthcare providers to tailor fluid replacement to the individual’s specific needs. 25 to 30% fluid loss of the effective blood volume due to injury or surgery can result in too low blood pressure level and Hypovolemic shock.

Self-care Tips to Maintain Healthy Blood Pressure

Your routine has a significant impact on your blood pressure level. Hence, you need to be careful about your everyday activities, diet, and lifestyle to avoid low blood pressure situations. The following tips will help you stay healthy and maintain normal blood pressure:

• Drink plenty of water, especially during the summer, to stay hydrated and prevent lower blood pressure.
• Prefer consuming small and frequent meals over large meals if you experience a drop in BP after eating.
• Increase salt intake to retain fluid level and stabilize normal BP readings. In addition, consume a healthy and nutrient-rich diet.
• Prolonged inactivity or bed rest can also cause hypotension. Hence, maintain an exercise routine suitable to your age and health condition.
• Wear compression stockings to improve blood circulation.
• Avoid prolonged standing and get up gradually after sitting or lying to prevent dizziness.
• Regularly check your blood pressure at home to track your condition.
• Follow regular check-ups with your healthcare provider if you have underlying health conditions.

By following these steps, individuals can better manage their condition and make informed decisions about their health.

Final Words

Hypotension, or low blood pressure, is a growing concern due to its severe negative impacts and risks like dangerous falls, depression, and severe heart disease. Though these risks are rare, one must not overlook hypotension symptoms and delay treatment for low blood pressure. 

Low blood pressure management at home mainly involves drinking plenty of fluids, consuming the right diet, moving carefully, and regularly monitoring BP. These methods are effective for quick relief, but it is important to see a doctor soon after to identify the real causes of low blood pressure and create a lasting solution.

Read more: 

The Science Behind CPR: How It Revives the Heart and Brain?

Transitioning from CPR for Healthcare Providers