Most of us are aware that high blood pressure (hypertension) carries an increased risk of serious illnesses such as heart attack and stroke. But did you know that low blood pressure (hypotension) can be just as worrisome?
People with low blood pressure often feel weak and tired, feel cold easily and have difficulty concentrating. The cardiologist Dr. In an article from the Cleveland Clinic (USA), Jeffery Courson explains how those affected can quickly increase their blood pressure.
Low blood pressure can be dangerous
A “normal” blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg. The top number is the systolic pressure. This is the pressure in your arteries as your heart contracts. The bottom number is the diastolic pressure. It represents the pressure in your arteries as your heart relaxes. Any value at or below 90/60 mmHg is considered low.
Some people suffer from chronic hypotension (low blood pressure), which, like chronic high blood pressure, needs to be monitored and treated. But anyone can experience a sudden, severe drop in blood pressure. This can be quite dangerous. Dr. Courson describes what you can do in these moments to reverse this.
If you need to increase your blood pressure quickly
As important as it is to understand the causes and symptoms, if you experience a sudden drop in blood pressure, you need to act quickly to avoid fainting. Dr. Courson suggests the following:
Change your position
If you feel like your blood pressure is dropping (like you’re about to pass out), the first and most important thing you can do is slowly change positions. If you are standing, sit or lie down.
If you’re sitting, Dr. Courson to put his head between his legs. If you are lying down, try lifting your legs. And be aware of your surroundings – avoid stairs, tiled floors, etc. if you feel shaky.
Changing your position not only increases your blood pressure and reduces your chances of fainting, it also means that if you do lose consciousness, you’re less likely to fall and hurt yourself.
Hydration
When your body is properly hydrated, it can better regulate your blood pressure. If you have low blood pressure, explains Dr. Courson that adding extra fluid increases your blood volume. This causes your veins and arteries to expand and blood circulation to improve.
Back pressure
If your blood pressure is too low, try to raise it using your muscles. There are different ways to do this:
- Squeeze a stress ball or something similar as hard as you can for as long as you can (or until you feel better). Don’t have anything to press? Make a tight fist, like you do when having your blood drawn.
- When you stand up, cross your legs as if you need to pee. Now tense all the muscles in your legs, stomach, and buttocks as tightly as you can for as long as you can (or until you feel better).
- Hold your own hands. Now tense your arms and try to pull them apart as long as you can (or until you feel better).
Switch to compression clothing
Whether you wear compression socks, stockings, leggings, or abdominal belts, the idea is the same: the pressure they put on your body promotes better blood circulation. This means less blood pools in the veins of your lower body – meaning more blood flows back to your heart with each beat.
Drink some coffee
If you feel like your blood pressure is hitting rock bottom, it might be time to drink some coffee. It can be a pretty effective way to increase your blood pressure. But while it’s possible that a cup of coffee can quickly raise your blood pressure, that shouldn’t be the only trick you have up your sleeve.
Cooling
When you’re hot, your blood vessels dilate, slowing blood flow and allowing gravity to pull your blood more easily to your feet. If you feel overheated, it’s always a good idea to go inside (if possible) and drink some water.
Reduce your stress
It is common to hear of people who have fainted in a moment of sadness, grief or surprise. Or at the sight of blood or needles. This is called “situational syncope.”
It’s basically your body’s way of trying to protect you from emotional stress that’s severe enough to be perceived as a threat.
If you are so upset that it is affecting you physically, sit or lie down and do some breathing exercises.
Signs and medical attention
Dr. Courson also explains the signs that your blood pressure is dropping dangerously. He says “dangerous” because it’s completely normal for blood pressure levels to fluctuate throughout the day, especially as your activity level changes. You need higher blood pressure when exercising and lower blood pressure at rest because your oxygen needs are different under these conditions.
A sudden, dramatic drop in blood pressure can have many different causes, but the symptoms are generally similar. If your blood pressure has skyrocketed, you can:
- feeling dizzy, light-headed or confused,
- notice how your vision changes,
- feel cold,
- sweating profusely or feeling overheated,
- suffer from nausea and vomiting,
- hear a ringing in your ears,
- Have a headache,
- be anxious or stressed,
- Feeling weak, losing control of your muscles, or unable to stand.
If not addressed immediately, a severe drop in blood pressure can cause you to faint and, if left untreated, may cause permanent damage and, in extreme cases, be fatal.
If the following happens suddenly and without explanation, call 911:
- fainting or unconsciousness,
- cold, damp skin,
- excessive paleness or a blue tone to the skin,
- weak but fast heartbeat,
- rapid, shallow breathing.
The general rule is: If you experience the above symptoms frequently or have a negative impact on your quality of life, you should contact a doctor. (ad)
