Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension) – Symptoms And Causes

Having high blood pressure or hypertension puts you at increased risk for serious health issues such as stroke, heart attack, and kidney damage. But do you know having low blood pressure, aka hypotension, can be concerning too, especially with growing age?

Hypotension often stays in the shadow of high blood pressure and doesn’t get talked about much. But, just like hypertension, hypotension also requires monitoring and treatment. One natural option to help manage blood pressure is Krishna’s BP Care Juice, which can support healthy blood pressure levels alongside other lifestyle changes.

What Is Low Blood Pressure?

Low blood pressure, medically known as hypotension, occurs when your blood pressure reading is much lower than normal, which is below 90/60 mm Hg.

Learn More About: What is Healthy Blood Pressure?

With every heartbeat your blood is pushed against your artery walls, this force of blood is called blood pressure. It goes up and down along with daily activities like exercise, sleeping, moving around, etc.

Low blood pressure (BP) means the force of blood circulating around your body is lower than what it should be, given the environmental conditions. It can either be a condition on its own or a symptom of various other health issues like an underactive thyroid, low blood sugar, or during pregnancy. It may not always cause symptoms, but when it does, the person may require medical attention.

Types of low blood pressure

Absolute hypotension: This occurs when your resting blood pressure is consistently below 90/60 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).

Postural or orthostatic hypotension: This type occurs when blood pressure drops suddenly upon standing up from a sitting or lying position. It happens when the cardiovascular or nervous system does not adjust quickly to position changes. This is usually seen when someone is dehydrated, has long-term bed rest, or is pregnant, due to certain medical conditions and some medicines. This type is common in people over 65 years of age.

Neurally mediated hypotension: This type occurs when standing for long periods and is thought to occur due to communication trouble between your brain and your heart. It is more common in younger individuals.

Postprandial hypotension: This type of low blood pressure happens one or two hours after eating large meals, especially those high in carbohydrates. It’s believed to result from blood pooling in the stomach and intestines. It is most common in older adults with high blood pressure or neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease.

Multiple system atrophy with orthostatic hypotension: This rare form affects the autonomic nervous system which controls functions like blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing. It is associated with very high blood pressure while lying down and was previously known as Shy-Drager syndrome.

What Causes Low Blood Pressure?

Hypotension can occur for many reasons including:

• anemia
• autonomic nervous system disorders
• abrupt change in position
• diet
• dehydration
• eating a high-carb, big meal
• extreme allergic reaction
• endocrine disorders like thyroid problems
• stress
• injury causing extreme blood loss
• heart disease like heart attack
• low blood sugar
• pregnancy
• severe infection
• certain medications
• neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s

Usually, your body automatically prevents blood pressure from dropping too much either by increasing your heart rate or narrowing your blood vessels. But when your body can’t offset the drop in blood pressure, symptoms occur.

Symptoms of Low Blood Pressure

Low BP can sometimes go unnoticed because it doesn’t cause any symptoms but when symptoms appear, they can be quite uncomfortable. The most common ones are dizziness, lightheadedness, weakness, and fainting, especially when standing up quickly. You may also experience fatigue, blurred vision, or difficulty concentrating.

The effects of hypotension depend on its cause, how quickly it develops, and how severe it is. A slow decrease in blood pressure is common as people age but a sudden drop in blood pressure means your brain and other vital organs aren’t getting enough blood flow.

For most healthy individuals, low BP without symptoms is not usually a cause for concern and doesn’t require treatment. However, low BP can sometimes be a sign of an underlying health issue, particularly in older adults, and may reduce blood flow to vital organs like the heart and brain.

Tips for Managing Low Blood Pressure

If you’re dealing with low BP, there are some simple home remedies you can try. These remedies involve both lifestyle changes and dietary adjustments.

Lifestyle Changes to Help Improve Low Blood Pressure

Wear Compression Stockings. These stockings reduce the amount of blood pooling in your lower legs and help blood move back upward from your legs and feet.

Exercise Regularly. Try to get 30 to 60 minutes of exercise that increases your heart rate, along with resistance exercises two to three times a week. Avoid exercising outdoors in extreme heat and humid conditions and if you do, take frequent breaks and ensure you are properly hydrated.

Avoid Sudden Movements: Quick movements like standing up or sitting down too fast can cause dizziness or fainting. To avoid this, try standing up slowly after being seated for the longest time.

Limit Alcohol Consumption. Alcohol can lower your blood pressure. If you’re already dealing with low BP, it’s best to avoid alcoholic drinks.

Drink BP Supporting Herbal Supplements. Supplements like Krishna’s BP Care Juice have herbs that are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that help maintain normal blood pressure. Regular intake of this juice not only supports healthy blood pressure levels but also boosts the function of vital organs that impact blood pressure.

Foods to Help Raise Low Blood Pressure

Coffee. Caffeine can temporarily raise blood pressure by increasing heart rate. A cup of coffee in the morning can provide a quick boost to your blood pressure.

Salt. Adding more salt to your diet can help raise your blood pressure. However, it’s important to use salt in moderation, as excessive intake can lead to other health issues. The World Health Organization recommends around one teaspoon of salt in a day.

Water. Drinking plenty of water helps increase blood volume and prevents dehydration, a common cause of low BP. Water also contains essential minerals like potassium, which help regulate blood pressure.

Carrot Juice. Drinking fresh carrot juice in the morning can help regulate blood pressure. Adding honey may enhance its effects, as honey supports heart and kidney functions.

Tulsi Leaves. Tulsi leaves are rich in potassium, magnesium, and vitamin C, which can help regulate blood pressure. Chew five to six fresh tulsi leaves each morning for the best results.

Almonds. Soak five to six almonds overnight, peel them in the morning, and blend them into a paste. Boil the paste with milk and drink it every day to help maintain stable blood pressure.

Raisins. Soaking raisins overnight and boiling them with milk can be an effective remedy. You can also add soaked raisins to your breakfast to help improve circulation and raise blood pressure.

Beetroot Juice. Both raw beetroot juice and cooked beets can help lower blood pressure by reducing inflammation. Drinking beetroot juice regularly can help regulate blood pressure over time.

Final Thoughts

Your heart is essentially a pump, and maintaining balanced blood pressure—neither too high nor too low—is crucial for it to work effectively. If you’re experiencing symptoms related to low blood pressure, it’s important to take action and find the right solution.