Premium Nahrungsergänzungsmittel | artgerecht

Low Blood Pressure: What to Do? Tips & Remedies

Low blood pressure (hypotension) can cause dizziness and fatigue. Learn what you can do to raise your blood pressure naturally and when to see a doctor.

Regular tips about health Regular tips about health

Things worth knowing about "Low blood pressure what to do"

Low blood pressure (hypotension) can cause dizziness and fatigue. Learn what you can do to raise your blood pressure naturally and when to see a doctor.

What is Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)?

Low blood pressure, medically known as hypotension, is defined as a systolic blood pressure persistently below 90 mmHg and/or a diastolic pressure below 60 mmHg. While slightly low blood pressure is harmless in many people, it can lead to significant symptoms in others and may require medical evaluation.

Causes of Low Blood Pressure

There are many possible causes of low blood pressure:

Dehydration: Not drinking enough fluids, excessive sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea can lower blood pressure.
Heart problems: A weak heart, arrhythmias, or heart valve defects can reduce the heart's pumping capacity.
Hormonal causes: Thyroid disorders, adrenal insufficiency (e.g., Addison's disease), or diabetes can affect blood pressure.
Medications: Certain blood pressure drugs, diuretics, antidepressants, or pain relievers can lower blood pressure as a side effect.
Pregnancy: Low blood pressure is common during the first half of pregnancy and is usually harmless.
Orthostatic hypotension: A sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up quickly from a lying or seated position.
Constitutional hypotension: Chronically low blood pressure with no identifiable cause, often seen in slim young women.

Symptoms of Low Blood Pressure

Low blood pressure often manifests through the following symptoms:

Dizziness and light-headedness, especially when standing up
Fatigue and a feeling of heaviness
Blurring or darkening of vision
Fainting or collapse (syncope)
Difficulty concentrating and headaches
Cold hands and feet
Heart palpitations

What to Do for Low Blood Pressure: Immediate Measures

If you feel unwell due to low blood pressure, the following immediate measures can help:

Lie down and elevate your legs: Lie flat and raise your legs above heart level. This promotes blood flow back to the heart and can quickly raise blood pressure.
Drink fluids: Drink a large glass of water or a salty broth to increase blood volume.
Stand up slowly: Rise gradually from a lying or sitting position to avoid orthostatic symptoms.
Fresh air: Ensure adequate ventilation and avoid overheated rooms.

Long-Term Measures and Home Remedies

Adjust Your Diet

A slightly saltier diet can help with hypotension, as sodium increases blood volume. However, this should only be done in consultation with a doctor, as excessive salt intake carries other health risks. Eating small, regular meals helps prevent a sharp drop in blood pressure after eating (postprandial hypotension).

Stay Well Hydrated

Drinking at least 1.5 to 2 liters of fluid per day helps maintain stable blood volume. Caffeinated beverages such as coffee or green tea can temporarily raise blood pressure.

Regular Physical Activity

Endurance activities such as walking, swimming, or cycling strengthen the cardiovascular system and help stabilize blood pressure over time. Alternating hot and cold showers (contrast hydrotherapy) stimulate circulation.

Compression Stockings

Medical compression stockings prevent too much blood from pooling in the legs, thereby supporting overall circulation.

Stress Reduction

Getting enough sleep, practicing relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation, and avoiding prolonged periods of bed rest can all help regulate blood pressure.

When to See a Doctor

Low blood pressure is not always dangerous, but you should seek medical advice in the following situations:

Frequent fainting spells or collapse
Very low blood pressure below 80/50 mmHg
Accompanying chest pain or shortness of breath
Severe fatigue without an explainable cause
Low blood pressure in combination with medication use
Low blood pressure during pregnancy

Medical Treatment

In severe cases, a doctor may prescribe blood pressure-raising medications such as etilefrine or midodrine. These agents are used only when non-pharmacological measures are insufficient.

References

European Society of Cardiology (ESC) (2018): ESC Guidelines on the management of syncope and hypotension. European Heart Journal, 39(21), 1883-1948.
Kaplan, N.M. & Victor, R.G. (2015): Kaplan's Clinical Hypertension. 11th edition. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
World Health Organization (WHO) (2023): Cardiovascular diseases - key facts. Available at: www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cardiovascular-diseases

Building Blocks for a Healthy Life

As an integrated manufacturer, we develop & produce evidence-based, patented, and non-patented formulations. We work exclusively with plant and natural extracts according to the strictest purity & quality standards.
The combination of science & modern technology with the laws of nature creates solutions consistently tailored to humans – for the highest good: health.

Most read entries

3 Posts in this encyclopedia category