2016-10-28 12:00:00
Hypotension is a lowered blood pressure to the point of causing symptoms like dizziness or fainting, says Dr. Levi D. Procter of Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine in his article on the subject (Source 1). The hypotension is the opposite ofhypertension. Most at risk? Elderly people, pregnant women, people with diabetes or heart disease.
A low voltage problem is not not dangerous for the cardiovascular system, unlike hypertension. But the symptoms are bothersome: visual disturbances, dizziness, headaches, vagal discomfort, fainting, fatigue or even insomnia. Very low blood pressure can also be life-threatening, as it can lead to a state of chocin which the organs are damaged by the lack of blood flow.
What are the causes of low voltage or voltage drop?
Low blood pressure can be caused by:
- A dilation of the small arteries (arterioles) due to toxins produced by bacteria during certain severe infections, certain medications, spinal cord injuries, allergic reactions (anaphylactic shock), certain endocrine disorders;
- Insufficient blood volume due to dehydration, bleeding or kidney disease;
- Certain heart conditions (heart attack, cardiac arrhythmia, tachycardia, valvulopathy, bradycardia…) ;
- Some diseases (Parkinson, multiple sclerosis…) can also disturb blood pressure.
Other possible cause: autonomic neuropathies, a type of peripheral neuropathy. “Low blood pressure also occurs when the nerves that conduct signals between the brain and the heart and blood vessels are impaired by neurological disorders called autonomic neuropathies“, adds the doctor.
Orthostatic hypotension and malaise
When a person quickly transitions from sitting to standing, the blood pressure in the blood vessels of the brain decreases, which leads to a temporary feeling of lightheadedness or fainting. This phenomenon is called orthostatic hypotension. It may be more pronounced in people who are dehydrated, have a high body temperature (like coming out of a hot bath), people who have certain illnesses, or who have been lying or sitting for long periods of time.
What to do in case of hypotension? How to raise the tension?
The doctors treat the cause of low blood pressure. Often, they also administer fluids intravenously if the heart is able to handle additional fluids, says Dr. Levi D. Procter. “Depending on the cause of the symptoms, doctors may recommend wear elastic compression stockings which cover the calf and thigh to help push blood out of the veins in the legs and back up to the heart.
Against a drop in voltage, certain measures must be put in place on a daily basis. They will help bring it back up.
eat salty
The salt phelps retain water in the arteries and thus helps relieve pressure. Consuming enough is essential to reduce problems with low blood pressure.
Stay hydrated
Not only do fluids increase blood volume, but some sodium-rich waters can have a double beneficial effect. In addition to staying hydrated, try to limit alcohol consumption. Its action dilates the vessels and leads to a drop in pressure, and its diuretic effect risks aggravating dehydration, and therefore hypotension. In the event of a voltage drop, a coffee or green tea drink helps stimulate circulation for a short time, but may dehydrate the body in the long run.
Wear compression stockings
If you have to stand for a long time, remember to put on compression stockings used in case of varicose veins. They prevent blood from accumulating in the legs and help you limit the risk of discomfort.
To rest
In case of great fatigue, the simplest solution is rest. Give yourself a nap following meals, to help the body in full digestion that needs blood flow, and remember to raise your feet.
Make the right moves
To avoid discomfort caused by pressure drop, take time to stretch before physical exercise, massage your legs and wiggle your toes, then get up slowly. A moderate and regular physical activity can help improve overall blood circulation.
How to react in case of discomfort?
If you feel that discomfort is coming, you must sit or lie down to regulate blood flow, preferably elevating the feet to pump blood to the brain. If this is not possible in a seated position, tilt your head forward between your legs. Loosen tight clothing if this is the case. You can also splash water on your face.
Drop or drop in blood pressure: when should you worry?
low blood pressure generally does not require a medical consultation.
She’s getting worried when the symptoms become bothersome and affect the person’s quality of life (dizziness, fainting, etc.), or when blood pressure drops are frequent.
L’State of shock (which occurs if the blood pressure drops sufficiently and remains low – then all the organs begin to malfunction) is an emergency situation in which you must call for help.
Diastolic and systolic blood pressure: two measurements of blood pressure
Blood pressure is determined by:
- Measurement of systolic blood pressure (the top number or the highest number) which corresponds to the value of the pressure in the artery when the heart contracts;
- The measurement of diastolic pressure (the bottom number or the weakest number) which corresponds to the value of the pressure in the artery when the heart is at rest between two contractions.
The normal adult blood pressure should not exceed 135/85 mmHg (millimeters of mercury). If your blood pressure is below 100/60 for women and 110/70 for men, then you have hypotension.
Note: in medical consultation, when the doctor takes your blood pressure, the normal values may vary from 10 to 20 mmHg of mercury under stress and anxiety…
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