If you experience any of these symptoms regularly, it’s important to talk to your GP to understand the reasons behind these tell-tale low blood pressure signs. It could be there’s medication or lifestyle changes that could help.
You may be relieved to hear that a low blood pressure diagnosis is not in itself often cause for alarm. In fact, low blood pressure can even be seen as a good thing, as statistically you’re at lower risk of heart attack or stroke.3 But, if you experience the symptoms of low blood pressure persistently, you’ll know all too well how inconvenient and unpleasant the symptoms can be.Very low blood pressure can be dangerous as it can mean that your body, brain and heart isn’t being supplied with enough oxygenated blood. It can also be an indicator of another medical condition. If you experience low blood pressure, you may want to know why you have it, and what you can do to help alleviate the symptoms.
First things first – what is low blood pressure?
Blood pressure is measured in ‘mmHg’, which stands for millimetres of mercury. Low blood pressure is a reading of less than 90/60mmHg.
The measurement looks like a fraction and represents the pressure inside your arteries created by blood moving around your body. The top part of the ‘fraction’ is systolic pressure – when your heart beats and pushes blood out into your arteries. The bottom part of the ‘fraction’ refers to diastolic pressure – when your heart is resting between beats.
If your blood pressure lies within the range between 90/60 and 120/80, you can be happy that you have a healthy blood pressure. High blood pressure is considered to be 140/90mmHg or higher, whilst low blood pressure is considered to be 90/60mmHg or lower.4Low blood pressure of around 90/60 doesn’t normally cause any problems. You may have low blood pressure with no symptoms whatsoever. But if it drops too low, it can restrict the amount of blood flowing to your brain and other organs. This is what can cause you to feel faint and dizzy.
It’s when you start to experience these unpleasant symptoms that low blood pressure becomes a problem.
Why do I have low blood pressure?
As you’d probably expect, there’s a host of potential reasons for low blood pressure. For example, your level of fitness, your genes and diet and the amount you’ve been drinking. Even the time of day can make a difference. Sometimes it’s just the way it is. Or it may be down to a health condition or medication you could be taking.5,6Talk to your GP and see if you can get to the bottom of the reasons for your low blood pressure. You’ll then have a clearer idea about what, if anything you can or should do to help manage the symptoms.
7 simple ways to help reduce low blood pressure
Most treatments for low blood pressure rely upon managing symptoms with diet and lifestyle choices. Your GP should be able to help guide you on how to raise your low blood pressure safely and effectively. They may recommend simple steps including:
- Watch what you eat
- Start grazing
- Stay seated
- Drink up
- Stand up slowly
- Avoid very hot baths
It can be tempting to relax in a lovely hot tub, but the heat can cause your arteries to dilate and lower your blood pressure even further.
- Wear compression support stockings
Summary: Can I self-treat my low blood pressure?
When you’ve spoken with your GP and understand the reasons why you’re experiencing symptoms, you can start taking proactive steps to help alleviate your low blood pressure symptoms safely and naturally.
Last updated: 10 July 2020
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/low-blood-pressure-hypotension/
- http://www.bloodpressureuk.org/BloodPressureandyou/Thebasics/Whatislow
- http://www.bloodpressureuk.org/BloodPressureandyou/Thebasics/Whatislow
- https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/lifestyle/what-is-blood-pressure/
- http://www.bloodpressureuk.org/BloodPressureandyou/Thebasics/Whatislow;
- https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/medical/ask-the-experts/low-blood-pressure
- https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/heart-and-blood-vessels/conditions/low-blood-pressure-hypotension#treating-low-blood-pressure
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/eating-can-cause-low-blood-pressure
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/low-blood-pressure-hypotension/
- https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/heart-and-blood-vessels/conditions/low-blood-pressure-hypotension#treating-low-blood-pressure
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/low-blood-pressure-hypotension/