What is low blood pressure?

Complete guide to low blood pressure

Low blood pressure, also known as low blood pressure, is a condition in which the pressure of blood in your blood vessels is lower than normal. This can cause symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, lightheadedness, nausea, or even fainting. In severe cases, low blood pressure can have serious consequences for the supply of blood and oxygen to vital organs in the body.

Here is some basic information about low blood pressure:

Reason:

• Increased arterial pressure: Low blood pressure can be caused by a decrease in arterial pressure in cases where the heart does not pump blood strongly enough or loses the ability of blood vessels to contract.
• Increased blood vessel capacity: Low blood pressure can also be caused by loss of blood vessels, causing blood vessel capacity in the body to decrease.

Symptom:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position.
• Tired.
• Nausea or feeling tired after eating.
• Small blood vessel walls or pale skin.
• Fainting or loss of consciousness.

Treatment:

• For mild low blood pressure, you can practice self-care measures such as slowly changing sitting or standing positions, elevating the head of your bed when sleeping, drinking enough water, and eating a diet rich in salt.
• For more serious cases, your doctor may recommend blood pressure medications or other treatments depending on the cause of your low blood pressure.

Additionally, low blood pressure can also be a sign of another serious health problem. If you experience symptoms of low blood pressure, consult your doctor for an accurate examination and diagnosis.

Note that the above information is for reference only. Diagnosis and treatment of low blood pressure should be based on the advice of a specialist.

Causes of low blood pressure

There are many possible causes of low blood pressure. Here are some common causes:

1. Cardiac foreign body : Cardiac foreign body is a condition in which the heart does not work effectively, not pumping blood strongly enough to create enough pressure to maintain normal blood pressure.
2. Vascular loss : Vascular loss occurs when the amount of blood in the body is significantly reduced, causing low blood pressure. The cause may be blood loss due to severe trauma, internal bleeding, gastroduodenal bleeding, or a disease that leads to blood loss such as hepatitis, cancer, or kidney disease.
3. Increased arterial pressure: Low blood pressure can occur when the pressure in the blood vessels decreases due to factors such as heart failure, venous insufficiency, arrhythmia, abnormal heart valves, or nerve disease. to cardiovascular function.
4. Allergies: Some people may have strong allergic reactions when exposed to allergens such as industrial fluids, foods, drugs, or insects. These allergic reactions can cause vasodilation and lower blood pressure.
5. Environmental factors: Hot environments, standing for long periods of time, lack of water, or impacts from high altitudes can cause low blood pressure.
6. Abnormal increased vascular pressure: Certain diseases such as Addison’s disease, hyperthyroidism, Parkinson’s disease, allergic autoimmune diseases, or urinary abnormalities can cause increased vascular pressure and lead to low blood pressure.

Additionally, using certain medications such as blood pressure lowering drugs, sedatives, antiarrhythmic drugs, or antidepressants can also cause low blood pressure as a side effect.

To determine the specific cause of low blood pressure, an examination and consultation with a doctor is important. Your doctor will evaluate your overall health, order additional tests if needed, and provide an accurate diagnosis to treat low blood pressure.

Signs of low blood pressure

There are some common signs of low blood pressure. However, not everyone has all of these symptoms, and each person may experience symptoms differently. Signs of low blood pressure include:

1. Dizziness or lightheadedness : Feeling dizzy, blurred vision, or feeling dizzy when getting up from a lying or sitting position is a common sign of low blood pressure. This happens because not enough blood is delivered to the brain quickly when you change positions.
2. Fatigue and weakness: Low blood pressure can cause fatigue and weakness because the body does not get enough blood and oxygen.
3. Nausea and indigestion : Some people may feel nausea or indigestion after eating because the digestive system does not work well when blood pressure is low.
4. Pale skin: Low blood pressure can cause the skin to become pale or discolored due to reduced blood flow to the skin.
5. Small blood vessel walls : When blood pressure is low, blood vessels can constrict to retain blood in vital organs like the brain and heart. This can cause blood vessels in the skin and fingers to constrict, causing coldness and numbness.
6. Fainting or loss of consciousness : In severe cases, low blood pressure can lead to fainting or loss of consciousness. This happens when the brain does not receive enough blood and oxygen due to low blood pressure.

If you have any of the above signs or symptoms, consult your doctor for an accurate evaluation and diagnosis.

Foods that are good for low blood pressure

If you have low blood pressure, you can take dietary measures to help increase your blood pressure. Here are some good foods for low blood pressure:

1. Salt : Increasing the amount of salt in your diet can help increase blood pressure. However, discuss this with your doctor because some people with other risk factors such as cardiovascular disease or kidney disease need to limit salt.
2. Foods rich in fat and protein : Mixes rich in protein and fat such as nuts, seeds, almonds, chia seeds, olive oil and coconut oil can help increase blood pressure and maintain energy.
3. Foods rich in vitamin B12 : Vitamin B12 can help increase red blood cell production and improve blood circulation. Some rich sources of vitamin B12 include poultry, fish, eggs and dairy products.
4. Foods rich in potassium: Potassium is an important mineral for the functioning of the nervous system and muscles, including the heart. Some rich sources of potassium include bananas, oranges, grapefruit, sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach, tomatoes, asparagus and beans.
5. Carrot juice: Carrot juice is high in potassium and vitamin C, which can help increase blood pressure. You can drink fresh carrot juice or add carrots to other foods in your diet.
6. Drink enough water: Drinking enough water can help maintain blood pressure and prevent dehydration, especially if you become dehydrated due to high temperatures or vigorous exercise.

However, the most important thing is to discuss with your doctor or nutritionist to get specific advice on a diet suitable for your health status and the cause of low blood pressure.

Foods to avoid for low blood pressure

In the case of low blood pressure, there are certain foods that should be limited or avoided to prevent symptoms and reduce the risk of low blood pressure. Here are foods to avoid:

1. Drinks containing caffeine : Caffeine temporarily increases blood pressure, but can later cause a decrease in blood pressure. Therefore, you should limit the consumption of drinks containing caffeine such as coffee, carbonated soft drinks, black tea and drinks containing caffeine.
2. Alcoholic beverages: Alcohol has the effect of dilating blood vessels and reducing blood pressure. Therefore, you should avoid consuming too much alcoholic beverages such as wine, beer and cocktails.
3. Sugar-rich foods : Sugar-rich foods, such as sweets, candy, fast food and soft drinks, can cause a significant increase in blood sugar and subsequent decrease in blood pressure. Limiting consumption of these foods can help maintain stable blood pressure.
4. Fast foods and salty foods: Processed foods, fast foods and foods high in salt can cause low blood pressure. Limiting your consumption of processed and salty foods in your diet can help reduce symptoms of low blood pressure.
5. Standing for long periods of time : Avoid standing for long periods of time without moving or getting up too quickly from a lying or sitting position. This helps avoid low blood pressure caused by insufficient blood circulation when changing positions.

Again, I recommend that you discuss with your doctor or nutritionist for specific advice on a diet suitable for your health status and the cause of low blood pressure.

Medicines to treat low blood pressure

In some cases, your doctor may recommend medication to treat low blood pressure. Here are some common medications used to treat low blood pressure:

1. Fludrocortisone : This medication is a synthetic corticosteroid hormone that helps increase blood pressure by increasing water and salt retention in the body.
2. Midodrine : This is a drug belonging to the vasoconstrictor group of drugs, which constricts small blood vessels and increases blood pressure.
3. Pyridostigmine : This drug is a cholinesterase inhibitor, which enhances the activity of the cholinergic nervous system and increases blood pressure.
4. Ephedrine : This is a drug belonging to the sympathomimetic group of drugs, which stimulates the sympathetic nervous system and increases blood pressure.
5. Droxidopa : This drug is a hormone replacement that enhances the production of norepinephrine in the body and improves blood pressure.
6. Caffeine : In some cases, your doctor may recommend medications or foods containing caffeine to temporarily increase blood pressure.

It should be noted that the use of medication to treat low blood pressure should be prescribed and closely monitored by a doctor. Each person may have their own factors and require different treatment. Please discuss with your doctor for advice and appropriate medication based on your health condition.

Oriental medicine and herbs to treat low blood pressure

In oriental and herbal medicine, there are certain foods and herbs that are believed to help treat low blood pressure. However, it should be noted that the use of oriental medicines and herbs should be done under the supervision of an experienced oriental medicine specialist or doctor to ensure safety and effectiveness. Here are some commonly used herbs:

1. Fish mint (Ginkgo biloba): Fish mint is said to increase blood circulation and help improve symptoms of low blood pressure. However, it can interact with some medications, so consult your doctor before use.
2. Coriander (Basil): Coriander has the effect of stimulating the heart and increasing blood pressure. It can be used as a spice or in herbal teas.
3. Dong quai (Angelica sinensis): Dong quai is used in oriental medicine to balance blood pressure and enhance blood circulation. It can be used as a medicine or in herbal formulations.
4. Red amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor) : Red amaranth contains a lot of potassium, which can help increase blood pressure. It can be used in dishes or in herbal formulations.
5. Lavender: Lavender has a relaxing and stress-reducing effect, and can help improve symptoms of low blood pressure such as fatigue and dizziness.
6. Red ginseng (Panax ginseng): Red ginseng is said to increase vitality and improve blood circulation, which can help treat low blood pressure. However, it should be noted that red ginseng can interact with some medications, so you should discuss it with your doctor before use.

Note that oriental and herbal medicines are not officially accepted as treatments for low blood pressure in modern medicine and there is not enough scientific evidence to confirm their effectiveness and safety. The use of oriental and herbal medicines should be done under professional supervision and in conjunction with a healthy diet and lifestyle.