IS LOW BLOOD PRESSURE DANGEROUS?

Many people consider only high blood pressure a problem that may pose potential dangers. In reality, this is not quite the case. Frequent drops and low blood pressure levels are sometimes symptoms of an underlying problem, so it is highly recommended that you seek the competent opinion of a specialist if you often fall into this condition.

Which cases are worrisome?

Everyone may feel light-headed or slightly dizzy as a result of suddenly standing up after bending over. The body reacts instantly by increasing the heart rate and constricting the blood vessels, thereby relieving the symptoms in just a few seconds. However, if signs or symptoms of low blood pressure are frequent, you need to start paying attention. Other symptoms such as vertigo, nausea and headache, weakness and tiredness, etc. may occur. Sometimes more sensitive people may even have a seizure, especially if the blood pressure has dropped significantly. For many, keeping low levels is a normal condition that their bodies have adapted to and they do not feel discomfort from it.

What causes a drop in blood pressure?

Low blood pressure is often caused by other conditions. They may include the effects of an aggressive diet associated with fasting; when a person is suffering from vomiting and diarrhea leading to dehydration; in case of a massive blood loss, anemia, and more. Summer heat makes the body sweat profusely, releasing a lot of salt and other minerals. The blood vessels, in turn, expand due to the heat. The combination of these reactions naturally leads to lower blood pressure. Strenuous physical activity or exercise can lead to similar results.

How to act in case of low blood pressure?

If you fall into this condition, you can react quickly with a few simple tricks. First of all, it is important to lie down and put something under your feet so that they are higher than your head. That way, the blood flow is directed to the brain and heart, and you help the body compensate. The next step is to supply your body with the necessary electrolytes. The best option at home is to take a large amount of salty kefir. The salt in it will help fluids stay in the body instead of being excreted into the urine. You will soon feel better, but do not be quick to get up – give your body time to start functioning normally.

When to consult a specialist?

However, in case you do not connect the drops in blood pressure with any of the reasons listed above, it is recommended to have a check-up with a cardiologist. In order to provide basic information that will help your doctor diagnose your condition, do the following: take your blood pressure with a monitor at the same time for at least five days. It is good to do this in the morning and evening; however, measuring in the middle of the day if possible will also be useful. The specialist will also check indicators such as heart rate, stroke volume, condition of blood vessels, etc., thus building a general picture of your condition.

Types of hypotension

During these tests, you may hear the term arterial hypotension. This is the medical term for low blood pressure. There are different types of hypotension. The cases mentioned above belong to the group of orthostatic hypotension. When the connection between the nerves and the brain is lost, it is possible for it to misread the signals sent by the body. Then, even if the blood pressure is normal, the brain reacts with compensatory reactions in order to lower it, because it considers your blood pressure high. The heartbeat slows down and the pressure drops. This is the so-called neurogenic hypotension. The most severe conditions are those caused by acute hypotension. With them, the blood pressure is so low that the body is in complete disarray. As a result, it is possible for a person to have a heart attack, stroke, and other severe damages.

We’d like to conclude by advising that blood pressure levels below 100/70 require your attention and a visit to a cardiologist.