Low blood pressure or hypotension can cause a variety of symptoms, from dizziness, and headaches, to blurred vision and fainting. Therefore, low blood pressure needs to be treated in the right way so that it doesn’t get worse and cause serious complications.
A person is said to be hypotensive if his blood pressure is less than 90/60 mmHg. Low blood pressure can occur suddenly (acute) or last a long time (chronic). This condition can also be affected by a sudden change in position, which is also known as orthostatic hypotension.
Causes and Risk Factors of Low Blood Pressure
The exact cause of low blood pressure is not known. However, there are several factors and conditions that are thought to trigger low blood pressure, namely:
1. Heavy bleeding or lack of fluids (dehydration)
2. Body temperature that is too low or too high
3. Disorders of the heart, such as heart failure or heart rhythm disturbances
4. Low blood sugar levels ( hypoglycemia )
5. Low levels of thyroid hormone ( hypothyroidism )
6. Use of certain medications, such as high blood pressure medication
In addition to the symptoms mentioned above, low blood pressure can also cause signs such as feeling light-headed, weak, confused, difficult to concentrate, restless, nauseated, and vomiting.
Various Ways to Overcome Low Blood Pressure
Adequate daily fluid needs is one way to deal with low blood pressure. So, make sure you drink 8 glasses of water every day, okay? In addition, you can also apply some of the simple ways below to treat low blood pressure:
1. Pay attention to body position
Although it looks simple, paying attention to body position can be a way to deal with low blood pressure. If you often feel dizzy, weak, or your vision becomes blurry when you change positions suddenly, then in the future change your position slowly.
For example, when you wake up. Before actually getting up and standing, try lying down for a few minutes first and then sitting down. If it feels safe and no symptoms appear, then you can stand up slowly.
Alternatively, you can also cross your thighs or lift your legs slowly to encourage blood flow from your legs to your heart. Although it seems trivial, in fact this can help overcome the low blood pressure that you experience when you are standing or doing activities.
2. Use compression stockings
Generally, compression stockings are used to prevent blood from pooling in the veins in your legs. However, you can also use these stockings to reduce the risk of complaints due to low blood pressure that occurs when changing positions.
3. Consumption of foods or drinks that contain sugar
As mentioned above, one of the conditions that is associated with the appearance of hypotension is low blood sugar levels.
Well, to reduce complaints that arise due to low blood pressure, you can consume foods or drinks that contain sugar, especially sugar in processed forms, such as corn sugar.
4. Take herbal supplements
Taking herbal supplements and herbal plants is believed to be a solution to overcome low blood pressure. Some herbal plants that you can choose are ginger, cinnamon, and pepper.
However, before taking these supplements and herbal plants, don’t forget to consult your doctor first to ensure their safety, especially if you do have certain medical conditions.
5. Take medicine to raise blood pressure
If it does not subside, then check your condition to the doctor so that he can be given the right treatment. Low blood pressure medication may be prescribed by a doctor to stabilize blood pressure and relieve complaints that arise.
Some types of drugs that are usually given by doctors to treat this condition are fludrocortisone and midodrine. These drugs generally work by constricting blood vessels, which can increase blood pressure.
If you do take high blood pressure medication regularly, then don’t forget to check with your doctor regularly, so that your blood pressure can be monitored properly.
When experiencing symptoms of low blood pressure, try the 5 ways mentioned above. If after trying these ways but the symptoms of low blood pressure that you experience do not subside or are getting worse, immediately see a doctor for further treatment.