low blood pressure..?

Question

any facts/symptoms/risks/things to do and not to do ?

thank you.

Answer 1

Introduction

Low blood pressure, also called hypotension, would seem to be something to strive for. After all, high blood pressure (hypertension) is a well-known risk factor for heart disease and other problems. In fact, in recent years there has been an ongoing downward revision of what is considered a normal blood pressure reading. A blood pressure less than 120/80 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) is now considered normal and optimal for good health.

So, it's easy to understand why you might assume the lower the better when it comes to blood pressure. And it's true that for some people — those who exercise and are in top physical condition — low blood pressure is a sign of health and fitness. But that's not always the case.

For many people, low blood pressure can cause dizziness and fainting or indicate serious heart, endocrine or neurological disorders. Severely low blood pressure can deprive the brain and other vital organs of oxygen and nutrients, leading to a life-threatening condition called shock.
Signs and symptoms

Some people with low blood pressure are in peak physical condition with strong cardiovascular systems and a reduced risk of heart attack and stroke. But low blood pressure can also signal an underlying problem, especially when it drops suddenly or is accompanied by signs and symptoms such as:

* Dizziness or lightheadedness
* Fainting (syncope)
* Lack of concentration
* Blurred vision
* Nausea
* Cold, clammy, pale skin
* Rapid, shallow breathing
* Fatigue
* Depression
* Thirst
Complications

Even moderate forms of low blood pressure can seriously affect quality of life, leading not only to dizziness and weakness but also to fainting and a risk of injury from falls. And severely low blood pressure from any cause can deprive your body of enough oxygen to carry out its normal functions, leading to damage to your heart and brain.

Self-care

Depending on the reason for your low blood pressure, you may be able to take certain steps to help reduce or even prevent symptoms. Some suggestions include:

* Drink more water, less alcohol. Alcohol is dehydrating and can lower blood pressure, even if you drink in moderation. Water, on the other hand, combats dehydration and increases blood volume.
* Follow a healthy diet. Get all the nutrients you need for good health by focusing on a variety of foods, including whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean chicken and fish. If your doctor suggests increasing your sodium intake but you don't like a lot of salt on your food, try using natural soy sauce — a whopping 1,200 milligrams of sodium per tablespoon — or adding dry soup mixes, also loaded with sodium, to dips and dressings.
* Go slow. You may be able to reduce the dizziness and lightheadedness that occurs with low blood pressure on standing by taking it easy when you move from a prone to a standing position. Before getting out of bed in the morning, breathe deeply for a few minutes and then slowly sit up before standing. Sleeping with the head of your bed slightly elevated also can help fight the effects of gravity. If you begin to get symptoms while standing, cross your thighs in a scissors fashion and squeeze or put one foot on a ledge or chair and lean as far forward as possible. These maneuvers encourage blood to flow from your legs to your heart.
* Eat small, low-carb meals. To help prevent blood pressure from dropping sharply after meals, eat small portions several times a day and limit high-carbohydrate foods such as potatoes, rice, pasta and bread. Drinking caffeinated coffee or tea with meals may temporarily raise blood pressure, in some cases by as much as 3 to 14 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). But because caffeine can cause other problems, check with your doctor before increasing your caffeine intake.

Answer 2

Within limits, the lower your blood pressure reading is, the better. In most people blood pressure isn't too low until it causes symptoms such as lightheadedness or fainting.

Answer 3

Symptoms of low blood pressure:
a) Dizziness
b) Palpitations
c) Confusion
d) Nausea
e) Tiredness
f) General weakness
g) Light-headedness and fainting
h) Blurred vision
i) Temporary loss of consciousness

Answer 4

1