if you are experiencing symptoms of low blood pressure, consult your doctor. Picture: Supplied. Source: Supplied
THE risks of high blood pressure are well known. But low blood pressure can be problematic, too. Here?s what to do.
We all know having high blood pressure puts you at risk of a heart attack and stroke, but what if your blood pressure is too low? a growing number of people are seeking treatment for hypotension (low blood pressure), says cardiologist Dr Gautam Vaddadi from the Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Research Institute in Melbourne. “People assume low blood pressure is good because they won’t have a heart attack,” he says. “But if your blood pressure is too low you can be prone to recurrent fainting, which is disabling.” low blood pressure doesn’t always cause problems, but symptoms can include: + Dizziness+ Blurred vision + Feeling shaky+ Nausea+ Fatigue+ Fainting
>> why it happensSome people have a natural tendency to low blood pressure, but even if you know you have it, symptoms such as dizziness or fainting should be investigated. It can also be a sign of something more serious. “call an ambulance if someone passes out and it’s the first time it’s happened,” Dr Vaddadi says. Some people look as though they are having a seizure and can lose control of their bladder or bowels when they faint. there could be underlying factors including heart disease, brain disease (stroke, epilepsy) or other metabolic or blood disorders.Some drugs, particularly those for high blood pressure, can cause blood pressure to become too low. Diuretics, which increase the amount of urine your kidneys excrete, can cause blood pressure to drop, as can some antibiotics. a Canadian study found people on blood-pressure medication and certain antibiotics were up to six times more likely to be hospitalised for low blood pressure.
>> Diet’s roleIf you drink a lot of caffeine and not enough water, you risk dehydration, which can cause your blood pressure to drop. And if you drink a lot of alcohol and don’t eat enough, your blood pressure can drop so low you pass out, Dr Vaddadi says. “It’s not what you expect to hear from a cardiologist, but sometimes a bit of salt can make dizzy spells go away,” he says. Smaller meals can also help. “when you eat a big meal, blood is diverted to the gut to help digestion, so some people with low blood pressure can pass out.”
>> How to avoid fainting“when someone faints, people often feel they should prop them up or support them,” Dr Vaddadi says. “however, lying down gets blood to the brain more quickly. sometimes you can prevent a fainting spell by crossing your legs in a standing position and clenching your buttocks and thighs for 10 to 15 seconds.” this squeezes the blood vessels in the legs and allows more blood to reach the brain.
“I was worried I’d faint at the altar”Laura Greaves, 30, has had low blood pressure for most of her life. “the first time I fainted I was about 12, but it didn’t occur to me it might be blood pressure-related. For about 10 years, from the age of 15 or so, I’d faint a handful of times a year. I passed out in some pretty strange places! I was eventually diagnosed with low blood pressure.“I rarely feel the actual fall and I don’t seem to lose consciousness - as soon as I’m on the ground I come good. “the fainting always starts the same way: the edges of my vision go dark and everything goes black pretty quickly. if I’m talking to someone, their voice will recede into the distance. “I’ve fainted in several queues. Standing still for an extended period is a trigger, especially if it’s hot or stuffy. “I was so worried I’d faint at the altar during my wedding that my now-husband and I worked out a signalling system in case I suddenly felt I was going to pass out. Luckily, the ceremony was uneventful. “I avoid long queues or other circumstances where I have to stand up for a long time. I don’t skip meals and I try to stay hydrated. Earlier this year I nearly fainted while driving, which was a bit scary, but I managed to pull over and it quickly passed.”