Do you feel dizzy when standing? Systolic orthostatic hypotension can up risk of dementia
People with systolic orthostatic hypotension were nearly 40 per cent more likely to develop dementia than those who did not have the condition.
Low blood pressure is referred to as hypotension in the medical fraternity. The force that blood exerts on the arterial walls during circulation is defined as blood pressure. Essentially, it is a biomarker of your heart health. Though high blood pressure is more common and worrisome, low blood pressure or hypotension can also be a cause of concern.
Your blood pressure is measured on the basis systolic pressure (the top number) and diastolic pressure (the number that appears below). Systolic pressure is the force with which your blood pushes against the arterial walls when your heart contracts or beats. Diastolic pressure, or the other hand, is the blood pressure in your arteries when the heart opens up or dilates in between the beats. Systolic pressure is always higher than diastolic pressure. A blood pressure reading of 90/60 mmHg (millimetres of mercury) is diagnosed as hypotension while 120/80 mmHg is considered as healthy blood pressure. Low blood pressure in otherwise healthy individuals who do not experience any other physical symptom doesn’t necessitate treatment. However, it can be the sign of an underlying disease if it deprives the heart, brain and other vital organs of sufficient blood supply.
Low blood pressure can be triggered by several factors at different points of time. It can classified into various categories based on the triggers:
Postural hypotension
A drop in blood pressure levels during change of posture, from sitting or lying down to standing, is known as postural hypotension. Common in people of all ages, it is characterised by a brief period of dizziness.
Postprandial hypotension
If your blood pressure drops just after a meal, it is known as postprandial hypotension. It is common in older adults, especially those with Parkinson’s disease.
Neurally mediated
You may experience a drop in blood pressure levels after standing for long hours. This is known as neurally mediated hypotension. Kids are more likely to develop this form of hypotension. Traumatic life events may also be the culprit behind this condition.
Shock-induced hypotension
Your body is in shock when your organs are deprived of the blood and oxygen they need to function properly. This form of hypotension can be fatal if not treated promptly.
Many people with low blood pressure do not have any symptom at all. However, people with underlying health conditions like endocrine disorders or other acute ailments may experience the manifestations of hypotension when their blood pressure is below 90/60. Here are the symptoms you may experience:
It’s difficult to always pinpoint the exact cause of hypotension. Almost everyone experiences it at some point of time without any worrying symptom. However, certain conditions can trigger long-term hypotension. Left untreated, they may be dangerous. Here, we guide you on some of those conditions:
In order to check if you have hypotension, your doctor will first review your symptoms, the circumstances that a drop in blood pressure and your medical history. He may also check your blood pressure and pulse rate repeatedly after you’ve lied down for a few minutes, just after you get up from the bed, and a few minutes after you stand up. You may also expect a few tests related to cardiac issues as low blood pressure can be indicative of a heart ailment. These tests include electrocardiogram (measures your heart rate and rhythm) and an echocardiogram (an imaging test that gives a clear picture of your heart) Additionally, blood tests to check for anaemia and blood sugar levels may be necessary. Your physician may also recommend an exercise stress test and a tilt table test. The later is suggested in case of postural hypotension. For this test, which reviews your body’s response to postural changes, you will have to lie down on a table, safely strapped. After you rest there for a while, your doctor will lift the table to an upright position and keep it in that position for about an hour when your blood pressure levels, heart rate, and other physical symptoms will be recorded.
In most cases, hypotension doesn’t require medical intervention. Dietary changes and lifestyle modifications are good enough to improve your condition. However, if these measures don’t work, you mat need medicines, depending on the underlying cause of low blood pressure. Here is a low-down on them.
Steroids: Your doctor may prescribe certain steroids classified as fludrocortisone. These drugs help your kidney retain sodium and lead to fluid accumulation and swelling. These are required to up your blood pressure levels. However, this process can lead to depletion in your potassium. So you will have to replenish it through your diet.
Midodrine: This is an antihypotensive agent used to treat postural hypotension associated with the dysfunction of the central nervous system. It works by stimulating receptors of your arteries and veins. This process raises your blood pressure levels.
Including some foods in your meals alongside following certain dietary rules will help you manage your blood pressure levels:
Small changes in your daily functions can go a long way in preventing the relapse of hypotension if you have a history of this condition.
People with systolic orthostatic hypotension were nearly 40 per cent more likely to develop dementia than those who did not have the condition.
Geriatric hypotension that goes down when you stand up is associated with frailty and falls in older people. Read on to know how to deal with it.
Understanding the language of your physician is a must. We help you find the meanings of the most common medical jargons here.
Your hypertension can be have no-drug solutions too. Read on to know how.
The hormones released during those steamy sessions on bed are to be thanked.
A study has found that a rapid drop in blood pressure, also known as Orthostatic hypotension, might lead to an undiagnosed cardiovascular disease.
Many problems can arise if the person is infused with the wrong blood group.
Uterine cancer survivors are more likely to have cardiovascular problems, a recent study has suggested
Maintain a healthy routine and a healthy exercise regime.
Read this detailed piece to know the difference.
Do you know severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) can lead to hypotension?
Do you often feel dizzy, light headed when you stand up after sitting for a long time? Here are some tips to prevent low BP
Dealing with low blood pressure can get easier with these helpful diet tips.
Here is what you should take when you have low blood pressure.
These lifestyle changes will help you deal with the symptoms of hypotension or low blood pressure.
Low blood pressure is not just about dizziness, but much more.
Wondering what to do when you feel dizzy and weak? Here's the answer.
People with systolic orthostatic hypotension were nearly 40 per cent more likely to develop dementia than those who did not have the condition.
Geriatric hypotension that goes down when you stand up is associated with frailty and falls in older people. Read on to know how to deal with it.
Understanding the language of your physician is a must. We help you find the meanings of the most common medical jargons here.
Your hypertension can be have no-drug solutions too. Read on to know how.
The hormones released during those steamy sessions on bed are to be thanked.
A study has found that a rapid drop in blood pressure, also known as Orthostatic hypotension, might lead to an undiagnosed cardiovascular disease.
Many problems can arise if the person is infused with the wrong blood group.
Uterine cancer survivors are more likely to have cardiovascular problems, a recent study has suggested
Maintain a healthy routine and a healthy exercise regime.
Read this detailed piece to know the difference.
Do you know severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) can lead to hypotension?
Do you often feel dizzy, light headed when you stand up after sitting for a long time? Here are some tips to prevent low BP
Dealing with low blood pressure can get easier with these helpful diet tips.
Here is what you should take when you have low blood pressure.
These lifestyle changes will help you deal with the symptoms of hypotension or low blood pressure.
Wondering what to do when you feel dizzy and weak? Here's the answer.
Act up soon, before your dizziness makes you faint and face a fatal accident.
Low blood pressure is not just about dizziness, but much more.
