I have low BP, can I climb the stairs?

Here's a definitive answer from our expert.

Low blood pressure or low BP is a common ailment in many, especially women. If you have this problem and have been asked by your doctor to start exercising to stay fit, one of the most common ways to do this is by climbing the stairs. But can you really do this with low blood pressure?

Here's the answer.

Dr Nilesh Gautam, senior interventional cardiologist, Asian Heart Institute, says, " Yes people with low blood pressure can climb stairs to stay fit. But there are a few things they should keep in mind before they start."

Here are a few tips by Dr Gautam.

If you have symptoms of low BP...

• If you have been diagnosed with low BP or have the symptoms (which include excessive perspiring, giddiness, tightness in the chest, etc.) then you should make sure you have a tall glass of water with lemon and salt (or any other oral rehydration fluid) before you start to climb the stairs. You may also like to read -- what is low blood pressure?
• Pace yourself, start slowly and gradually. Don't push yourself too hard.
• As you start to climb the stairs you will notice a point where you start to notice the symptoms of low BP. In such cases, stop and rest.
• In order to pace yourself and improve stamina, note the point where you feel uncomfortable and keep a tab on this point for about a week. Once you are accustomed to climbing stairs, start increasing the intensity. You may also like to read about these yoga asanas to beat hypotension.

If you do not have the symptoms of low BP...

• This is a case most commonly seen in women who are between the age of 30-35 years. These women have a blood pressure of 80/50 or 90/60 -- which is normal for them, but can still be considered as low BP. These ladies usually do not have any symptoms of the problem but do need to watch out in case the condition worsens.
• In such a case, you can climb stairs but you must watch out for symptoms of low blood pressure.

You may also like to read:

• What are the treatment options for low blood pressure?
• Feeling dizzy after eating? Here's why you shouldn't ignore this symptom.
• 9 must-have foods for people with low BP

Image source: Shutterstock

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