Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension): Types, Causes, Symptoms, Natural Home Remedies & More

Hypotension   |   Types   |   Causes   |   Symptoms   |   Home Remedies   |   Treatments
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Lysander Fairchild
| Date : Nov 03 2023
The person checking their Low blood pressure with a tensiometer
Image by Freepik

“Low blood pressure, or hypotension, is the unrecognized hero of cardiovascular health. It’s when your blood pressure runs a little lower than the crowd, signaling your body’s cool, calm, and collected approach to life.”

Types of Low Blood Pressure

  1. Orthostatic Hypotension: Have you ever stood up quickly and felt a little lightheaded? This type of low blood pressure is like your body’s way of saying, “Hey, slow down there!” It can happen if you get up too fast, leading to dizziness.
  2. Neurally Mediated Hypotension (NMH): Think of it as your body’s autonomic nervous system hitting a speed bump. After standing for a while, it might say, “I need a break!” and cause you to faint.
  3. Postprandial Hypotension: After a big meal, your blood pressure can take a dip, kind of like a food coma. It’s more common as we age, especially among folks with autonomic nervous system issues.
  4. Vasovagal Syncope: Imagine a situation that makes you squeamish or anxious, like seeing blood or feeling super stressed. Your body’s reaction could be, “Time to take a break,” leading to fainting due to a drop in blood pressure.
  5. Hypovolemic Hypotension: Sometimes, your body might lose a lot of blood volume, whether through bleeding or dehydration. It’s like your body saying, “I’m running low on resources,” which leads to low blood pressure.
  6. Distributive Hypotension: This type involves your blood vessels acting a little too relaxed, causing low blood pressure. Conditions like sepsis or severe allergies can trigger it.
  7. Neurogenic Hypotension: Your autonomic nervous system might get a bit mixed up, especially in conditions like multiple system atrophy or Parkinson’s disease, leading to low blood pressure.
  8. Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS): When you stand up, your heart races as if it’s in a hurry, and your blood pressure can drop. It’s like your body saying, “Whoa, I need to catch my breath!”
  9. Primary Hypotension: In some folks, low blood pressure is just their usual setting, a bit like being naturally calm. It’s not usually a big concern, but it can lead to symptoms like dizziness.

Causes of Low Blood Pressure

  • Dehydration: It’s like your body’s reminder to drink water on a hot day. When you don’t, your blood pressure can dip.
  • Medications: Imagine your prescription comes with a surprise – a blood pressure drop. Like a movie with flickering lights, certain meds can do that.
  • Heart Problems: Your trusty heart might need a tune-up. Slow beats (bradycardia) or a leaky valve can lower blood pressure, like a car with a weak engine.
  • Blood Loss: Think of it as your lifeboat springing a leak after surgery or an injury. Less blood to go around means lower blood pressure.
  • Endocrine Issues: Your body’s messengers (hormones) can get mixed up, affecting blood pressure. It’s like a rollercoaster ride caused by conditions like adrenal issues or diabetes.
  • Postural Hypotension: That woozy moment when you jump out of bed – it can briefly lower blood pressure when you stand up too quickly.
  • Anemia: Hemoglobin, your blood’s superhero, carries oxygen. When it’s short-staffed, it’s like a delivery team struggling, and your blood pressure drops.
  • Infections: Think of your body as a fortress under attack. Severe infections can make your blood vessels relax, causing a drop in blood pressure.
  • Neurological Conditions: Your body’s control center might glitch. Conditions like Parkinson’s or multiple system atrophy can mess with your blood pressure’s autopilot.
  • Genetics: Some folks luck out with naturally low blood pressure – it’s like they were born with a built-in chill mode.

Symptoms of Low Blood Pressure

  • Dizziness: It’s like when you spin around too fast as a kid, and the world keeps twirling long after you stop. Low blood pressure can give you that same wobbly feeling, as if your body says, “Whoa, slow down a bit!”
  • Fainting: Think of it as your body’s emergency brake. Sometimes, low blood pressure can drop so much that you feel like you’re about to take a sudden nap on the floor. It might be a little scary, but it’s your body’s way of saying, “Let’s take a break and send more blood to the brain for a recharge.”
  • Tiredness: Low blood pressure can turn you into the human equivalent of a sleepy cat on a warm, sunny afternoon. Your body practically whispers, “Let’s find a cozy spot for a quick nap.” This tiredness can make everyday tasks feel like climbing mountains.
  • Blurry Vision: Imagine trying to read a book through smudged glasses; that’s how your eyes might feel. They’re waving a little flag, saying, “Hey, we need better blood flow to see things!”
  • Nausea: Low blood pressure can sometimes give your stomach a rollercoaster ride sensation like you’re on a bumpy road. It’s your body’s polite way of saying, “I’m not quite myself right now, and I might need a little breather.”

Natural Home Remedies for Low Blood Pressure

  1. Salt: Add a bit of excitement to your meals but don’t overdo it. Talk to your healthcare buddy if you have health worries.
  2. Caffeine: Your morning coffee or tea wakes up your blood pressure with a friendly nudge.
  3. Licorice: It’s a sweet treat for your blood pressure, but enjoy it in moderation, like a special dessert.
  4. Ginger: Like a traffic cop, it keeps things running smoothly for your blood pressure.
  5. Rosemary Oil: Aromatherapy with rosemary oil gives your blood pressure a refreshing high-five.
  6. Basil: Fresh basil leaves explode with flavor and can help your blood pressure. Enjoy them in snacks or tea.
  7. Fluids: Herbal teas like hibiscus and rosehip pat your blood pressure on the back. Stay hydrated for a happy blood pressure.
  8. Beetroot Juice: Boost your blood pressure naturally, giving it a rocket-like energy surge.
  9. Lemon Juice: Squeezing fresh lemon juice into your water is like a zesty wake-up call for your blood pressure.
  10. Almonds and Raisins: They’re your pocket-sized energy pals, giving your blood pressure a quick pep talk.
  11. Holy Basil (Tulsi): Like a calming friend, it helps relax your blood pressure when you munch on fresh basil leaves or sip tulsi tea.
  12. Ginseng: A cheerleader for your blood pressure, promoting better blood flow. Please find it in supplements or tea.
  13. Balanced Diet: Like a warm, cozy hug for your body, it shows your blood pressure it’s cherished and cared for.

Other Treatments

  • Eat Small, Frequent Meals: Instead of the usual three big meals, think of it as having a series of mini meals and snacks throughout the day. It’s like keeping your energy engine steadily humming, so your blood pressure doesn’t take a nosedive after eating.
  • Stay Hydrated: Picture your body as a plant that needs watering. Dehydration is like forgetting to water your favorite flower, so make sure you drink enough water throughout the day to keep everything fresh and perky.
  • Elevate Your Head: If low blood pressure gives you trouble when lying down, consider this trick – it’s like giving your bed a little booster seat. Extra pillows or raising the head of your bed can make you more comfortable.
  • Yoga and Breathing Exercises: Think of yoga and deep breathing as your daily mental and physical spa treatments. They’re like a soothing massage for your mind and body, promoting better blood flow and helping you chill out.
  • Acupressure: Imagine acupressure as your body’s secret reset button. Massaging certain spots is like giving your system a little nudge to regulate blood pressure. You might want to chat with an acupressure specialist for the full scoop.
  • Adequate Rest: Just like your smartphone needs a recharge, your body needs its beauty sleep. If you don’t get enough rest, it’s like trying to run on empty.
  • Lifestyle Modifications: Reducing stress is like decluttering your mental closet. Techniques like meditation and deep breathing are your daily mental spa visits, helping you keep your cool and manage your blood pressure.
  • Monitor Blood Pressure: Keeping track of your blood pressure is like taking notes on your health journey. It helps you and your healthcare provider see how your home remedies are doing.
  • Avoid Alcohol: Alcohol can be like that sneaky dehydrating trickster, causing your blood pressure to drop. So, consider taking it easy or having a rain check on those drinks.
  • Avoid Standing Quickly: Imagine your body as a well-behaved elevator – it doesn’t like sudden stops. So, make it a habit to stand up slowly, just like you would in a rising elevator, to prevent any surprise drops in your blood pressure.