Nowadays, low blood pressure seems to be desirable for many as it doesn’t cause any kind of medical issues to them. While for others, the low blood pressure or hypotension can make them victim for fainting and dizziness. If you are not aware of the same, then we are telling you here that low blood pressure can be at times life-threatening.
Knowing about low blood pressure readings, the top interpretation or systolic if depicted as 90 millimeters of mercury and the bottom number or diastolic as 60 mm, is known for the low blood pressure. Digging deep will allow you to go for many causes for low blood pressure and can be one of the reasons for dehydration or many surgical disorders. For proper treatment knowing about the origins of low blood pressure is very important.
Low blood pressure Symptoms, Causes and risk factors
The low blood pressure is best known to signal many underlying problems. Mainly if it is found to be causing a sudden drop in blood pressure and is accompanied by many low blood pressure symptoms or sign, few of them are fainting, nausea, fatigue, lack of concentration, blurred vision, etc.
Shock: There are cases of hypotension that can result in life-threatening conditions. Some of the low blood pressure symptoms and signs for the same includes, rapid and weak pulse, pale skin, clammy, cold, confusion, etc.
When should you see a doctor?
Do know about the circumstances when you should see a doctor for the help:
- If you indicate shock, try looking for emergency medical help.
- If you are facing consistently low blood pressure reading, but you feel beautiful, and your doctor requires to monitor you during the exams.
The lightheadedness or occasional dizziness can be some of the minor problems faced by you.
Causes of Low Blood Pressure:
The blood pressure is known to be the measurement of pressure flowing through your arteries during the resting and active phase of your heartbeat:
Diastolic Pressure: The bottom number of the blood pressure readings do refer to the amount of pressure exerted through your arteries while your heart is at rest between heartbeats.
Systolic Pressure: The top number of the blood pressure reading is known as the amount of the pressure generated by the heart hile pumping the blood through arteries and flowing to the rest of the body.
As per the new scenario, average blood pressure is known to be 120/80 mmHg.
Various conditions that can cause low blood pressure:
The medical conditions creating low blood pressure include:
Heart Problems: Few of the heart problems can lead to low blood pressure, including low heart rate, heart attack, heart failure, and heart valve problems.
Endocrine Problems: There are many thyroid conditions like adrenal insufficiency, parathyroid disease, low blood sugar or hypoglycemia, and at times, diabetes can trigger blood pressure as well.
Pregnancy: As the circulatory system is known for expanding rapidly for pregnancy, the blood pressure is likely to go upwards. This is quite normal, and usually, it becomes normal once the women have given birth.
Dehydration: If your body starts losing more water than it takes in, then you can understand that it will cause dizziness, fatigue, and weakness.
Loss of blood: Losing out a lot of blood after a significant injury or internal bleeding are known for reducing the blood from your body as it leads to a severe drop in blood pressure.
Severe allergic reactions of anaphylaxis: There are many common triggers for this potentially and severe life-threatening reactions, including insect venoms, latex, and medications. The condition can cause itching, swollen throat, hives, and a sudden drop in blood pressure.
Severe Infection or septicemia: Once any infection enters your bloodstream, the chances are high that it can cause a life-threatening drop in blood pressure known as septic shock.
Nutrient less diet: If your diet doesn’t have enough vitamin B12 and does not allow your body to produce enough blood cells, also cause lower blood pressure.
Low blood pressure (Hypotension) risk factors
Hypotension or low blood pressure can happen to anyone, and there are certain factors on which the same depends. Let’s know a few of those factors below:
Medications: if you are taking certain kinds of medicines like alpha brokers, then you have a high risk of low blood pressure.
Age: Dropping of blood pressure after consuming food or while standing is quite regular in adults. The younger adults and children are affected by neurally mediated hypotension.
Diseases: Parkinson’s diseases, heart conditions, and diabetes can also put you in a problematic situation of low blood pressure.
13 Foods helping in lowering down the blood Pressure:
Do you know how can you raise your blood pressure when it is low? The diet is one of the best solutions if followed rigorously can help in lowering down the temperature by maximum point.
1. Berries
Blueberries are like berries and are rich in natural compounds known as Flavonoids. One of these studies found that consuming these compounds are quite helpful in preventing hypertension and lowering of blood pressure.
Raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries are quite easy to add to your low blood pressure diet. Try adding them in your granola or cereal in the morning, or you can keep your frozen berries in hand for the healthy or quick dessert.
2. Leafy greens
The minerals like Potassium can help your kidneys to get rid of the sodium from urine. This, in turn, can lower your blood pressure.
The leafy greens are quite high in Potassium and include Kale, arugula, turnip greens, spinach, swiss chard, beet greens, romaine lettuce, etc.
The canned vegetables often have much of sodium content added, but the frozen vegetables are known to contain fresh herbs, and they are quite easy to store as well. For being healthy, you can also choose to blend the vegetables with nut milk and banana.
3. Red Beets
They are quite high in Nitric Oxide and can help in opening the individual’s blood vessels and lowering their blood pressure. Many researchers have also suggested that the nitrates present in beetroots can bring your blood pressure to the accurate reading in just 24 hours.
To consume beetroot, you can juice them or try eating a whole one. The beetroot is quite delicious when added to stews or stir-fries and can be consumed as roasted version too. For consuming you can also bake them in the shape of chips but try to handle them with care as the chances are quite high that red beets can stain your clothes and hands.
4. Yogurt and Skim milk
Being low in fat, Skim milk is one of the best sources of calcium. Yogurt and Skim milk are the essential elements of a low blood pressure diet. The users can also opt for consuming yogurt if they do not have any interest in milk.
According to the American Heart Association, women who for a week if consume five or more servings of yogurt experiences risk for about 20 percent less than the risk of developing blood pressure.
Incorporating almond sivers, fruits, and granola in the yogurt serves the extra-heart healthy benefits for anybody. While you buy yogurt, be sure there is no sugar added as the lower the quantity of sugar, the better the product will be for your health.
5. Bananas
It is much better to include foods more abundant in Potassium than adding supplements to the meal. For the same, you can try adding banana to the oatmeal or cereal for the best results . for quick breakfast, snacks or with a boiled egg try adding a banana or two to make it healthier.
6. Oatmeal
The oatmeal is found to fit the bill for low-sodium, low-fat, and high fiber and is a way to lower your blood pressure. Adding grain to your breakfast is the best way to start your day with.
To prepare them, soak about half cups of rolled oats with nut milk of a similar quantity in a jar. For best taste, try adding berries, cinnamon, and granola.
7. Fish with Omega-3, Salmon and Mackerel
Undoubtedly fish is an excellent source of protein. The fatty fish like Salmon and Mackerel are quite high in fatty acids like Omega-3 and can help in lowering your blood pressure, triglycerides, and inflammation. In addition to these sources, they are found to be comprised of Vitamin D. Foods are rarely known to have Vitamin-D, but these fishes have the property to lower down your blood pressure.
The other benefit of preparing fish is they are accessible to cook and flavor. Try to freeze Salmon in parchment paper and try seasoning them with olive oil, lemon, and herbs. If you are baking your fish, preheat your oven at 450°F then bake your fish for about 12-15 minutes.
8. Herbs and Garlic
Garlic is well known for its properties for reducing hypotension by enhancing the amount of nitric oxide in your body. It promotes vasodilation, lowers blood pressure by widening the arteries.
Incorporating various flavorful spices and herbs in your regular diet can allow you to cut back on your intake of salt. The spices and herbs may include cinnamon, basil, rosemary, thyme, etc.
9. Flex Seeds
These are unsalted seeds and are quite high in magnesium, Potassium, and other minerals well known for reducing your blood pressure. You can try one-fourth cup of squash, pumpkin or sunflower seeds in the form of snacks between your meals to lower down your blood pressure.
10. Dark Chocolate
According to the study of 2015, consumption of dark chocolate is found associated with the lower risk for diseases related to the heart. The study is known to suggest that consuming about 100 gms every day of dark chocolate can be associated with the lower risk for cardiovascular diseases.
Dark chocolate contains more than 60 percent cocoa solids and has less sugar than regular chocolate. You can add dark chocolate to yogurt or eat it with fruits, such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries, as a healthy dessert.
11. Pistachios
They are a healthy way to decreasing blood pressure by a reduction in peripheral vascular resistance and blood vessel tightening. One of the studies found that diet serving pistachios every day can reduce blood pressure.
To incorporate the pistachios in your diet, try adding them to the pesto sauces, salads and crusts or you can eat them just plain as a snack for your breakfast.
12. Olive Oil
They are a perfect example of healthy fat. They are known to be comprised of various inflammation-fighting compounds helping in reduction of blood pressure. The olive oil can help in meeting your two to three servings for fat. It is one of the great alternatives to butter, canola oil or any other salad dressings.
13. Pomegranates
Undoubtedly pomegranates is a healthy fruit to be enjoyed as a juice or fruit. Drinking a cup of pomegranate juice once a day for four weeks can lower down your blood pressure for a short term. The liquid is quite tasty for healthy breakfast. Try to be sure to check the sugar content in the store-bought juices the sugar can negate many negative benefits.
DASH diet and other recommended foods
DASH diet helps in reducing the intake of sodium, alcohol, and fat. Following the DASH diet for about two weeks can also lower down the systolic or top number of the blood pressure for about 8-14 point.
Serving suggestions for the DASH diet and how can you raise your blood pressure when it is low?
In general, we should always strive to eat various low-fat sources of protein, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. The guidelines for DASH suggests that eating more foods that are quite rich in calcium, magnesium, and Potassium.
The guidelines suggest the below recommendation and not include more than:
- Five servings of dessert every week
- Women are allowed to have one drink every day
- Men’s can limit to two drinks per day.
Any heart-healthy diet can look forward to reducing the risk of hypotension and can try to promote good health as well.
