Have you ever heard someone say they had low blood pressure? Is this a popular term for lowering blood pressure to below normal levels? hypotension ?, as Thiago Germano, cardiologist at Hospital Anchieta, points out.
Such condition can cause symptoms such as fainting sensation, skin paleness, cold sweating, among others.
Fausto Stauffer, Cardiology Coordinator at Santa Lúcia Norte Hospital, Brasilia, and Research Director of the Brazilian Society of Cardiology DF, points out that the term low blood pressure means that the individual has their blood pressure level below the usual. "We consider pressures less than 90 x 60 mmhg (popular 9 × 6) as low blood pressure," he explains.
"It's good to know that low blood pressure (hypotension) can occur with anyone, and it doesn't always mean some disease and can also be asymptomatic," Stauffer explains.
"This is more common in certain situations of emotional stress, sun exposure, prolonged standing, among other diverse causes that can trigger hypotension in susceptible people," adds Germano.
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Main causes of low blood pressure
The expert, Fausto Stauffer, highlights as main causes of the pressure drop:
- Dehydration: This is, according to the Cardiology coordinator, the main cause of low blood pressure when the volume of circulating fluid in the blood vessels decreases.
- Postural hypotension: It occurs when the person gets up very quickly.
- Excessive heat: It causes blood vessels to dilate with a drop in pressure.
- Neurocardiological Syndromes: as the vagal vessel syndrome, which occurs by a dysregulation between cardiac and neurological neurotransmitters.
- Severe infectious situations: like septicemia (a blood infection that happens when a bacterial infection elsewhere in the body spreads through the bloodstream).
- Heart Failure Situations: as in arrhythmias and acute myocardial infarction.
Germano reinforces that the drop in blood pressure or hypotension can occur for several reasons, and may be related to cardiovascular disorders or even an episodic, momentary situation without pathological significance.
What are the symptoms of low blood pressure?
Stauffer explains, first, that blood pressure drop may be asymptomatic. But when present, symptoms are related to low blood flow to the organs, especially the brain. Thus, the person may have:
- Dizziness;
- Feeling faint;
- Fatigue;
- Somnolence;
- Low mood;
- Cold sweat;
- Pallor of the lips;
- Tachycardia (feeling of the heart beating fast).
What to do when the pressure is low?
The cardiologist Germano explains that during the pressure drop, some measures can be taken to momentarily relieve symptoms, such as:
- Lie down and raise the legs to a position higher than the torso;
- Ingest liquids;
- In some cases, a small addition of sublingual salt may contribute to the restoration of blood pressure levels.
So if a family member or friend is with you and has symptoms of low blood pressure. You can also help, as Stauffer points out:
Read also: High Blood Pressure: A Complete Guide to Taking Care of Yourself
• Immediately lay the individual down and ask them to lift their legs to increase blood flow to the brain. Also, guide him to drink water in small quantities as much as he can, he explains.
It is important to remain calm, both in case you are feeling sick with low blood pressure, or if you are next to someone who complains about the problem. But if symptoms persist, a doctor should be sought to indicate appropriate treatment.
How to treat the problem?
Germano explains that the treatment of low blood pressure requires a clinical evaluation to define the possible cause and, consequently, the treatment directed to that diagnosis.
Stauffer stresses that treating low blood pressure is treating his cause. As an example, if it is dehydration, perform a hydration through the vein. If it is excessive heat, cool the room when possible. If infection, treat with antibiotics.In those very serious cases that require hospitalization, we have venous medications to raise blood pressure that can only be used in intensive care settings ?, explains.
Low blood pressure in pregnancy
Germano explains that low blood pressure during pregnancy may be related to the physiology of pregnancy itself, with hormone production that generates a decrease in blood pressure levels. "Usually a simple increase in fluid intake can reduce symptoms," he says.
Also read: 8 body alerts that indicate your health is not going well
Stauffer points out that low blood pressure during pregnancy is a common phenomenon, considered non-pathological and that does not lead to direct risk to life for the mother or the fetus, as in the case of high blood pressure (hypertension).
Hypotension occurs by redistribution of blood flow to the placenta. The greatest risk of low blood pressure is the case of fainting of pregnant women with abdominal trauma. The recommendation is the same for symptoms: lie down, stand up, drink liquids and, if necessary, eat salty foods? avoid salt directly, as it can lead to a peak pressure?, directs the cardiology coordinator of Hospital Santa Lucia North.
Now you know that anyone can have low blood pressure at some point in their life, whether or not it will cause symptoms. It may also be a momentary drop in pressure, without pathological significance, or it may be related to some health problem. Therefore, in case of symptoms, the ideal is to seek medical advice to make a complete diagnosis and obtain the correct treatment indications.
What is Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure)? (May 2024)
- Prevention and Treatment
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