Treatment for Low Blood Pressure

What is the treatment for low blood pressure and should you be concerned if your blood pressure is low?

Many people have low blood pressure, but most do not have any symptoms. If you are one of the few people diagnosed with low blood pressure, below is a list of treatment for low blood pressure options, lifestyle changes and medications that have proven effective in helping people with this potentially serious medical problem.

If you tend to experience bothersome drops in blood pressure, says Dr. Judelson, giving it a boost is easy, check out the suggestions below as treatment for low blood pressure:

• "Drink lots of fluids. When you're sweating your way through a heat spell, blood pressure can plummet quickly because of dehydration, says Dr. Judelson. If you're feeling faint, reach for a sports drink or bouillon. Replace lost fluids, and your blood pressure will return to normal, relieving your symptoms, she adds. The sugar in these drinks will speed fluid into your cells, and the salt will help it stay there. Of course, plain water will also work wonders." If you suffer from chronic low blood pressure, making sure you stay hydrated is essential.

• "Eat. Feeling woozy?, When was the last time that you ate? If it has been more than a couple of hours since your last meal or snack, says Dr. Judelson, grab a bite to eat, even if it's just half a sandwich or a piece of fruit. You'll feel better in a jiffy." Some people that suffer from Neurally Mediated Hypotension tend to have drops in blood pressure after eating; the remedy is to eat very small meals.

• "Stand up s-l-o-w-l-y. Some people feel dizzy when they first stand up after sitting or lying down, a cardinal sign of momentarily low blood pressure. This is caused by blood rushing to your legs from other areas. But your body can quickly adjust to it if you sit, jiggle your legs for a few moments, then stand slowly, says Dr. Judelson. If the light-headedness returns, simply sit or lie down again until the feeling of faintness passes. Then stand up more slowly."

• "Use more salt. Experts usually recommend limiting the amount of salt in your diet because sodium can raise blood pressure, sometimes dramatically. But for people with low blood pressure, that can be a good thing." But because excess sodium can lead to heart failure it's important to check with your doctor before upping your salt intake.

• "Use compression stockings. The same elastic stockings and leotards commonly used to relieve the pain and swelling of varicose veins may help reduce the pooling of blood in your legs."

• " Medications. Several medications, either used alone or together, can be applied to treat low blood pressure that occurs when you stand up (orthostatic hypotension). For example, the drug fludrocortisone is often used to treat this form of low blood pressure. This drug helps boost your blood volume, which raises blood pressure. Doctors often use the drug midodrine to raise standing blood pressure levels in people with chronic orthostatic hypotension. It works by restricting the ability of your blood vessels to expand, which raises blood pressure. Other drugs, such as pyridostigmine, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), caffeine and erythropoietin are sometimes used, too, either alone or with other drugs. Patients with neurally mediated hypotension may be prescribed beta blockers. In addition, compression leg stockings may be used to improve blood return to the heart." Sometimes low blood pressure can be the result of medication that you are taking. If you are on medication, your doctor may wish to alter your dose.

• "Lifestyle changes. Drink little to no alcohol; avoiding walking during hot weather; and not standing for long periods of time. Your doctor may also suggest a mild exercise program." Although some people who suffer from chronic low blood pressure have difficulty with exercise because the exercise itself triggers the low blood pressure.

  Although research has come a long way over the last 10 years we still have a ways to go. Those people that experience mild symptoms associated with low blood pressure tend to find relief with the suggestions above. However, there are many people out there dealing with chronic low blood pressure that suffer from severe symptoms that at times leaves them bed ridden who are still looking for answers.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/low-blood-pressure/DS00590/DSECTION=8

http://www.healthandage.com/

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