Good News Or Bad News? |
For millions of people low blood pressure is a dream. Most of us are familiar with the struggle to keep our blood pressure down. High blood pressure contributes to a number of chronic problems. It is serious business.
But what about low blood pressure? Is it a problem?Often lower than normal blood pressure is a sign of good health. People who are in top physical condition sometimes have low blood pressure. For them it is a sign their systems are healthy and functioning at optimal levels. On the other hand…
Low blood pressure is a health risk for many people.Symptoms of low blood pressure can include…
- Fainting
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Rapid, shallow breathing
- Lack of concentration
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Thirst
- Nausea
- Cold, clammy skin
Sometimes blood pressure is insufficient to deliver enough blood to vital organs. People with hypotension are familiar with the sensation of standing up too quickly and feeling dizzy or even fainting. This temporary state is known as orthostatic hypotension. It occurs when a change in position causes a temporary drop in blood flow, and consequently a drop in oxygen supply, to the brain. Sitting or lying down usually brings quick relief.
Sometimes the risks associated with low blood pressure can be a bit more serious. For example insufficient blood flow to the heart muscle can cause angina or even a heart attack. Angina is chest pain caused by an overworked heart in a low oxygen environment. Angina is normally associated with advanced coronary heart disease but can occasionally occur with hypotension.
Low blood flow can cause problems with other organs as well. For example, the kidneys depend on good blood flow to eliminate wastes from the body. Insufficient blood flow may result in higher levels of urea and creatinine in the blood.
What Causes Low Blood Pressure?
As mentioned, athletes and people who exercise regularly tend to have lower blood pressure than other people. It is also the case for many people who eat well and maintain a healthy weight.
But low blood pressure can also result from other causes. In many cases the condition is temporary and of little consequence. However, in some cases the results can be quite serious.
Low blood pressure may be the result of temporary causes such as pregnancy or dehydration. Serious blood loss can also lead to temporary lower blood pressure.
Medications may cause hypotension. Unfortunately some of these medications may be prescribed for other heart conditions.
Some heart conditions can lead to lower blood pressure. The heart may beat erratically, too quickly, or too slowly. Low pressure can result from long-term congestive heart failure, a previous heart attack, or advanced coronary heart disease.
Read more on the causes of low blood pressure.
Treating Low Blood Pressure
When low blood pressure occurs in healthy subjects no treatment is necessary. It such cases there are occasional mild symptoms or no symptoms at all.
In cases where low blood pressure causes symptoms which may include possible organ damage treatment may be necessary.
If the low blood pressure is caused by dehydration it is treated with fluids and electrolytes. If the dehydration is severe hospitalization may be necessary so fluids can be administered intravenously.
Often when hypotension is caused by medication your doctor will monitor the situation and prescribe other drugs until blood pressure returns to normal.
A slow heart rate (bradycardia) is often the result of medication. In that case the medication may be replaced of discontinued. In severe cases a pacemaker may be necessary.
If a rapid heart rate (tachycardia) is causing the hypotension the patient may be treated with medications or a defibrillator.
In each case low blood pressure is treated indirectly by focusing on the underlying cause. This is true when the cause is due to a chronic heart or cardiovascular condition. In many cases the underlying heart condition may involve more than one problem. For instance low blood pressure may result from congestive heart failure. However the heart failure may be the result of long-term coronary heart disease and insufficient CoQ10 intake.
If your low blood pressure has no symptoms and you are in good physical condition you probably have nothing to worry about. In fact you should probably be envied.
However, if your heart is not in good shape then take your heart health seriously. Seek your doctor’s advice concerning what underlying cause may be resulting in your hypotension. Get plenty of exercise and drink plenty of fluids.
Also, stick to a heart healthy diet including generous amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids. This will help minimize the risk of coronary heart disease. Consider also supplementing with CoQ10 especially if you are at risk for congestive heart failure.
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