Low Blood Pressure - Causes, Signs, Symptoms. What To Do With Reduced Pressure?

2024 Author: Josephine Shorter | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-07 17:49

Causes, signs and symptoms of low blood pressure

Low blood pressure is a condition accompanied by a drop in blood pressure below 120 to 80. The WHO indicates that any indicator below 100/60 mm Hg. Art. is low pressure. But here it is necessary to proceed not from standardized indicators, but to make exceptions due to the individual characteristics of the organism.

Physiological reduction in blood pressure. People who are dominated by the influence of the parasympathetic nervous system are prone to hypotension and feel great at a pressure of 90/60 and even lower. An increase in these numbers to normal, from the point of view of doctors, causes a violation of the general condition in such people.

Pathological decrease is true hypotension. It is a drop in blood pressure indicators below those that are usual for a particular person, and are accompanied by additional symptoms:

1. Lethargy, weakness, general weakness and malaise.
2. Occipital headaches.
3. Feeling of lack of air, especially in areas with large numbers of people.
4. Excessive sweating, fatigue and shortness of breath.
5. Vertigo, especially when there is a sudden transition from a lying position to an upright position.
6. Nausea and vomiting.

Content:

• 4 degrees of pressure reduction
• Low blood pressure reasons
• Signs and symptoms of low blood pressure
• Why is low pressure dangerous?

• Low pressure treatment

  • 5 types of blood pressure medications
  • 5 best pills from the pharmacy for low blood pressure

• High or low heart rate: what to do?

  • Low blood pressure and high pulse
  • Low blood pressure and low pulse
• Folk remedies that increase blood pressure
• What to do at home with low blood pressure?

4 degrees of pressure reduction

The situation is not entirely clear when discussing the physiological figures of blood pressure. Some experts talk about strict standards, which can be called the norm, while others are inclined to establish broad individual figures for this indicator. And in fact, and in another case, there are pros and cons. The only thing that can be talked about with clear confidence is - it is about strict options for upper limits of the norm. And the figures for the lower limits of blood pressure are individual: what for some people is considered low blood pressure with poor health.

Indicators of the norm:

• Children: 110-115 / 70-80 mm. rt. Art.
• Adults: 120-135 / 75-85 mm. rt. Art.
• Seniors: 140-150 / 80-85 mm. rt. Art.

The degree of arterial hypotension:

1. Values 100/60. It is impossible to call such numbers pathological, but if the tonometer begins to show underestimated readings, you need to contact a specialist.
2. Indicators 90/55. In this case, they speak of hypotension of the I-II degree. It can signal disturbances in the work of the central nervous system, heart and blood vessels, or a dedicated system.
3. Values 80/50 and below. Such indicators indicate III-IV degree of hypotension. This condition is dangerous and requires hospitalization. After discharge from the hospital, the patient should be monitored by a specialist.

4. The pressure is below 70/50. With such values, cardiogenic shock and death of the patient can occur at any time. With a sharp decrease in blood pressure, you must call an ambulance.

If the working pressure drops even slightly, but the person feels bad, they speak of arterial hypotension.

Low blood pressure reasons

You can often hear that the main cause of low blood pressure is cervical osteochondrosis or VSD. However, in fact, the VSD occupies one of the last places, and cervical osteochondrosis has nothing to do with this at all.

The true causes of low blood pressure:

• Hypothyroidism Very often people have been treating hypotension for years, unaware that the true cause of low blood pressure lies in the deficiency of thyroid hormones. Therefore, first of all, you need to check its performance and check the level of hormones.
• Anemia. It can be provoked by hidden internal bleeding, poor nutrition, adherence to a strict diet, heavy menstruation in a woman, problems with the absorption of vitamin B12, parasitic invasions and other factors. Therefore, all people suffering from hypotension need to do a clinical blood test.
• Decreased levels of female sex hormones during menopause. It is possible that hormone replacement therapy will be required, which is prescribed by a gynecologist (on the topic: HRT - is it dangerous?).
• A history of myocardial infarction or heart failure. To identify this cause, an ECG must be performed.
• Taking medications. Sometimes the therapy leads to a permanent decrease in blood pressure. Therefore, before starting treatment, you need to ask your doctor about the side effects of the prescribed drug.

• Drinking a small amount of liquid. To maintain a stable pressure, you need to drink at least 1 liter of water per day.
• Insufficient salt intake. If its excess leads to hypertension, then its deficiency leads to hypotension.
• Muscle flaccidity. Lack of minimal physical activity leads to a decrease in blood pressure.
• Chronic overwork and nervous exhaustion.
• Constant lack of sleep. Good sleep is essential for health.
• Psychosomatics. Sometimes even the lack of joys in life and interest in it can cause a persistent decrease in blood pressure.
• Features of work: work underground, in conditions of high humidity, at high temperatures.
• Postponed craniocerebral trauma.

[Video] Dr. Evdokimenko, academician of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, will tell you about 15 true causes of low blood pressure:

Signs and symptoms of low blood pressure

• The main unpleasant symptoms with low blood pressure are provoked by impaired blood circulation in the vessels of the brain. There may be throbbing pain in the temples, sometimes in the occipital region. It is also likely that pains of a different localization will occur (heaviness in the temporal region and pain in the forehead). Cases of migraine-like pain occurring in one side of the head are frequent. The pains are constant, dull, and in addition to them, vomiting or nausea may appear.
• Many people with low blood pressure notice a significant deterioration in their well-being during magnetic storms and when the weather changes.
• Quite often (especially with a sudden rise from bed), hypotonic patients experience darkening in the eyes and dizzy. In certain cases, even fainting occurs, but such cases are quite rare.
• Another common symptom in hypotensive patients is fatigue or weakness. Performance in people with low blood pressure drops noticeably at the end of the working day.
• There are complaints of distraction and memory impairment. Due to the slowing down of blood flow, the vital activity of the body decreases, as a result of which hypotensive patients are prone to depression, they are often emotionally unstable, irritable, prone to mood swings.
• Due to the reduced vascular tone, some deviations appear in the work of the heart, which can lead to pain in the region of the heart and behind the sternum. These sensations appear on an ongoing basis and may be accompanied by palpitations that are not associated with nervous or physical stress.
• Hypotensives constantly feel short of breath (especially during physical activity) and often yawn.
• Also, people with low blood pressure are characterized by numbness and coldness of the legs and arms, they are characterized by increased sensitivity to cold and heat.

Why is low pressure dangerous?

Physiological hypotension does not pose a direct danger in itself. But with its long-term existence, the body tries so hard to raise the blood pressure figures to standard ones, which leads to the development of hypertension at a relatively young age. But for such a transformation of hypotension into hypertension, more than a dozen years must pass. This is stated by one medical proverb: hypotension in youth - in old age, hypertensive.

Pathological hypotension can be an alarm signal for the presence of severe illness or a common autonomic dysfunction of the nervous system. In the first case, we are talking about gastrointestinal bleeding, acute myocardial infarction, anaphylactic or other type of shock, decreased adrenal and thyroid function (hypocorticism and hypothyroidism). At the same time, low blood pressure is, at times, the only informative symptom of these diseases. In the case of autonomic reactions, low blood pressure can lead to these conditions.

1. A sharp loss of consciousness with the possibility of injury to the soft tissues of the head.
2. Decreased memory and brain endurance to stress. It is caused by insufficient oxygenation (oxygen supply) of nerve cells against a background of slow blood flow at low pressure.
3. Movement coordination disorders.
4. Decreased visual acuity.
5. Interruptions in the work of the heart and a decrease in resistance to physical activity.

Thus, if a decrease in pressure occurs a second time, being a symptom of some disease, then this is always very serious. In such cases, it is impossible to delay the provision of medical assistance. In the case of primary hypotension, when there are no longer any signs of other diseases, it is most likely the result of vegetative-vascular (neurocirculatory) dystonia. It is necessary to approach its correction strictly individually.

Low pressure treatment

There is not much abundance among the drugs that increase blood pressure. The most common of them are citramone, caffeine-sodium benzoate, tincture of eleutherococcus and ginseng, Chinese magnolia vine, pantocrine preparation. Their systematic intake will help to effectively increase blood pressure.

5 types of blood pressure medications

• Adaptogens: Saparal, Pantokrin, Ginseng, Rhodiola rosea, Schisandra, Manchurian Aralia, Eleutherococcus. All of these drugs have a mild effect on the body. They tone and constrict blood vessels, relieve symptoms of hypotension, such as: apathy and weakness. Taking them helps to strengthen the immune system.
• Alpha adrenergic agonists : Mezaton, Gutron. These drugs are prescribed in the case when the pressure needs to be raised quickly and for a long time. Their active ingredients have a vasoconstrictor effect, due to which a sufficient amount of blood constantly circulates in the body. The main effect of alpha-adrenergic agonists is the stimulation of alpha-adrenergic receptors.
• Analeptics: Cordiamine, Etimizol. The drugs increase blood pressure by acting on the regions of the medulla oblongata and stimulating three basic systems: the respiratory, central nervous system and circulatory system.
• Caffeine-containing medicines: Citramon, Kofetamine, Ortho-taurine, Pyramine, Regulon, Askofen. This group of drugs quickly increases blood pressure. Their main danger is the accidental excess of the dose, which threatens the development of: tachycardia, frequent urination, anxiety. The maximum daily dose of caffeine is 0.1 g. It can be increased only after consulting a specialist.
• Nootropics: Cavinton, Aminalon, Nootropil, Phenibut, Encephabol. They are prescribed with a decrease in mental activity, they can improve memory, increase concentration, which is very important for people with hypotension.

Drugs such as: Glycine, Cerebrolysin and Citrulline are prescribed to normalize brain function, which is reduced against the background of hypotension.

Read more: Medicines that increase blood pressure

5 best pills from the pharmacy for low blood pressure

1. Guthron. The adrenergic agonist midodrine (the main active ingredient) is indicated for admission with hypotension, meteorological dependence and orthostatic hypotension, in which the pressure rises sharply when moving from a horizontal position to a vertical one. Release form - drops and tablets for oral administration. The drug can only be purchased at the pharmacy with a prescription. Its action is due to vasoconstriction, an increase in their tone, due to which the pressure is leveled, venous stasis is eliminated.
2. Caffeine. It has a stimulating effect on the central nervous system, acts as an analeptic, tones up blood vessels, stimulates blood circulation, and increases blood pressure. The drug belongs to the group of natural stimulants of the nervous system. Release form - tablets. Their reception allows you to stop symptoms of hypotension such as: headache, fatigue, drowsiness. Caffeine is indicated for use with a moderate degree of illness.
3. Cofetamine. The drug is prescription, as it belongs to the group of psychostimulants. It is based on two active ingredients: ergotamine and caffeine. Release form - tablets. They are prescribed not only for hypotension, but also for intracranial hypertension and migraine. Main effects: increased vascular tone and stimulation of the central nervous system.
4. Ecdisten. OTC herbal preparation based on Leuzea safflower rhizome extract. Release form - tablets and powder. Main effects: increased vascular tone, increased anabolic processes in the body, stimulation of protein synthesis, acceleration of metabolism.
5. Apilak. OTC drug from the group of biostimulants. The main active ingredient is royal jelly. Release form: sublingual tablets and ointment. Indications for use: asthenia, hypotension, nervous system disorder. The effects that can be achieved are an increase in vascular tone, stimulation of the nervous system, saturation of the body with vitamins and minerals.

In addition, drugs can be divided into 2 types - light, used with a slight drop in blood pressure, and strong, which are used in emergency cases:

Medicines for a slight drop in blood pressure	Medicines with a significant drop in blood pressure
Citramon (consists of paracetamol, caffeine, aspirin) - gradually increases blood pressure	Angiotensinamide (analogue: hypertensin) - do not last long, but actively and quickly
Midodrin - narrows the arteries (used for VSD)	Fludrocortisone - stimulates the synthesis of adrenal hormones
Caffeine - stimulates the synthesis of adrenaline, increases vascular tone	Cordiamine (analogue: niketamide) - constricts blood vessels, stimulates the heart and brain
Apilak - stimulates the respiratory and vasomotor center	Heptamil - improves brain and heart function.
Rantarin - has a tonic effect	Norepinephrine - stimulates the heart by norepinephrine (used in extreme cases)
Askofen (analogue of Citramon, but with a lower concentration of the active substance) - increases the tone of the nervous system	Norepinephrine - an emergency drug
Symptol - spasms blood vessels (30 drops on a sugar cube before meals)

If you start to notice signs or symptoms of low blood pressure, then, first of all, you should consult a general practitioner. He will select the appropriate drugs for you and prescribe the necessary medical measures, taking into account all indications. Treatment for each patient should be individual. Self-administration of any medication can have an extremely negative impact on health and lead to a whole range of negative consequences.

Give yourself some rest from time to time. In modern realities, this can be quite difficult, but rest is necessary for the body to restore energy and strength.

High or low heart rate: what to do?

Both high and low pulse - both conditions are outside the normal range. If this is your first time, it is best to call an ambulance. If you have this often, you need to get tested and find out the cause, you may have tachycardia (fast pulse) or bradycardia (rare pulse).

Low blood pressure and high pulse

The pressure drops at the same time as the pulse rises, usually with sinus tachycardia.

Symptoms of this condition:

• Dizziness.
• Flashing flies before the eyes.
• Migraine.
• Fainting. It is observed in severe cases. A person can remain unconscious for 15 seconds or even several minutes.

If the doctor diagnosed you with sinus tachycardia, then he should have prescribed drugs from this table:

Provoking factor	Drug group	Drug name
Psychosis, stress, depression, neurosis	Sedatives of synthetic and herbal origin	Tenoten, Afobazol, Persen, Valerian, Motherwort, dragee "Evening"
Infectious diseases such as tonsillitis	Antibiotics	Azithromycin, Zinnat, Amoxiclav, Clarithromycin, Augmentin, Amoxicillin, Flemoklav
Anemia	Iron preparations	Venofer, Iron gluconate 300, Heferol, Cosmofer
Hyperthyroidism	Preparations - inhibitors of thyroid hormones and thyrotropin	Tiamazole, Tyrozol, Propylthiouracil, Mercazolil, Metizol, Karimazol.

Low blood pressure and low pulse

Factors such as the following can provoke a decrease in blood pressure and slow heartbeat:

• Pregnancy.
• Hypothermia of the body.
• Intense sports training.
• Intoxication.
• Some diseases of the cardiovascular system: ischemic heart disease, postinfarction condition, cardiosclerosis, heart disease.
• Thyroid pathology.
• Complicated infectious diseases.

A severe course of low pressure in combination with bradycardia is an indication for emergency medical care, which is reduced to the administration of atropine and adrenaline. Chronic heart failure is the basis for the appointment of glycosides and other drugs that improve the contraction of the heart muscle.

Methods to help manage mild hypotension and bradycardia:

• Regular visits to the pool.
• Physiotherapy exercises.
• Fitness training.
• Drinking dark chocolate, strong tea and coffee.

Folk remedies that increase blood pressure

1. Salt. It is enough to take a pinch of salt and gradually dissolve it in your mouth. The method is simple and effective.
2. Lemongrass. It is able to increase blood pressure by 10-15 mm. rt. Art. The plant has a stimulating effect on the central nervous system with the activation of its sympathetic division. Its reception allows the heart to beat faster and stronger. Schisandra is used not only for the treatment of hypotension, but also for the prevention of the development of arrhythmias, with drowsiness and decreased performance.
3. Eleutherococcus. This plant adaptogen accelerates the heart rate, reduces the rate of primary urine production, thereby increasing blood pressure.
4. Ginseng. Its action is aimed at stimulating the central nervous system and cardiovascular system. Indications for use: hypotension, decreased mental and physical performance.
5. Aralia. Another potent herbal adaptogen, which is used in the form of alcohol tincture. Indications for use: hypotension, weakness, decreased mental and physical performance.
6. Hibiscus. Hibiscus has a tonic effect, increases blood pressure. In addition, it lowers cholesterol, normalizes lipid metabolism and increases the stability of the vascular walls.

Lemongrass recipe: pour 1 part of crushed lemongrass fruit with 10 parts of vodka. Leave the container in a dark place for 14 days. Take 25-40 drops half an hour before meals, after diluting them with 1 tablespoon of cold water.

Recipe with ginseng: 25 g of ginseng will require 1 liter of vodka. Leave the tincture in a dark place for 20 days. From time to time, the container needs to be shaken. The drug is taken 15 drops 20 minutes before meals. The duration of the course is 60 days.

What to do at home with low blood pressure?

This begs the question, what to do with low pressure at home?

If you need to increase the pressure as soon as possible, then you can help yourself in some simple ways:

• Taking a contrast shower.
• Drinking coffee, strong black or green tea.
• Eating several slices of dark dark chocolate.
• Increase physical activity: You can do 10 squats or push-ups.

On the subject: How to increase blood pressure at home?

For long-term results (if hypotension is found to be primary), the following guidelines should be followed:

1. Healthy sleep. You need to strive to develop a daily routine in which at least 8-9 hours a day will be allocated to sleep. If there are violations of this process, it is necessary to seek help from a psychotherapist or medication.
2. After sleep, it is strictly forbidden to get up abruptly due to the risk of collapse and loss of consciousness. A light warm-up in bed by bending and moving limbs, circular turns of the head, massage of the neck is obligatory. Only after that you can take a sitting position, in which 1-2 minutes should be spent.
3. Water treatments and hardening. A contrast shower with a gradual increase in the temperature difference is well suited. The procedure should end with cold water.
4. Sports activities and an active lifestyle.
5. Proper nutrition. The main thing is not even in its composition, but in the regime. Be sure to have breakfast, including any products and sweet coffee.
6. Morning exercises 7-10 minutes.
7. There is no need to measure your blood pressure "a hundred times" a day. It will only make it worse. If there are no symptoms, no need to look for them. This applies to the psychotherapeutic elements of the treatment of any disease. An adequate assessment of the situation, corresponding to pressure measurements only in the presence of specific complaints, can help to correctly assess the effectiveness of treatment.
8. Urgent measures in case of a sharp drop in pressure to critical figures. It is necessary to lay the person down and raise his legs. The head should be just below the torso. This will improve blood flow to the brain. Then you need to massage the neck in the area of the carotid arteries and apply a warm (or even hot) compress to the forehead. Usually these measures are enough to restore the previous level of pressure. If this does not happen, hospitalization is required to the nearest hospital to exclude serious illnesses.

[Video] Dr. Evdokimenko, Academician of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, will tell you what to do with reduced pressure, and how to raise it:

Additional tips. With low pressure, it is recommended not to spend all your free time on the couch, but rather be in motion. During exercise, the brain and other organs are better supplied with oxygen. People with low blood pressure sleep better after exertion, and therefore feel more vigorous in the morning. Of course, the intensity and frequency of physical activity should be previously discussed with your doctor. Hypotensive patients should eat easily, avoiding overeating. Overeating entails stress on the digestive process and excessive energy expenditure.

It is also recommended not to skip meals, especially breakfast. In no case should you abuse coffee, otherwise you can become addicted to this invigorating drink. Two cups of coffee a day is sufficient for many hypotonic patients. Many people with low blood pressure feel noticeably more alert after a nap, so if you don't have insomnia and have free time, don't neglect it.

Author of the article: Alekseeva Maria Yurievna | Therapist

Education: From 2010 to 2016 Practitioner of the therapeutic hospital of the central medical-sanitary unit No. 21, city of elektrostal. Since 2016 she has been working in the diagnostic center No. 3.