11 Symptoms of low blood pressure and doctor’s advice

This article is professionally consulted by Nguyen Minh Son, MSc, MD - Outpatient & Internal Medicine Department, Vinmec Nha Trang International Hospital.
 

Cardiologists recommend that any changes in blood pressure compared to the normal level are dangerous indications often underrated. Meanwhile, the number of people with low blood pressure, particularly elderly people and women, is ever-increasing. Let's take a look at the 11 common symptoms of low blood pressure and receive some advice from cardiologists for this issue.
 

1. What is low blood pressure?

Blood pressure level consists of 2 numbers which are systolic and diastolic blood pressure (In the electronic blood pressure monitor, the number above and below represents systolic and diastolic blood pressure respectively). The blood pressure level of a normal person usually ranges around 120/80 mmHg (120 mmHg for systolic pressure; 80 mmHg for diastolic pressure). At rest, if systolic measurement declines under 90 mmHg and/or diastolic pressure falls under 60 mmHg, it is considered low. A person with a reading below 90/60 mmHg is recognized as having low blood pressure or hypotension.

Low blood pressure in a healthy person who does not have any symptoms is not classified as a disease. Hence, it does not require treatment. However, if a specialist diagnoses low blood pressure, or when blood pressure suddenly drops below 90/60 mmHg, the patient should be monitored and receive treatment. Elderly people and chronic disease patients should pay significant attention to hypotension. It can be very dangerous since it causes inadequate blood flow to the brain and other organs in the body.

There are various reasons for hypotension. Physiological hypotension may result from hereditary factors or living in a high-mountain area. Pathological low blood pressure can be explained by a decrease in the function of important organs such as the heart, kidneys, and thyroid. When the autonomic nervous system does not properly perform, the blood pressure also falls down.

In addition, stressful lifestyles, polluted environments, toxic substance abuse, obesity, and malnutrition can also lead to hypotension. A decline in the function of the thyroid gland which generates insufficient thyroid hormones, can contribute to this condition.

2. 11 common symptoms of low blood pressure

Dizziness or lightheadedness

This symptom of hypotension often occurs when the patient suddenly changes positions, such as standing up after sitting for a long time, sitting up quickly after lying down, or standing for prolonged periods. The patient may feel as if everything is spinning around you, making it difficult to maintain control. If this happens frequently, the patient should take it seriously.

Severe Headaches or Delirium

The most annoying issue for low blood pressure patients is headaches. These become more intense when the brain is overworked or during physical exertion. The severity and nature of the headaches vary depending on each patient. The top of the head is often the area most affected. In severe cases, the headaches may be accompanied by numbness or a tingling sensation.

Fainting

Severe hypotension conditions can cause fainting (sudden loss of consciousness). This can lead to fractures or injuries in multiple parts of the body. For instance, imagine someone suddenly collapsing while walking or driving.

Decreased Concentration

Low blood pressure negatively affects concentration. When the brain does not receive enough blood, its cells are deprived of oxygen and nutrients, impairing their ability to function effectively. This results in reduced concentration for patients.

Blurred Vision

Severe low blood pressure can lead to hearing loss or impaired vision. Sudden impaired vision can be dangerous, especially if the patients move on the road. If this occurs, they should find a quiet place to rest until their blood pressure and vision return to normal.

Nausea

Feeling queasy or nauseous is a common sign of low blood pressure. Sipping some lemon water can help eliminate nausea effectively.

Cold, Clammy, or Pale Skin

People with low blood pressure often experience cold, pale, or numb limbs due to insufficient blood and oxygen reaching their limbs, leading to a drop in body temperature. Drinking warm water can help restore body heat.

Rapid Heart Rate and Shallow Breathing

When blood pressure drops too low, the body faces severe oxygen deprivation. To stabilize, the heart and lungs work harder, resulting in rapid heartbeats and quick, shallow breathing.

Fatigue

This symptom often appears in the morning, with patients feeling drained and lifeless. While rest or a short nap may improve the condition, fatigue often returns in the afternoon or evening, even without overexertion. Consuming fresh fruits can boost energy and help reduce fatigue.

Depression

Low blood pressure patients often feel sluggish, sad, and are more prone to depression.

Feeling thirsty

Hypotension patients often feel thirsty. When blood pressure drops, the brain signals the body to drink more water, as increasing water intake helps raise blood pressure.

3. Preventing Low Blood Pressure

• Low blood pressure can be life-threatening if left untreated. The best way to safeguard your health is by preventing it early on. Here are some recommendations:

Diet:

• Consume more salt than usual, around 10-15g per day.
• Eat nutritious meals, enough meals, especially breakfast. Avoid starchy foods like potatoes, rice, porridge, pasta, and bread. To prevent sudden drops in blood pressure after meals, divide meals into smaller portions throughout the day.
• Add foods containing protein, vitamin C, and B vitamins to your daily diet. Foods and drinks such as coffee, strong tea, ginseng water, panax notoginseng, celery, lotus seeds, longan, jujube, raisins, almonds, licorice tea, and ginger are beneficial for managing low blood pressure.
• Avoid diuretic foods like cabbage, cornsilk, watermelon, and pumpkin.
• Drink plenty of water to increase blood volume and prevent dehydration. Avoid alcoholic beverages.

Lifestyle:

• Maintain a regular schedule and get enough sleep (7-8 hours/day).
• Change positions slowly to avoid dizziness. Sleep with a low pillow and elevate the legs.
• Take warm showers to improve circulation, but do not bath for too long.
• Keep a positive mind and avoid strong emotions like fear, anxiety, or sadness, as they can lower blood pressure.
• Engage in light exercise (10-15 minutes/day) such as walking, badminton, or table tennis. Avoid sports that may cause dizziness, such as gymnastics, jumping, or high-intensity running. Avoid outdoor activities in extreme heat.

4. Doctor's Advice

To prevent low blood pressure, patients should avoid staying up late, avoid going outside in intense sunlight, keep warm while sleeping, and change positions gradually. They also need to change positions slowly, refrain from climbing high places, and engage in light activities like walking. People over 50 should regularly monitor their blood pressure, as they are at higher risk of transitioning between low and high blood pressure.

In summary, low blood pressure can be life-threatening if not properly prevented and treated. It is important to pay attention to unusual symptoms, undergo regular health check-ups, and educate yourself to detect and address low blood pressure promptly. We hope this article on the 11 symptoms of low blood pressure and doctor-recommended tips has provided you with the necessary information.

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