Ask Dr. K: Simple measures combat low blood pressure
DEAR DOCTOR K: Recently, my blood pressure has been low. I feel tired and dizzy. What could be causing this and what can I do?
DEAR READER: Low blood pressure is not considered a problem unless, as in your case, it causes symptoms. In fact, if it is not causing symptoms, low blood pressure can be a good thing.
The typical symptoms caused by low blood pressure include weakness and dizziness, which can increase your risk of fainting and falling. If a person who did not previously have low blood pressure develops it, and has weakness and dizziness, he or she could be developing a heart problem.
A common cause of low blood pressure is overtreatment of high blood pressure.
Some other types of commonly prescribed medications also cause blood pressure to drop too low. Alpha blockers (used for prostate problems, and also for high blood pressure), antihistamines and tricyclic antidepressants are all possible culprits.
Dehydration can also cause low blood pressure.
Another possible cause is postural, or orthostatic, hypotension. In this condition, blood pressure falls dramatically when you stand.
Here are some things you can do to counter low blood pressure:
• Take your time standing up. Move gradually from lying down to sitting to standing.
• Wiggling your toes and flexing your feet before you stand up can help improve blood pressure.
Once you’re standing, crossing and tensing your legs may improve blood flow, for the same reason.
• Review your medications with your doctor and perhaps make a change. Your doctor may be able to substitute a different drug for one that is affecting your blood pressure.
• Increase your fluid intake. When you don’t drink enough fluid, the volume of blood decreases and blood pressure may drop.
• Consider increasing your salt intake. This may help prevent fluid loss and increase blood volume. But check with your doctor before you decide to try this.
In most cases, low blood pressure with bothersome symptoms will respond to these simple measures.