Low blood pressure

Blood pressure

The cylindrical pressure to the inner surface of walls of arteries due to blood pumped by the heart is called blood pressure. An instrument which is used by doctors to measure blood pressure of a person is called Sphygmomanometer . We commonly get confused with pulse rate checked by hand- pulse rate is no. of times heart beats per minute but that heartbeat causes pressure on walls during its systolic and diastolic phases.

Blood pressure level less than 120/80 mmHg is considered as normal blood pressure level.

Blood pressure is of two types Systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure

• Systolic blood pressure - It is the pressure which is caused by the heart while contracting and pushing the blood out.
• Diastolic blood pressure- It is the pressure that remains in arteries when the heart is relaxed.

Note

our blood pressure is higher in the day as compared to night.

Due to irregularity of pressure, there are two types of pressure:

High blood pressure: It can be defined as a state in which the exerted pressure of the blood towards the artery walls is too high and this condition is also known as hypertension. Blood pressure level above 140/90 is considered as high and if the pressure is above 180/120 it is considered severe.

Low blood pressure: This can be defined as a condition in which the pressure of the blood towards the artery walls is too low and this condition is also known as hypotension. Blood pressure level less than 90/60 is considered as very low. The pressure against the walls may lower due to many factors. 

The main causes of low blood pressure can be

• Pregnancy.
• Hormonal problems.
• Diabetic person (high blood sugar).
• Over-the-counter medicine 
• Heart arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms)
• Widening or dilation of blood vessels.
• Heart failure.
• Blood loss from bleeding.
• Low body temperature.
• Heat Stroke.
• Sepsis (type of blood infection).
• Dehydration.

Symptoms of blood pressure

• Blurred or fading vision.
• Feeling dizzy.
• Faint.
• Tiredness.
• Vomiting.

Home remedies by which low blood pressure can be controlled

• Use more salt- Having salt in your diet increases your blood pressure. When we eat more sodium it gets absorbed into capillaries so there is more concentration in the blood. Blood has a standard osmotic balance which is disturbed by sodium uptake so to regain the osmotic balance it intakes more water, as holding more water in blood vessels leads to increase in blood pressure within a few minutes.
• Drink more water. Fluids such as  juices, coconut water, aam panna, bael ka sharbat, water etc increases blood volume. As they increase in volume, the heart has to pump more to balance the standard volume which can lead to increase in the blood pressure.
• Wear compression stockings- It is used to get rid of pain and swelling of varicose veins thus normal BP is maintained. Varicose veins may get twisted and enlarged in the legs and hands due to excessive pressure or work done by a person. By wearing these they help not to twist or dilate the veins thus maintaining the blood pressure. They help in improving the blood flow from legs to heart which leads to improvement in the blood pressure level. 
• Exercise- Exercising contracts the calf muscle (soleus muscles)(second heart) that helps to return the blood to the heart easily by pumping the blood while walking, or running. These muscles surround the veins in the leg when it contracts to pump the blood ahead. Doing YOGA like pranayama increases blood pressure as it increases oxygen delivery rate by making the heart work more and faster. And doing any exercise releases adrenaline which increases heart rate and causes vasoconstriction in muscles thus increasing blood pressure.
• Coffee - We should take coffee instantly as caffeine present in it makes your adrenal glands release more adrenaline, which increases heartbeat which causes your blood pressure to increase. Any type of caffeine beverage like red bull, pep, or tea helps to increase blood pressure.
• Eat a balanced diet - Low levels of vitamin B12, iron and folic acid may cause anemia, it is a condition which occurs when your body can’t make sufficient blood and which leads to  low blood pressure. Eating smaller meals can prevent low blood pressure because larger meals cause more blood to reach the stomach to uptake nutrients thus lowering the blood pressure.
• Body Posture - We should gently move to a standing position from lying flat or squatting. We should sit with our legs crossed.

While standing, if low blood pressure symptoms begin then try crossing your thighs like a pair of scissors and squeeze it or try putting one of your feet on a chair or ledge then lean it as far & forward as possible. These moves will enhance blood flow from the legs to the heart and thus will increase blood pressure.

Conclusion

Low blood pressure or hypotension is caused by many factors as stated above. They may be due to underlying diseases or stress or poor overweight management. Older people should get checked regularly because it may be due to an upcoming heart attack. There are many medications to balance it on a daily basis. Exercise is a must for longer benefits. People should take care if they find themselves dizzy and faint, and immediately consult your doctor.