Hypotension refers to low blood pressure. It is the opposite of hypertension or high blood pressure. While hypertension is associated with disease, such as cerebrovascular accident or stroke, hypotension is associated with shock, a condition characterized by low body fluid volume. The following are the causes, associated symptoms, and home remedies for hypotension.
Causes
Hypotension has three known causes, among others. According to Medicine Net, the common causes of low blood pressure are low blood volume; heart disease, which yield low cardiac output; and medications, which lower the blood volume in the body. As per the publication, blood tests, cardiac testing, and radiologic examination can be done to determine the nearest cause of the low blood pressure, such as conditions like heart failure or arrhythmias or irregular heart rhythms.
Symptoms
Hypotension is usually accompanied by a number of signs and symptoms. According to Mayo Clinic, these include dizziness or lightheadedness, lack of concentration, blurred vision, thirst, nausea, cold and clammy skin, rapid and shallow breathing, fatigue, and fainting or syncope. As per the publication, it is vital to have a medical consult if the aforementioned signs and symptoms of hypotension.
Home Remedies
While medications that elevate a person’s blood pressure are commercial available for treatment of hypotension, home remedies are also accessible as management for the condition.
Water
Water consumption is a potential remedy for hypotension. Since the problem is reduced fluid volume in the body, drinking glasses of water helps increase the said fluid and blood volume; thus, it helps elevate the blood pressure too. However, it is best to consult a physician prior to increasing oral fluid intake, since it may not be the best intervention in people who have congestive heart failure, in which the heart already has a great workload due to fluid volume excess.
Salt Water
Along with drinking water, salt water also serves as a remedy for low blood pressure. According to Top 10 Home Remedies, salt water aids in elevating the blood pressure, since salt or sodium attracts water. Thus, consuming salt triggers the body to retain fluid. This is through reduced sweating and urination. This way, the body’s blood pressure will rise. As per the publication, the person mixes half teaspoon of salt in a glass of water and drinks it. As an alternative, sports beverages may be consumed.
Slow Position Changes
Position changes can affect a person’s blood pressure. In physiology, sudden position changes cause a sudden drop in blood pressure called orthostatic hypotension. This is accompanied by sudden dizziness after sudden sitting or standing. According to Mayo Clinic, this can be prevented if the person slowly sits or stands. As per the publication, the person should breathe deeply for a few minutes before getting out of bed in the morning. Then, he slowly sits up before standing. Also, the person may sleep with his head slightly elevated to counter the effects of gravity when he wakes up. If dizziness is felt while standing, the person may cross his thighs and squeeze. As per the publication, these movements promote blood flow from the legs to the heart.
Almond milk
Milk is one of the common beverages people have today. According to Food NDTV, it helps counter hypotension. As per the publication, the person soaks five to six almonds overnight and peels them in the morning, makes a paste, and boils them. The resulting preparation is consumed every day to prevent the blood pressure from dropping.
Unmanaged hypotension may lead to shock, which could be deadly, so it has to be managed. It is important to address low blood pressure to the physician for further assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation.
Source: rd.com
