Low blood pressure or hypotension is a state in which the
blood
pressure (systolic pressure) of the patient goes below normal (80 mm
Hg is considered as normal but danger usually starts at pressure
less than 60 mm Hg). It is a condition in which the action of the
heart, in forcing the blood through the arteries, is weak.
A different point of view suggests that the normal ranges of blood
pressure are simply averages for the entire population. This means
there is considerable population whose blood pressure falls below
the average. Now, this doesn’t necessarily mean an unhealthy state
of your body. Without knowing your history, and other health
conditions, it is not possible to assess your current health. Also,
low blood pressure does not carry the same health risks as
high
blood pressure.
There was a time when almost equal number of elderly people suffered
from hypotension as much as with hypertension, but now low blood
pressure is not that widespread.
The patient might faint when he suddenly gets up into an
erect position
A
skilled doctor can monitor
adrenal glands, check for
anemia and
do a comprehensive diet analysis as this information is needed
to recommend a treatment program.
Its most common reason is the pressure drop in the lower
limbs due to prolonged sitting or lying down. When one
gets up suddenly then, the dizziness comes due to the
sudden flow of blood in the brain as the body pumps in
more blood.
·
Older people face the same problem on even changing
their sitting position.
·
Unbalanced diet deprived of
nutrition - If your diet is
not giving you enough calories, vitamins (specifically C
and all of Bs) and proteins, then the tissues that form
the walls of the arteries become stretched and relaxed,
thereby getting weak and incapable of carrying oxygen
and other nutrients to the different organs in time or
at all. Result, improper functioning of these organs as
is seen in the symptoms above
·
Medications like diuretics, antidepressants,
tranquilizers and alcohol are also found to be causes
for hypotension.
·
Depression and frustration are also attributed with a
person having low BP.
·
Loss of blood due to slow bleeding in the
gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, or bladder.
·
Certain kidney and heart related problems have been
found to be associated with low BP.
Many
people have begun to turn to natural herbal and homeopathic
remedies. While conventional medicines often do not address the root
causes, natural remedies treat both the symptoms of low blood
pressure as well as the common underlying causes.
Note: It is important to consult your doctor before making any
changes or additions to your prescription medication and to monitor
your blood pressure regularly – even if you are using natural
medicines. In addition, always remember to source your natural
medicines from a reputable company to ensure maximum safety and
efficacy.
·
Ginkgo Biloba - This oldest surviving tree
specie, dating back to millions of years has
predominantly been grown in China till the 18th century.
Then it came to Europe and from there to United States.
Trees may live up to 1000 years and are usually grown in
rich, well drained soil in sunny locations. Leaves of
ginkgo are the ones having medicinal qualities and their
main constituents are ginkgolide terpenes and flavonoids-
antioxidants
that strengthen the blood vessels and improve the
circulation.
·
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) – This slender
perennial has its origin in Asia, specifically India,
but is now widely cultivated in other parts of the world
like Africa, USA and West Indies. Ginger’s orchid-like
flowers grow over lace shaped leaves but its medicinal
(and culinary too as it is extensively used as a spice
and for its aroma) uses are found in its rhizome, i.e.
the rootstock. The aromatic oils present in ginger
rhizome are the active constituents medically. They are
the ones responsible for the characteristic aroma and
flavor. They include sesquiterpenes, specifically
zingiberene, as also aldehydes and monoterpenes. Ginger
is a known circulatory stimulant and has strong
anti-clotting effect.
·
Rosmarinus officinale (Rosemary) – This aromatic,
evergreen small shrub is found throughout the
Mediterranean and North America. This ancient symbol of
love and fidelity has also been used for a long time for
preserving meats. Both, its pale blue flowers as well as
leaves are used medicinally. Rosemary contains many
active constituents like flavonoids which act as a
stimulant and antioxidant. This property of stimulating
the circulation by strengthening the capillaries and
improving venous blood flow is greatly harnessed in
treating headaches, improving mental concentration and
also stimulating hair growth. Its other constituents
include rosmarinic acid (a phenol) which is known for
its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory powers and is also
considered an excellent antioxidant.
Some most effective home made remedies
are:
·
Basil and honey juice – Crush around15 leaves of
basil leaves to a paste and mix with one teaspoon of
honey. Squeeze the mixture out through a muslin cloth
and drink once a day.
·
Warm water bath of liquorice – Take ¾ cup of
crushed liquorice powder and soak it in 5 glasses of
water for around 2-2 ½ hours. Then boil the mixture and
steep for 5 minutes. Add this to your bathtub water
It has been found that quite a few people have low BP
after their regular heavy meals. Thus, it is advisable
for them to take small, more frequent meals to avoid this
situation.
·
Although, normally salt intake is reduced with age by
most of the doctors, restricting it may cause
hypotension. Therefore, care should be taken about salt
and fluid intake as their deficiency can lead to
hypotension.
·
A diet which contains adequate quantities of complete
proteins, B vitamins and, particularly, the nutrients
that stimulate adrenal production, quickly normalizes
low blood pressure. Pantothenic acid is one such
nutrient which alone is capable of raising blood
pressure. Liver, yeast, and salmon have high
concentrations of pantothenic acid, but most other
foods, including vegetables, dairy, eggs, grains, and
meat, also provide some pantothenic acid.
It is quite ironical that applying more brain and
thereby increasing your blood pressure comes out to be
the best medication for low BP. Rosemary helps in
concentration and memory loss.
·
Keeping your bed at the head side around 10 inches
higher helps control hypotension. Remember, it is the
head of your bed and not your head.
·
Get up slowly in the sitting position first and then
gradually move to the standing position. In severe cases
a support is recommended to help prevent a fall.
·
Light exercises (walking, cycling) shall relax your body
and impart vigor. Breathing exercises (especially yoga)
are of immense help in low blood pressure.
