How to Raise Blood Pressure
| December 19, 2012 | Posted by admin under Blood Pressure |
For many people the question of how to raise blood pressure, and searching for ways to increase blood pressure may seem ludicrous considering that so many other people suffer from the ill effects of high blood pressure. However, for the people who suffer from extremely low blood pressure, the question is a very important one. After all, it can be a symptom of serious neurological, heart and endocrine disorders in addition to being the cause of physical shock.
Symptoms to Look Out For
But first, how is hypotension diagnosed? Well, aside from the symptoms, a blood reading of 90 millimeters of mercury or less on systolic and/or 60 millimeters of mercury or less on diastolic is considered low blood pressure. However, take note that it will vary from one individual to the next depending on age, physical condition and lifestyle so it is always best to keep track to determine the highest and lowest range in blood pressure levels.
With that being said, you must determine if indeed you have the symptoms before seeking the ways on how to raise blood pressure. The symptoms of hypotension, aside from the blood pressure reading, are dizziness or lightheadedness, fainting, cold, clammy, pale skin, lack of concentration, blurred vision, rapid, shallow breathing, nausea, fatigue, depression and constant thirst.
It must be emphasized, however, that low blood pressure in itself is not cause for concern especially when it caused by spending too much time in sun or in the hot tub. When it becomes a pattern, then you should see a doctor lest complications arise.
Treatment for Low Blood Pressure
Take note that doctors will usually treat the underlying condition of your hypotension – think heart failure, dehydration, diabetes and hypothyroidism- instead of raising your low blood pressure. It is only when your hypotension does not have any underlying cause are the ways on how to raise blood pressure discussed, of which the following are the best ways:
- Under the direction of your doctor, you have to increase your sodium (salt) intake. Just don’t forget to follow a healthy diet so as to lessen your risks for other illnesses. Better yet, go for low-carbohydrate foods taken in small quantities throughout the day.
- You need to drink more water, which will increase both water and blood volume in your system. Of course, you have to drink less alcoholic beverages, if not totally eliminate them from your diet.
- You may also have to wear compression stockings to relieve the swelling and pain of your varicose veins.
- You should consult with your doctor about changing your medications. This is because some drugs cause hypotension when used alone or with other drugs. You might also be prescribed drugs like fludrocortisone to boost drug volume and midodrine to expand blood vessels, both of which then raises blood pressure levels.
- You also need to go as slowly as possible when changing positions from lying down to standing up. Take a few minutes after waking up to just lie on the bed, take a few deep breaths and then sit up slowly. And speaking of sleep, it helps to elevate your head when you are lying down, too.
Indeed, the ways on how to raise blood pressure are very easy to do assuming that there are no underlying medical conditions. Just adopt the abovementioned lifestyle changes and you should come out just fine.
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