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Low Blood Pressure: Signs, Symptoms and Solutions
Did you or your doctor measure low blood pressure values? Get ready to unlock the key to a healthier you as we explore the world of optimal blood pressure in this last article in a series of three!
Today you will find out:
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Signs & symptoms of low blood pressure.
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Some common mistakes in low blood pressure measurements
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What low blood pressure causes.
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What you can do about it!
Before we dive into answering these questions, make sure you measure your blood pressure the right way! (just click here). When you have measured low blood pressure, never forget: don’t trust your first blood pressure measurement.
Here is a nice summary table on what can influence your blood pressure measurements (credits go to https://www.adctoday.com!)
The most important factor to mention here, which is not on the table, is the size of the cuff. Some people (like children and people with small arm sizes) need different cuff sizes… even when you are using an adjustable cuff! When arms are smaller, not only the width of the cuff should become smaller, but the length as well to have accurate readings! This is why kids usually need different cuff sizes.
From this table, you can see that putting cuffs over clothes can easily add or lower blood pressure measurements as well by 10-40 points.
Blood pressure and kids
Some people, when they measure blood pressure with their kids, can get worried as well since they will often measure lower blood pressures as well.
Kids usually have a lower blood pressure than adults!
The smaller kids are, the lower their blood pressure values should be. Talk to a doctor if you are worried.
Signs & Symptoms of low blood pressure
Low blood pressure is typically determined when your low blood pressure reading is below 90/60 mm Hg. However, some people don’t display symptoms with these values. A single hypotensive measurement isn’t usually problematic as long as none of the following symptoms are present:
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Dizziness or lightheadedness
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Nausea
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Fainting
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Cold, clammy, pale skin
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Blurred vision
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Dehydration and unusual thirst
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Rapid, shallow breathing
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Lack of concentration
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Fatigue
What causes low blood pressure?
Blood pressure is regulated by the brain, the nervous system and the adrenal glands – yes the same glands that produce cortisol! In fact, the most well-known hormone for regulating blood pressure is called Aldosterone, which regulates the electrolytes potassium and sodium.
What are the factors that cause low blood pressure?
Stress
Stress can cause high blood pressure as well as low blood pressure. You might find it interesting to know that the hormone regulating the electrolytes in the blood called Aldosterone is in fact grouped under the same class of hormones as cortisol: corticosteroids (hormones made in the cortex of the adrenal gland).-
Cortisol is a glucocorticoid because its main function is to regulate blood sugar
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Aldosterone is a mineralocorticoid because its main function is regulating the mineral balance between potassium and sodium.
Cortisol and aldosterone both can influence blood pressure. With prolonged exposure to stress, we often see low cortisol levels contributing to lower blood pressure. Would you like to measure cortisol levels? The DUTCH test adrenals only panel and the DUTCH test complete are both good options. The adrenal balance course goes in depth on signs, symptoms and solutions to help you bring balance to your stress hormones.
Low Blood Volume
The body contains about 5 litres of blood. If this volume reduces, blood pressure can drop as well. Several reasons why blood volume could be lower:
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Dehydration/Excessive sweating
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Blood loss (for example after donation, after injuries and heavy periods)
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Persisting vomiting or diarrhea.
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Diuretics
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Heat, since it can cause the blood vessels to dilate. This causes low blood pressure as well.
With low blood volume hydration becomes more important!
Lack of nutrients
We need nutrients to produce red blood cells. Iron, vitamin B12, folate, vitamin A and vitamin D are all nutrients we need to create red blood cells. Sodium is also an important mineral to keep blood pressure within range. When people lack sodium or lose a lot of sodium (this could be related to Aldosterone production) the body loses water and cravings for salty foods can be the result.
Pregnancy
Being pregnant causes the body to grow fast. This increase in volume can cause blood pressure to lower as well. In the first part of pregnancy (usually the first 24 weeks) blood pressure can get lower. If symptoms appear, here are some tips during that phase:
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Don’t stand for long periods of time.
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Avoid getting up quickly when you’re seated or lying down.
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Eat small meals throughout the day.
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Don’t take very hot baths or showers.
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Drink more water.
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Wear loose clothing.
After giving birth blood pressure can drop as well.
Medications
Medications to manage high blood pressure lower blood pressure. Keep this in mind if you use medications and are healing from high blood pressure! Be aware if you are using:
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ACE inhibitors
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Beta Blockers
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Diuretics (I know, I mentioned before!)
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Angiotensin II receptor blockers
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Calcium channel blockers (they relax and open up narrowed blood vessels)
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Blood vessel dilators (vasodilators)
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Alpha blockers (which block norepinephrine/noradrenaline from tightening the muscles in the walls of smaller arteries and veins)
Some antidepressants can cause low blood pressure as well. If you’re taking antidepressants in the medication group of tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)… this can cause low blood pressure as well! Adjusting medications while working on root causes in this case, might be necessary.
Low blood sugar(Hypoglycemia)
With insulin resistance, we see insulin overproduction as long as the pancreas still does its job. Although with insulin resistance most people think of high blood sugar, in the first stages of insulin resistance a drop in blood sugar can happen. in the early stages, we do see insulin overproduction, but the cells are still sensitive enough to absorb blood sugar. This can cause a drop in blood pressure.
Blood sugars can also be low with long-term starvation. This can also cause low blood pressure.
Although low-carb diets can decrease high blood pressure and are helpful to lower blood sugar, they aren’t usually a cause of low blood pressure symptoms.
Hopefully, this tip can help you to address low blood pressure! If you have any questions, let us know!
Daniel
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1 Reply
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Another excellent write-up – thank you!
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