People with low blood pressure should lie down and rest, elevate their legs above their head, eat some chocolate candy, or drink some ginger tea to bring their blood pressure back to normal.
Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of blood vessels. A healthy level is approximately 120/80 mmHg, while a level lower than 90/60 mmHg is considered low blood pressure.
To ensure that all parts of the body, especially the brain, heart, and lungs, receive sufficient oxygen, blood pressure naturally fluctuates throughout the day according to the needs of these organs. The body also continuously regulates and balances blood pressure. This reading can drop if you stand up suddenly, and it usually decreases during sleep or rest.
According to Dr. Huynh Thanh Kieu, Head of Cardiology Department 1, Cardiovascular Center, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, people experiencing a sudden drop in blood pressure may have symptoms such as blurred vision, dizziness, difficulty maintaining balance, sweating, and rapid, shallow breathing. In severe cases, nausea, vomiting, confusion, loss of consciousness, or fainting may occur. The doctor suggests how to handle this situation.
When experiencing mild hypotension, patients should lie down on a flat surface or sit leaning against a chair, using pillows to elevate their head and legs so that their legs are higher than their head. They should drink a glass of water or milk, eat some chocolate or candy, or drink ginger tea or ginseng tea... to help blood pressure return to normal sooner. Once more alert, the patient should be helped to sit up slowly and practice moving their arms and legs to avoid dizziness.
Patients exhibiting dangerous symptoms such as coma, confusion, loss of balance, or loss of consciousness should be taken to a medical facility as soon as possible.
Low blood pressure is when the reading is below 90/60 mmHg. (Image: Freepik)
To prevent sudden drops in blood pressure, Dr. Kieu advises the following methods:
Drink plenty of water : Dehydration can sometimes lead to low blood pressure. Some people experience low blood pressure even with mild dehydration such as vomiting, severe diarrhea, fever, or excessive sweating during exercise. Some diuretics can also cause dehydration.
Balanced diet: Nutritional deficiencies can also cause low blood pressure. People lacking vitamin B12, folic acid, and iron may become anemic, which can gradually lead to low blood pressure. It's important to eat a variety of vitamins and minerals from green vegetables, fruits, and whole grains to ensure your body receives all the necessary nutrients.
Eat smaller meals: Low blood pressure after a large meal is more common in older adults. After eating a large meal, blood concentrates in the digestive system to aid in nutrient absorption, leaving many organs, including the brain, without sufficient blood supply, leading to low blood pressure. This can be remedied by eating smaller meals.
Limit or avoid alcohol: Alcoholic beverages can lead to dehydration, interact with medications, and cause low blood pressure.
Wear compression stockings: Compression stockings or socks can help prevent blood from pooling in the legs, thereby reducing the risk of orthostatic hypotension. This is a drop in blood pressure when standing or due to lying down or sitting for too long, and is common in older adults.
Taking medication: Patients should take their blood pressure medication regularly as prescribed by their doctor, if any.
Dr. Kieu recommends that patients proactively monitor their blood pressure using a home blood pressure monitor. If this condition occurs frequently, patients should consult a cardiologist to determine the cause and receive early treatment.
Bao Bao
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