Hypotension – When Low Blood Pressure Is Bad
August 26, 2009
While we remain obsessed with hypertension or high blood pressure, hardly do we realize that extreme low blood pressure level can also be harmful for our bodies. Blood pressure is one of the vital signs of life, whose level determines the quality of your health.
Blood pressure is the pressure or force exerted by the blood, flowing through the blood vessels, on the walls of the vessels. As your heart pumps, it pushes the blood through the arteries, generating pressure.
Blood pressure is a combination of systolic and diastolic numbers. The systolic or the highest number is determined by the contraction of the heart, when it pushes the blood through the arteries. The lowest number or diastolic pressure denotes the pressure of the blood flowing through the arteries as the heart relaxes after contraction. The normal blood pressure of an adult is 120/80 mm Hg.
Hypotension
Low blood pressure or hypotension occurs when both the systolic and diastolic pressure reaches extreme low levels, around 90/50 mm Hg. However, several individuals with hypotension hardly experience the symptoms associated with low blood pressure. Sometimes, one might experience the symptoms of hypotension even when the blood pressure level dips to 100/60 mm Hg.
Low blood pressure risks
Studies have shown that slightly low blood pressure is beneficial for the health. People who are physically active and exercise regularly and non-smokers often tend to have low blood pressure.
However, extreme fall in blood pressure can be hazardous for your health. Hypotension slackens the blood flow in the body. This reduces blood supply to different parts of the body.
The organs of your body could suffer from nutrient and oxygen deficiency. Insufficient supply of oxygenated blood to the brains causes dizziness. A person suffering from hypotension might faint. Hypotension can be bad for your heart.
Poor supply of oxygenated blood in the coronary arteries can cause chest pain. In severe cases, hypotension can cause heart attack. Hypotension inhibits proper kidney function. This increases the level of blood urea and serum creatinine. Hypotension can cause shock, leading to multiple organ failure.
Hypotension home remedies
Some simple home remedies could be used for treating hypotension symptoms. Dissolve 500 grams of Epsom salts or magnesium sulfate in your bathwater. Immerse in the bath for about 15 minutes. This will help to raise your blood pressure. Increasing protein and vitamin B complex intake could help to reduce the symptoms of hypotension.
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