How To Treat Low Blood Pressure
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Medically reviewed by Rafle Fernandez, MD
Low blood pressure—also known as hypotension—happens when the force of blood moving through your veins and arteries is lower than usual. Normal blood pressure typically ranges between 90/60 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and 120/80 mmHg. But, having a blood pressure reading of anything less than 90/60 mmHg is a sign of low blood pressure.
There are various forms of low blood pressure. The most common types are orthostatic hypotension (blood pressure quickly drops when you stand up), postprandial orthostatic hypotension (blood pressure suddenly drops after eating), and neurally mediated hypotension (blood pressure drops after standing for a long period of time).
If you have low blood pressure, you'll likely experience symptoms like blurred vision, confusion, dizziness, nausea, or fatigue. Fortunately, there are several treatment options available that can help you bring your blood pressure back up to a normal range.
How to Manage Low Blood Pressure
You don't always need treatment if you have low blood pressure. Your healthcare provider may only recommend treatment if you start experiencing symptoms. If you do have symptoms, your exact treatment plan will depend on how low your blood pressure is and the severity of your symptoms. In most cases, medication management and lifestyle changes can treat low blood pressure effectively.
Managing Medications
Several medications can potentially lead to low blood pressure. These include high blood pressure medicines, heart medications like beta blockers, certain medications for Parkinson’s disease, some types of antidepressants, and medications for erectile dysfunction. In some cases, taking pain relievers and drinking alcohol can also lower your blood pressure below the normal range.
Mixing medications can also make your blood pressure too low—so it's important to be cautious if you're taking multiple medications at the same time. Sometimes, taking a combination of prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs with your high blood pressure medication can unexpectedly lower your blood pressure.
If you suspect that your medication may be causing your low blood pressure, consult with your healthcare provider about adjusting your dose or changing your medication. Keep in mind: don't make any changes to your medication plan without talking to a healthcare provider. Stopping medications unexpectedly can also lead to additional symptoms.
Drinking More Water
If you're not drinking enough water throughout the day, you're also at an increased risk of being dehydrated, which can cause your blood pressure to become abnormally low. Dehydration occurs when your body loses more fluid than you're taking in. You might become dehydrated from sweating excessively during intense exercise (especially in hot weather), having a fever, or experiencing vomiting or diarrhea.
To raise your blood pressure and reduce symptoms of hypotension, try the following tips to increase your water intake:
Keep a water bottle on your desk while you're at school or work so it's easy to sip on when you're busy
Put extra water bottles in the fridge so you can replenish your bottle once you're done
Infuse lime, lemon, or other fruits into your water to change the taste from time to time
Set a reminder or alarm on your phone or computer to take a water break
Checking for Vitamin Deficiencies
Sometimes, having a lack of important minerals in your body (like vitamin B12 and folic acid) can cause anemia, which in turn can lead to low blood pressure. Vitamin B12 is vital to your body’s production of DNA, fatty acids, and the protective covering of nerves, called myelin. Folic acid is a vitamin that helps generate new cells.
If you're having symptoms of low blood pressure, ask your provider for a blood test to check for vitamin deficiencies. Based on your blood test results, your healthcare provider may suggest taking vitamins and supplements to counteract a deficiency and improve your blood pressure.
Adjusting Your Meals
Postprandial hypotension occurs when your blood pressure drops significantly within 30 minutes after eating a meal. If this is the underlying cause of your blood pressure changes, consider eating smaller portions frequently throughout the day. Instead of eating three big meals, try eating four to five smaller meals.
Additionally, reducing the amount of carbohydrates you eat can also improve your blood pressure. Limit your intake of bread, rice, and pasta, and opt for low-carb foods like lean meat, seafood, eggs, vegetables, and nuts.
Wearing Compression Stockings
Compression stockings or socks are a handy tool designed to boost blood circulation in your legs and improve low blood pressure. They work by applying gentle pressure to your legs, encouraging blood to flow upwards and helping to reduce swelling. They can also play a role in preventing the formation of blood clots.
If you have low blood pressure that's accompanied by swelling in your legs, consider wearing comfortable and breathable compression socks throughout the day. There are various types of compression stockings available, which differ in pressure levels, lengths, and colors. Your healthcare provider can help you choose the right pair suited to your specific needs and explain how long and how often you should wear them to experience the benefits.
Living With and Managing Low Blood Pressure
If you have low blood pressure without any accompanying symptoms, you might not need any treatment. However, if symptoms are present or the low blood pressure is due to an underlying issue, appropriate treatments are available based on the specific cause and symptoms. That said, it's important to follow your treatment plan accordingly to improve symptoms and your overall quality of life.
If you experience symptoms like dizziness or lightheadedness, it helps to sit or lie down immediately and lift your feet above the level of your heart. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms with your condition, call your healthcare immediately:
Tarry black or maroon-colored stools
Chest pain or discomfort
Fever of at least 101 degrees Fahrenheit
Difficulty breathing
A Quick Review
Low blood pressure (clinically known as hypotension) happens when your blood pressure drops below the typical range, affecting the supply of blood to the heart, brain, and other body parts. Your blood pressure might drop for several reasons, including standing up too quickly or after eating a meal.
The good news: there are several effective strategies you can use to manage your blood pressure and bring your levels back up to a normal range. Treatment options may include managing medications, staying hydrated, wearing compression socks, eating smaller and more frequent meals, and taking care of any vitamin deficiencies.
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