Low Blood Pressure in Seniors
Blood pressure issues is something that a lot of people are familiar with. High blood pressure is one of the most common health issues, because it’soften found within other health conditions like diabetes, obesity, heart attacks and strokes. Low blood pressure on the other hand is not something that is talked about as much but it is just as important to keep an eye on.
It’s vital to keep an eye out for low blood pressure issues because it can sometimes cause more every day injuries than high blood pressure. High blood pressure can have symptoms of headaches, vision problems, trouble breathing and black outs. Whereas low blood pressure can have symptoms of dizzy or light headed, blurred vision, rapid or irregular heartbeat, feeling nauseous, trouble breathing, weakness, fatigue and confusion.
There’s a condition called orthostatic or postural hypotension and it is common among seniors. What happens is that when we are sitting down our blood tends to pool within our legs and so when we go to stand up, our brain tells our heart to bear faster as a means to compensate. But if the heart doesn’t beat fast or is delayed it can cause dizziness and possibly fainting. This is because there is a sudden drop within the blood pressure and your body.
You may also experience a sudden drop in blood pressure after you’ve eaten, especially if there were a lot of carbohydrates within the meal.
Causes of low blood pressure
There are a variety of factors that can explain why someone is experiencing low blood pressure.
- Medication side effects
- dehydration
- Depression
- Mental Health issues
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- Under active thyroid
- Excessive heat
- Extended bed rest
- Anemia due to lack of vitamin B-12 and folate
- Major blood loss
A sudden drop in blood pressure can be cause by an underlying condition such as infections or anaphylactic reactions. These issues can be dangerous or even life-threatening when there’s a plunge in blood pressure.
How to treat low blood pressure
First thing you should do is go see your doctor or medical professional if you think you’re experiencing low blood pressure. But while you’re waiting to see them you can try a few different things to keep your blood pressure at least stable.
- Drink more water
- Limit the amount of recreational drugs and alcohol
- East smaller meals more frequently
- Choose a nutritious meal plan
- Increase your salt intake
- Make slower transitions
- Try to avoid high heat or cold situations
Blood pressure is not something you want to leave to chance. So if you or someone you know is experiencing blood pressure issues whether high or low you should seek medical attention.
