Low blood pressure occurs when blood pressure drops below normal limits. This condition can be caused by many factors, ranging from dehydration, sudden changes in body position, stress, side effects of drugs, to certain diseases.
Low blood pressure in medical terms is also known as hypotension. This condition occurs when blood pressure shows a number less than 90/60 mmHg. This condition is sometimes asymptomatic, so the sufferer does not realize that he has low blood pressure.
However, in some other cases, people who suffer from hypotension may experience symptoms when an attack of low blood pressure occurs, such as fatigue, dizziness, nausea, and even fainting.
Several Types of Low Blood Attack
Here are some types of low blood pressure based on the cause:
1. Orthostatic hypotension
Orthostatic hypotension is an attack of low blood pressure that occurs when a person suddenly stands up from a sitting, squatting, or lying position. As the body adjusts to this change in position, a person may feel dizzy or light-headed for a few seconds.
This condition is very common in the elderly, but can also occur in young adults and children.
2. Postprandial hypotension
Postprandial hypotension is a condition of low blood pressure that occurs about 1-2 hours after eating. Symptoms can be similar to orthostatic hypotension. Postprandial hypotension is thought to occur because more blood flows into the digestive tract to support the digestive process after eating.
This condition is rare in young adults, but is quite common in the elderly. In addition, low blood pressure after eating is also more common in people who have certain diseases, such as high blood pressure, nervous system disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, and diabetes.
3. Vasovagal hypotension
Vasovagal hypotension is an attack of low blood pressure that occurs when the nervous system stimulates blood vessels to lower blood pressure. Young adults and children generally experience this type of hypotension more often. Symptoms can include cold sweats, dizziness, blurred vision, and fainting.
Vasovagal hypotension can occur after a person stands for too long, for example after standing for a long time during ceremonies or fatigue at work.
4. Acute hypotension
This is an attack of low blood pressure that occurs suddenly, for example due to shock. This condition is the most severe form of lowering blood pressure.
When a person goes into shock, blood pressure drops to a very low level suddenly, so the brain and other organs of the body cannot get enough blood to function properly. The causes of shock can vary, ranging from severe dehydration, severe bleeding, to sepsis.
If not treated promptly, acute hypotension due to shock can lead to dangerous complications and even death.
How to Overcome and Prevent Low Blood Pressure
Low blood pressure in general can be treated in the following ways:
- Drink more water to increase the volume of blood and body fluids and prevent dehydration.
- Eat nutritious foods, including foods that contain salt or sodium. However, salt intake needs to be maintained so that it is not too much because it can cause hypertension or too high blood pressure.
- Avoid changing body positions suddenly and standing for too long. If you start to feel dizzy, have a headache, or feel dizzy when you stand up, try sitting down first and taking a break.
- Limit consumption of alcoholic beverages.
- Consume a cup of coffee or caffeinated tea in the morning, if possible.
- Use special stockings to improve blood circulation.
- Exercise regularly for about 30 minutes every day or about 150 minutes every week.
To monitor blood pressure, you need to do a blood pressure check using a sphygmomanometer. This examination can be done at the doctor's office or independently at home using a digital sphygmomanometer.
If the condition of low blood pressure causes symptoms that are quite disturbing or often recur, you should see a doctor to get the right treatment.