The opposite of high is low, the opposite of high blood pressure is low blood pressure, but the reversal of a dangerous condition such as hypertension (high blood pressure) unfortunately does not automatically mean that hypotension (low blood pressure) is a positive phenomenon.
Anyone who has low blood pressure also suffers, but can be reassured because it is not a life-threatening illness. Nevertheless, low blood pressure can be caused by other conditions, such as hypofunction of various body glands or heart disease, which may require treatment.
People who have low blood pressure often, but not always, experience symptoms that can be more or less distressing. They experience dizzy spells, have difficulty concentrating, often need longer to get their circulation going, especially when getting up in the morning, and are more often plagued by fatigue, even if they get enough sleep. People with low blood pressure are also less able to cope with changes in weather and temperature than others.
When do you have low blood pressure?
The doctor only speaks of low blood pressure when the blood pressure values are below the normal values over a longer period of time. For women, this starts at 100/60 mm Hg (millimetres of mercury) and for men at 110/70 mm HG. The first value always describes the force with which the heart pumps blood from the ventricles into the vessels, the second value describes the state of rest of the heart and the contraction of the vessels so that the ventricles can refill with blood.
What helps against low blood pressure?
If the blood pressure is too low, the blood can pool in the legs and fail to reach the brain, which can trigger dizzy spells or even fainting. To counteract this, you should keep moving your legs, bouncing them and circling your feet when sitting or standing for long periods.
Regular exercise also helps to counteract the effects of low blood pressure, as sport strengthens the entire cardiovascular system
Swimming, walking, gymnastics or cycling are particularly suitable as they place a fairly even load on the whole body and all the muscles.
However, as always, diet also plays a role. With a few exceptions, people with very low blood pressure are allowed to add more salt to their food, as table salt ensures that more fluid remains in the body and increases blood pressure.
The direct intake of fluids also has the effect of normalising blood pressure. If you increase the normal amount of fluids to up to three litres per day, this will also have a positive effect.
On the other hand, you should greatly reduce diuretic drinks such as black tea, coffee and alcoholic drinks, which have the opposite effect.
Small meals spread throughout the day are preferable to a large meal, as this concentrates the blood flow to the intestinal area to start digestion and therefore the symptoms of low blood pressure can also occur more frequently after very substantial meals.
It also helps to get up slowly in the morning and sit on the edge of the bed for a while to prevent dizziness.
