Low BP

The pressure of the blood against the walls of the arteries is known as blood pressure. Low blood pressure occurs when the blood pressure level is much lower than the normal levels of blood pressure. The normal levels of blood pressure vary from person to person. Generally, normal blood pressure falls in the range of 90/60 mm Hg to 130/80 mm Hg.

Mainly there are two types of low blood pressure conditions:

1) Orthostatic Hypotension,
2) Neurally Mediated Hypotension,

Orthostatic hypotension
Orthostatic hypotension occurs when there is a sudden decrease in blood pressure of a person. Sudden fall in blood pressure occurs when a person takes a standing position for too long. This fall goes greater than 20/10 mm Hg in a prolonged standing posture.

Symptoms of orthostatic hypotension
Symptoms of orthostatic hypotension which usually occur after sudden standing are as follows:

a) Dizziness,
b) Lightheadedness
c) Headache
d) Blurred or dimmed vision
e) Syncope

Causes of orthostatic hypotension
When there decreases the amount of blood in the body because of the excessive use of diuretics, or other types of drugs, dehydration, or prolonged bed rest, orthostatic hypotension results. Persons with anemia can also develop this condition.

There are some anti-depressant drugs that can also cause orthostatic hypotension. Diabetes, Addison's disease, atherosclerosis, and certain neurological disorders are also believed to be the cause of this condition.

Treatment for orthostatic hypotension
The treatment of orthostatic hypotension depends on the cause of the condition. If it is caused because of some medications, then this can be cured either by a little adjustment in the dosage of the medication or by discontinuing the medication. So, the treatment of the condition totally depends on the cause of the condition.

Some sort of medication can also be used to treat the condition such as fludrocortisone (Florinef), erythropoietin and midodrine.

Apart from the medication, with some changes in lifestyle the condition can also be healed. Here is the list of desired lifestyle changes:

a) Check blood pressure regularly.
b) Stand slowly rather than quickly.
c) Maintain an elevated salt intake.
d) Maintain a proper fluid intake to prevent the effects of dehydration.
e) Eat multiple smaller meals rather than fewer larger meals.
f) Take extra care when standing after eating.

Neurally Mediated Hypotension
When the reflex interaction between the heart and the brain are abnormal, there occurs

neurally mediated hypotension. Neurally mediated hypotension is also known as the fainting reflex and neurocardiogenic syncope.

Symptoms of Neurally Mediated Hypotension
Here are some of the symptoms of the Neurally Mediated Hypotension. These are as follows:

a) Recurrent lightheadedness
b) Fainting
c) Prolonged fatigue after a modest amount of physical activity
d) Chronic fatigue
e) Muscle aches (or fibromyalgia)
f) Headaches
g) Mental confusion
h) Mental fog.

Cause of the Neurally Mediated Hypotension
The cause of the neurally mediated hypotension is not well known. Nevertheless, genetics factors are believed to play an important role in causing the condition. Also inadequate intake of the fluids or salt, extremely prolonged periods of upright posture, very warm environments can cause such condition.

Treatment for the Neurally Mediated Hypotension
Basically the low intake of salt and water cause the Neurally Mediated Hypotension. So, increased intake of salt and water with prescribed medications can treat the condition. Some low BP medications include:

a) Fludrocortisone (Florinef),
b) Beta-blockers (Atenolol),
c) Disopyramide (Norpace),
d) Fuoxetine (Prozac),
e) Sertraline (Zoloft),
f) Ephedrine
g) Pseudoephedrine,
h) Theophylline, methylphenidate (Ritalin), and
i) Midodrine.

Your doctor will determine the best possible combination for your personal situation. But again I will say, the adequate intake of fluid is very necessary.