Low BP
Types Of Low Blood Pressure
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.