Low blood pressure
Low blood pressure (hypotension) usually only needs to be treated if it's causing symptoms. This involves general lifestyle advice and treating any underlying cause of the condition.
If you have naturally low blood pressure and it's not causing any problems, treatment is rarely necessary.
The advice outlined belowcan often help limitsymptoms of some of the most common types of hypotension:
Dehydration can cause low blood pressure. This can be easily treated by increasing your fluid and salt intake. Ensuring you drink enough fluid will help by increasing the volume of your blood, whichincreases your blood pressure.
If you have low blood pressure, you may benefit from having more salt in your diet. Your GPcan advise how much additional salt you need and whether you can add salt to your usual food or take salt tablets. Don't add extra salt to your diet without seeing your GP first.
If your GP suspects your medicationis causing low blood pressure, theymayalter your dose or advise using an alternative medication.
Your blood pressure should be monitored while you're taking medicationand any changes should be noted. Tell your GP if you're experiencing side effects from taking medication.
If your GP suspects your low blood pressure is caused by an underlyinghealth condition, you may be referred to hospital for further tests and treatment.
For example, if your low blood pressure is related to hormone problems, you may be referred to a specialist called an endocrinologist who may prescribe hormone replacement medication.
See causes of low blood pressure for more information.
Very few people are prescribed medication for low blood pressure. The symptoms of hypotension canusually be treated by making the above changes to your lifestyle and, in particular, by increasing your fluid and salt intake.
If medication is necessary, it will usually be medicine to expand the volume of your blood or narrow your arteries. Your blood pressure will increaseas there will be more blood flowing through a smaller space.
Low blood pressure, also known as hypotension, is where blood pressure in your arteries is abnormally low.
Symptoms of low blood pressure (hypotension) include dizziness, nausea and feeling weak. If your blood pressure is naturally low, it's unlikely to cause any symptoms or require treatment.
Low blood pressure (hypotension) has many possible causes. Some are everyday factors, while some people have an underlying cause that requires treatment.
Low blood pressure (hypotension) can be easily diagnosed by measuring your blood pressure.
Low blood pressure (hypotension) usually only needs to be treated if it is causing symptoms.