Blood pressure is the force exerted by blood against the walls of arteries. Blood pressure comprises of systolic and diastolic pressures, which are measured in millimeters of mercury or mmHg. Systolic pressure is the blood pressure, when the heart contracts to send blood into the arteries. It ensures a supply of blood around the body. Diastolic pressure is the pressure that continues to be exerted on the arteries between each contraction.
A blood pressure equal to 120/80 or 115/75, is considered normal. However, blood pressure may vary widely for different persons and at different places and time of the day depending on activities. A fall in the blood pressure below normal reading of 90/60 mm/Hg is generally called low blood pressure or Hypotension. This figure may vary slightly depending on age/ sex and nature of work. In this state the action of heart, which pumps the blood through the arteries is weak due to devitalized system.
Consistent low blood pressure can even be a healthy sign. At rest the pressure of normal healthy people tends to lower below normal and is a sign of good cardiovascular health. In low blood pressure there is a reduced risk of developing heart attack, stroke and kidney disease. Low Blood Pressure is dangerous, only when it shows a sudden drop, rapid fluctuation or if pressure is so low that it fails to properly propel the blood to all organs. Sudden drop in blood pressure may be accompanied by dizziness, weakness and sometimes fainting. These symptoms usually appear when some one stands quickly after sitting or lying down for a long time.
Symptoms Of Low Blood Pressure
-- Frequent fainting
-- Palpitations
-- Confusion
-- Dizziness
-- Weakened eyesight
-- Depression
-- Inactiveness
-- Sweaty skin
Diet Recommendations for Hypotension:
Take a healthy diet:
You should take a wholesome diet which fulfills all the requirements of the body for energy and essential nutrients. You should have foods rich in protein, iron, copper, folic acid, vitamin B12, vitamin C. Raw materials which are indispensable for hematopoiesis include egg yolk, lean meat, milk, fish, shrimp, soybean, tofu, fresh vegetable and fruit.
Eat small, frequent meals:
To prevent blood pressure from dropping sharply after meals, eat small portions several times a day
Use more salt:
It is generally recommended that salt intake should be minimized to keep the heart and the blood vessels well working as Sodium increases the blood pressure dramatically. But in low blood pressure increasing the use of salt can prove therapeutic. Even though you should consult your physician to be sure about the quantity of salt you should increase.
Be well hydrated:
-- No doubt being well hydrated benefits everyone; it is especially beneficial for a fellow with low blood pressure. It will increase blood volume and help prevent dehydration, both of which are important in treating hypotension.
-- Avoid alcohol drinking.
Increases Caffeine intake:
-- Caffeine containing drinks such as coffee, tea and soda stimulates adrenal gland and thus temporarily raise the blood pressure. So when you are having low blood pressure; you should take some caffeine drink to normalize the blood pressure.
-- Foods that can stimulate blood circulation is helpful, like ginger, spicy foods, vinegar, sugar, pepper, hot pepper, beer, grape wine and so on.