Low Blood Pressure.

terrierlady

after a recent scare my sister has been told she has low blood pressure, this makes her at times dizzy ,nausea,and at worse fainting, is there anything others with this condition do to keep well and safe? we read up about standing up slowly etc i just wondered with others does diet have any bearing?

nannytone_2

i have naturally low blood pressure at 45/80
it is normal for me and isnt something that has happened as i got older.
i do get dizzy if i stand too quickly and suffer from cold hands and feet.
the doctor says that even though my BP is a fair way from normal, as long as there are no other symptoms its a fairly healthy thing to have.
ive never heard of diet being any help

Mojisola

There's a few suggestions here -
http://www.webmd.com/heart/understanding-low-blood-pressure-treatment

DomRavioli

Hi OP,

It depends on why she has low BP - some are natural, some are medical. You'd need to get answers to that before trying anything as there are many reasons why people have low BP. Mine is natural, I have no ill effects apart from when I get very overheated.

mirry

Hi, I recommend getting her to take a tilt test at the hospital to find out exactly what's going on. I've suffered for years with bad dizziness & fainting. The tilt test showed I have orthostatic hypotension and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. It's very debilitating but there are measures to help. I have to put salt on all my meals (this makes the blood pressure rise) and drink lots of water. Once diagnosed at the hospital they aput me on a pill called midodrine which makes the blood vessels squeeze harder and it's helpful.

Like a say, a tilt table test is a must as it shows exactly what's going wrong and how to help control it.

Good luck

mirry

oh also eat small low carb meals , because large meals lower blood pressure as the blood diverts to the stomach to digest the food

NewShadow

I take drugs which faff with my potassium levels so I actually add salt to my meals to help balance me out.

Avoid tomatoes, bananas, low-salt (potassium based), and a few other things that naturally lower your BP.

Eat regular, small, meals. Don't skip meals. Drink lots. try and stay active and raise your heartbeat gently but regally - its easy to stop doing things because you feel washed out.

terrierlady

thanks all she has had a few tests which suggest nothing structal with heart or arteries but does get the hot flushes and nausea so will try a few things re diet mentioned thanks for replies.