BLOOD
PRESSURE – Low blood pressure
In this
tensed world, tensionless blood (low blood pressure) worries many. Some react
to a tense situation with bouts of anger and some others brood and keep on
planning to tackle the situation. The people who burst out usually suffer from
high BP and the silent sufferer suffers silently with low BP, i.e.,
thoughtfulness may be the main reason for the slowing down of pressure as far
as I have perceived.
Blood vessels which carry blood are elastic in nature – they are free to expand
and shrink or collapse readily due to the thin wall and flexible nature
according to the flow or pressure of the blood. Contraction of the blood vessel
is termed as vasoconstriction and dilatation of the blood vessels is called
vasodilatation. Blood flow rate depends on pressure exerted by vessels
(resistance), size and length of the blood vessel, flow direction with
gravitational force, viscosity of the blood, etc. But the major factors are
ability of distention and capacitance of the blood vessels.
Blood
pressure
is the
resistant force faced by the blood against the vessel wall (artery or vein).
Arterial pressure has a more significant value than the venous pump (since it
is only a backflow). BP usually varies according to the age, sex, heart
functions, density of the blood, etc. BP also indicates the strain of the heart
– more the pressure, more strained is the heart. Blood pressure alters
depending upon the requirement of oxygen for the body. It is mainly controlled
by higher functions of the brain in relation to the pituitary, adrenal and
thyroid glands. The factors which usually trigger change in blood pressure are
mind, water balance, sweat, etc.
Blood pressure is required for blood to reach the brain or other parts of the
body up to
the extremities from the base of the heart. It has to travel against the
gravitational force to reach the brain. Also, if there is no force, the blood
circulation time will be prolonged and it cannot satisfy tissues with its
oxygen supply or nutrients. Low pressure also makes the blood vessels more
relaxed to accommodate more blood, depriving blood supply to other places
further.
Normal
blood pressure
The maximum pressure (systolic pressure) is attained at the end of contraction
of the heart (systole). The minimum pressure (diastolic pressure) is attained
at the end of dilatation or relaxation of the heart (diastole). Pulse pressure
is the difference of these pressures. It is raised in elderly persons and
diseased persons. Optimum BP (expected to be normal) is sketched as 120/80mmHg.
But variation is widely accepted depending upon the age, sex, individual, work,
sleep, medicines, etc. The exceeded pressure over 140/90mmHg is considered as
hypertension or high BP. The lower pressure, below 100/70mmHg, is considered as
low BP which is also known as hypotension.
Low blood
pressure
is the pressure reading below 100/70mmHg. Usually sportive or strong persons
will have strong heart and stable lower pressure than normal (120/80mmHg) i.e.,
it would be 110/70 or 100/70mmHg but not below that. This lower pressure
usually reduces the risk of cardiac or heart problems. This stable pressure
also indicates that heart is well trained to withstand any exertion. Even
though low BP rarely creates problem, it needs to be taken count of. Low blood
pressure sometimes signals rapid deterioration of health.
Incidence
Mostly
short persons are found to have lower BP than taller persons. Also, sedentary
obese patients suffer more commonly from low BP than active lean persons. Women
have higher incidence of low BP than men. Also, some family members tend to
have low BP without any symptoms. It may be normal for them.
Common
causes
Researchers have identified lots of causes in
correlation with hypotension. They are:
- Blood – reduced
volume, less density, anaemia, blood loss from injury or diseases like
cancer and bleeding diathesis
- Blood vessels – more
flexible and relaxed blood vessels, low pumping efficiency of heart,
diseases of blood vessels
- Heart – Hole in
heart (patent ductus arteriosis), valve damage or its regurgitation, heart
failure, changes in heart rate or rhythm (arrhythmias)
- Loss of body fluids
– due to diarrhoea after food allergy or poisoning, excessive or
exhaustive sweating, allergic responses
- Infections –
pancreatitis, peritonitis, pulmonary oedema, septicemia
- Drugs – medicines
used for high BP, diabetes, heart disorders, depression, pain, and sleep
can lower the BP. Oral contraceptive pills also tend to lower the BP
- Hormones – Adrenal
insufficiency, pituitary disorders and hypothyroidism
- Nervous system –
stroke, Parkinsonism, autonomic nerves dysfunction
Surgery – using anaesthesia during surgery can lower the BP - Habits – smoking,
alcohol and addiction to drugs; coffee, tea, chips and pickles
- Temperatures –
exposure to extreme temperatures of cold and hot (sunstroke)
- Mind –
thoughtfulness, surcharged emotion, brooding
- Others – deep sleep,
being bedridden, breathlessness, saltless food
Symptoms
IT is mostly
symptomless, since one gets accustomed to it. But a sudden change in pressure
due to change of position or other causes may alarm or alert with symptoms of
giddiness or instability. The symptoms of low BP are more or less the same as
with high BP – hypertension. They are:
- Fainting or reeling
sensation or giddiness
- Low vitality or
weakness
- Lack of
concentration and sleepiness
- Headache and stiff
neck
- Chest pain and palpitation
- Shortness of breath
or breathlessness
Diagnosis
It is
important to rule out the underlying cause, if any. Even though BP is easily
verified with sphygmomanometer, it is better to investigate blood for Tc, Dc,
Esr & Hb and urine for sugar, albumin and deposits and hormones of thyroid,
pituatary and adrenals. It is also better to take a chest X-ray and a scan of
the abdomen and pelvis.
Complications
When the blood pressure is low, there will be
inadequate blood flow causing lack of oxygen to the heart, brain and other
organs. This may cause loss of functions. Sudden drop in pressure or further
drop in pressure in low pressure patients can make them collapse, thus
endangering life. Low diastolic blood pressure increases the risk of dementia
in aged persons – Alzheimer’s disease.
Prevention and management
Nutrition and exercise play a major role in
regulating blood pressure. So, prevention can easily be attained by the patient
by changing one’s lifestyle, losing weight, making dietary changes, exercise
and reducing stress. Healthy tips are:
Do’s
- Check blood pressure
regularly
- Exercise regularly
Take
- Plenty of juices or
water. As the blood pressure falls, heart slows down or vice versa. Water
volume can correct it
- Plenty of vegetables
and fruits to energise your body to become active
- Grains, beans, peas
and nuts to boost up blood pressure
- Non-vegetarian foods
like egg, fish, mutton and chicken will also raise the blood pressure. But
mind – it is better to have them within limits or otherwise it may
increase the cholesterol level and complicate the situation
- Salt need not be
avoided, but it should not be used in excess, since it may hold more water
in the tissue spaces
Avoid
- Smoking, alcohol,
coffee and tea
- Fried items and fast
foods
- Fasting
- Hot sun and extreme
cold weather
- Vigorous exercises
which causes profuse sweating
- Unnecessary drugs
- Being overweight
Care
while changing Posture –
To avoid giddiness or falling and to gain stability in no time, rise slowly
from the bed or chair and move about slowly after gaining stability without any
tension or fear. Develop these postural changes as habits, so as to avoid a
fall.
As a general rule –
- Eat well, work well
and sleep well
- Be active and be
busy
- Don’t be thoughtful
and accumulate stress
Finally,
it is well said that spend more money to increase volume of blood than to
contaminate it with drugs, i.e. eat and drink well.
General
treatment
High BP patients are usually managed easily
with medicines for life time, but no one prescribes or provides treatment for
low blood pressure, unless otherwise it shows symptoms like dizziness,
weakness, fatigue or palpitations, since medicines used for increasing BP will
create a strain on the heart and cause side-effects.
Hypotension is an ongoing process of chronic fatigue. The transient drop
or doctors advice
oral rehydration therapy or IV (intravenous) drips to increase blood volume. In
case of reduced pulse or heart rate, treatment is concentrated in boosting the
heart functions by increasing its rate and efficiency.
variation
in pressure in day-to-day life is widely accepted and can be easily managed
with rest and increased fluid intake. But persistent, very low blood pressure
can cause brain starvation, so complaints, if any, should be attended with
immediate attention at least with temporary management. The goal of the
treatment is usually aimed at raising the blood pressure by increasing blood
volume, heart rate and treating other causes. Usually in Allopathy, many
Homeopathic
approach
The most
dangerous side-effects of continuous use of other system of medicines makes the
sufferer prefer Homeopathic treatment. With its curing effect, Homeopathy can
raise the spirit and strength of patients with low BP. Patients are generally
pleased
with
Homeopathic
treatment with its simple approach and nil side-effects. Even though the goal
of the treatment is to stop the giddiness or fainting or chest pain or
palpitation or breathlessness, the underlying disease will be carefully
analysed with all its symptoms for relief.
As low BP doees not strain the heart like high BP, people tend to be careless
about it and skip treatment. Also there won’t be any symptom at all, to make
them seek treatment. But often, low BP forces the patient to get emergency
care. So, proper treatment is necessary to avoid emergency situations.
The patient should help himself/herself overcome stress and strain, tormenting
anxiety, grief, extreme distress. Homeopathy can also treat these mental
symptoms.
Homeopathic medicines commonly used in cases of low BP are Acid flour,
Adrenalin, Ars alb, Aurum mur, Bartya carb, Bartya mur, Bryonia, Crataegus
China, Conium, Ferrum met, Gelsemium, Lycopodium, lycopus, Nat mur, Pulsatilla
etc. These medicines should be taken under the advice and diagnosis of a
Qualified Homoeopath.
for
new hope
Dr. S. Chidambaranathan, BHMS, MD (Homeo)
Laxmi Homeo Clinic
24 E. New Mahalipatti Road
Madurai, TN 625 001
India
Tel: +91-984-319-1011 (Mob /
Whatsapp)
Clinic : +91-452-233-8833 |
E-mail: drcheena@gmail.com
(Disclaimer: The
contents of this column are for informational purpose only. The content is not
intended to be a substitute for professional healthcare advice, diagnosis, or
treatment. Always seek the advice of healthcare professional for any health
problem or medical condition.)