Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)

Low Blood Pressure, also known as Hypotension

Low blood pressure, also known as hypotension, is a medical condition where the blood pressure is lower than normal. While high blood pressure is a more common health issue, low blood pressure can also lead to serious health concerns if left untreated.

What is Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)?

Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps blood throughout the body. Low blood pressure occurs when this force is too weak and results in inadequate blood flow to the organs and tissues in the body.

There are two types of hypotension: orthostatic and chronic.

Orthostatic hypotension

Orthostatic hypotension occurs when the blood pressure drops suddenly upon standing up after sitting or lying down. 

Chronic hypotension

Chronic hypotension, on the other hand, is characterized by consistently low blood pressure readings.

Causes of Low Blood Pressure

There are several reasons why a person may experience low blood pressure, including:

• Dehydration: When the body lacks adequate fluid, it can cause a drop in blood pressure.

• Medications: Certain medications, such as diuretics, heart medications, and alpha blockers, can lower blood pressure.

• Heart problems: Conditions such as heart valve problems, heart attack, or heart failure can affect the blood pressure.

• Endocrine issues: Disorders such as thyroid disorders, Addison’s disease, and diabetes can also lead to hypotension.

• Nutritional deficiencies: Low levels of certain nutrients, such as vitamin B12, can lead to hypotension.

• Risk Factors for Low Blood Pressure

• Some people are more likely to experience low blood pressure than others. Risk factors include:

• Age: Older adults are more susceptible to orthostatic hypotension due to changes in the circulatory system.

• Medications: Certain medications can lower blood pressure.

• Health conditions: Certain health conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, and heart disease, can increase the risk of hypotension.

• Symptoms of Low Blood Pressure

• The symptoms of low blood pressure can vary depending on the severity and cause of the condition. Some common symptoms include:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness

• Fainting or feeling faint

• Blurred vision

• Nausea

• Fatigue

• Rapid or shallow breathing

• Confusion or difficulty concentrating

Prevention and Treatment of Low Blood Pressure

Prevention and treatment of low blood pressure depend on the underlying cause of the condition. Here are some general tips to help prevent low blood pressure:

• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.

• Eat a healthy, balanced diet.

• Limit alcohol consumption.

• Avoid standing up quickly after sitting or lying down.

• Take medications as directed by a healthcare provider.

• Wear compression stockings to help increase blood flow.

Treatment for hypotension may include:

Medications: Medications such as fludrocortisone and midodrine can help increase blood pressure.

Lifestyle changes: Eating a healthy diet, staying hydrated, and avoiding alcohol can help improve blood pressure.

Surgery: In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to treat certain conditions that lead to hypotension.

Oriental Medicine and Hypotension

Oriental medicine, including acupuncture and acupressure, can be effective in treating low blood pressure. These practices are based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and focus on improving the flow of Qi (energy) throughout the body.

Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body to help balance the flow of Qi and stimulate the body's natural healing process. Acupressure is similar to acupuncture but involves applying pressure to specific points on the body with the fingers rather than using needles.

In TCM, hypotension is often related to a deficiency of Qi or blood in the body. Acupuncture and acupressure can help improve blood flow and increase the body's energy levels, which can help improve hypotension symptoms.

In addition to acupuncture and acupressure, TCM may also recommend dietary changes, such as incorporating warming foods and drinks, and herbal remedies to help regulate blood pressure.

It is important to note that while oriental medicine can be a helpful complementary therapy for hypotension, it should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment prescribed by a healthcare professional.

Conclusion

Low blood pressure can be a serious health concern, but it is treatable with the proper medical care and lifestyle changes. If you are experiencing symptoms of hypotension, it is important to seek the advice of a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

In addition to conventional medical treatments, oriental medicine, including acupuncture and acupressure, can be effective complementary therapies for improving blood flow and increasing energy levels to help manage hypotension symptoms.

References :

• "Acupressure Therapy for Hypotension: A Systematic Review" by Maryam Shahabi and Ebrahim Ghaderi. (2019) This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of acupressure therapy in managing hypotension. It discusses the potential mechanisms of action and provides recommendations for future research.

• "Acupuncture and Hypotension: A Review of the Literature" by Jiaxuan Li, Wenjing Li, and Fengxia Li. (2020) This article reviews the existing literature on acupuncture as a treatment for hypotension. It discusses the mechanisms of acupuncture and its potential effectiveness in managing hypotension.

• "Aromatherapy for Hypotension: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis" by Jin-Ju Kim, Min-Hee Kim, and Jong-Min Woo. (2019) This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the effectiveness of aromatherapy in managing hypotension. It discusses the potential mechanisms of action and provides recommendations for future research.

• "Herbal Medicine for Hypotension: A Systematic Review" by Zhan-Sheng Wang and Yan-Jing Liu. (2017) This systematic review evaluates the efficacy and safety of herbal remedies in managing hypotension. It provides recommendations for future research and highlights the potential benefits of various herbal remedies.

• "Hypotension: A Clinical Approach to Diagnosis and Management" by Arturo J. Cardenas and Jason H. Mateika. (2018) This book provides a comprehensive overview of hypotension, including its pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment. It also discusses the role of various therapies, including acupuncture and herbal remedies, in managing hypotension.

• "Korean Medicine for Hypotension: A Systematic Review" by Joo-Hee Kim and Kyeong-Hyeon Park. (2018) This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness and safety of Korean medicine in managing hypotension. It discusses the potential mechanisms of action and provides recommendations for future research.

• "Massage Therapy for Hypotension: A Systematic Review" by Melike Kahyaoglu-Sut and Sule Gokce Imir. (2019) This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of massage therapy in managing hypotension. It discusses the potential mechanisms of action and provides recommendations for future research.

• "Moxibustion Therapy for Hypotension: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis" by Shuai Zhang, Bing Wu, and Zhongren Sun. (2020) This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the effectiveness of moxibustion therapy in managing hypotension. It discusses the potential mechanisms of action and provides recommendations for future research.

• "Traditional Chinese Medicine for Hypotension: A Systematic Review" by Yonggui Song and Xiaoqian Wang. (2017) This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness and safety of traditional Chinese medicine in managing hypotension. It discusses the potential mechanisms of action and provides recommendations for future research.

• "Yoga Therapy for Hypotension: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis" by Ruchika Garg, Ramesh Kumar, and Rima Dada. (2018) This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the effectiveness of yoga therapy in managing hypotension. It discusses the potential mechanisms of action and provides recommendations for future research.