Low blood pressure, or hypotension, results when blood pressure during and after each heartbeat is lower than usual. A mildly low blood pressure might be normal in some people, but could indicate a problem in others. In a healthy person, mildly low blood pressure doesn't usually require treatment. If bothersome symptoms occur, however, certain remedies can bring up low blood pressure. A doctor should be consulted first, however.
Increase Fluid Intake
According to the National Heart Lung and blood Institute, low blood pressure occurs from dehydration. Water combats dehydration and increases blood volume, allowing for a higher blood pressure. Increasing fluid intake but avoiding alcohol as it causes dehydration, even in moderation, is recommended. Drinking caffeinated coffee or tea may temporarily raise blood pressure as well, but they can also contribute to dehydration if consumed in excessive amounts.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Eat low-carbohydrate meals if you have postprandial hypotension or low blood pressure that occurs after a meal. Eating small portions several times a day, limiting high-carbohydrate foods such as potatoes, rice, pasta and bread, and including whole grains, fruits, vegetables, fish and lean chicken in the diet is helpful. If hypotension is caused by inadequate salt intake, a doctor may prescribe additional sodium in the diet.
Medications
Several medications cause low blood pressure and may need to be changed to a different dosage or replaced altogether. Medline Plus, a website of the National Institutes of Health, warns against stopping any medication without prior approval from a doctor.
Avoid Quick Position Changes
Low blood pressure can occur from standing in one position for too long or from changing positions too quickly. If hypotension occurs while standing, crossing the thighs in a scissors fashion and squeezing, or putting one foot on a ledge or chair and leaning as far forward as possible can remedy the problem. If hypotension occurs from prolonged sitting, standing up slowly and trying to make frequent position changes can be beneficial. The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute suggests the use of compression stockings, because the stockings apply pressure to the lower legs and encourage blood to flow from the legs to the heart.
Medical Treatment
When symptoms such as dizziness and light-headedness occur from low blood pressure, it is important for the sufferer to sit or lie down, raising the feet above heart level. If the symptoms don't go away or worsen, emergency medical treatment should be sought to make sure hypotension is not the result of shock. Shock can starve the body of oxygen, damaging the heart, brain and other organs. If not treated immediately, it can result in death.
