Low blood pressure, or hypotension, is a decrease in the force exerted by blood flowing through the vessels. Low blood pressure can result in a slowed and decreased supply of oxygen and nutrients to the brain and parts of the body. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, low blood pressure is less than 90/60 mmHg on scale. Symptoms of low blood pressure include dizziness, nausea, blurred vision, chest pain, fatigue, confusion, fainting, cold skin, rapid heartbeat, thirst and fast, shallow breathing. The treatment for low blood pressure depends on the cause and type of hypotension and the severity of symptoms produced by it, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Orthostatic Hypotension Treatment
Orthostatic low blood pressure is caused by a sudden change in body position usually from lying down to standing, dehydration, hypovolemia or decreased blood volume, certain medications for high blood pressure, depression or anxiety or pregnancy. Medical conditions such as anemia, heart failure, diabetes, thyroid diseases, old age and hot weather can also cause this type of low blood pressure, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Treatment usually involves treating the symptoms by drinking fluids, increasing salt intake, standing slowly from a sitting or lying position and eating smaller, low-carbohydrate meals. Controlling diabetes or thyroid conditions with medications also treats orthostatic hypotension. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute advises that medications such as fludrocortisone, which causes more water to be absorbed from the kidneys into the body, and midodrine, which increases blood pressure, be prescribed for treatment.
Neurally Mediated Hypotension Treatment
Neurally mediated low blood pressure is caused by an imbalance in the signals between the heart and the brain due to standing for long periods of time and other reasons, according to the Mayo Clinic. Treatment includes making lifestyle changes, such as avoiding standing for long periods of time, drinking plenty of water, sitting with the head placed between the knees when feeling dizzy or lightheaded and wearing tight stockings to improve blood circulation.
Treatment for Hypotension Due to Shock
Low blood pressure due to shock is an emergency condition that is caused by sudden blood loss, severe dehydration, heart failure, severe allergic reaction causing changes in the blood vessels and reactions to certain medications that prevent heart functions. Treatment for hypotension resulting from shock includes replacing blood and body fluids by transfusions, treating the allergic reaction with antibiotics and anti-allergic medications and treating heart problems with medications such as dobutamine and epinephrine, which aid in heart function, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
