Although many doctors and health professionals tend to focus on high blood pressure, the opposite -- low blood pressure -- also can be a problem for some people. Low blood pressure is often harder to determine since smaller people or those who are very fit may naturally have blood pressure that is lower. It also may be linked to a variety of issues, from pregnancy to low blood sugar. Still, diet may have an impact on low blood pressure, though it is doubtful that calcium is a deciding factor. If you have symptoms of low blood pressure, be sure to see your doctor.
Calcium
Calcium is the most important mineral when it comes to bone health. It's also the most abundant mineral in your body, according to Dr. Stephen T. Sinatra in his book, "Lower Your Blood Pressure in Eight Weeks." Calcium helps muscles to contract and blood to clot, along with transmitting nerve impulses. Foods that are high in calcium include sesame seeds, almonds, tofu, green leafy vegetables and dairy products.
Low Blood Pressure
Low blood pressure can be hard to define. This is because blood pressure is so relative to the individual, notes the Mayo Clinic, adding that most doctors only consider low blood pressure a chronic issue if it is causing symptoms. One definition of low blood pressure is defined as a reading lower than 90 systolic, which is the amount of pressure your heart makes when it pumps blood through your arteries, and 60 diastolic, defined as the amount of pressure in the arteries when your heart is at rest. Symptoms include lightheadedness, lack of concentration, fainting, fatigue and depression.
Effects
According to Sinatra, research suggests that calcium can help to lower blood pressure. Those who have low calcium levels often suffer from high blood pressure. This mineral helps to keep arteries healthy by its balancing relationship with magnesium, where calcium contracts the muscular walls of the arteries and magnesium releases them. Low blood pressure does not necessarily indicate that levels of calcium are too high though.
Considerations
If you suffer from high blood pressure, see your doctor to determine the best treatment for you. If you begin to take a calcium supplement, be sure it also contains magnesium, which provides an important balance for heart health. Causes for low blood pressure include heart problems, endocrine issues, dehydration, severe infections and allergic reactions or lack of B-12 or folate in your diet.
References
- "Lower Your Blood Pressure in Eight Weeks"; Stephen T. Sinatra, MD; 2003
- MayoClinic.com: Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)
