Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention of Low Blood Pressure

Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention of Low Blood Pressure

Consultation with a doctor is mandatory if the patient develops symptoms. Once diagnosis is established the treatment will depend on on the cause.

Diagnosis

The causes of a low blood pressure are many. The doctor usually comes to a conclusion using the details that he gathers from the patient's history and physical examination. A number of tests may be run: Examination of blood samples, ECG, analysis of urine, x-ray of the abdomen. X-ray of the chest.(5^✔)

Treatment and Prognosis

Treatment may not be required in a healthy person (a trained athlete for example) with a low blood pressure that does not cause any problems. Chronic low blood pressure without symptoms is not serious in most of the cases.

However, consultation with a doctor is mandatory if the patient develops any of the symptoms previously mentioned. Treatment primarily depends on the cause.

A sudden fall in blood pressure requires urgent hospitalisation. Causes like shock are medical emergencies. If the underlying cause is a medication then the doctor may modify it. As previously mentioned many drugs cause postural hypotension (orthostatic hypotension). Dehydration is corrected by fluid resuscitation. In patients with neurally mediated hypotension, avoidance of trigger is the easiest way to prevent attacks. For example avoid standing for long hours.

The outcome (prognosis) of treatment of low blood pressure is usually good.(6^✔)

Prevention of Low Blood Pressure

Certain preventive measures may be adopted to prevent hypotension. People with low blood pressure are advised to:

• Avoid alcohol
• Avoid standing for long hours (in neurally mediated hypotension)
• Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration

• Get up slowly after prolonged sitting or lying down
• Use of compression stockings to increase blood pressure in the legs (as advised by your doctor)

Adequate steps in minimize injuries sustained from falls during fainting are to be taken.(2^✔)

References:

1. What is low blood pressure? - (http://www.bloodpressureuk.org/BloodPressureandyou/Thebasics/Whatislow)
2. Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension) - (https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/abg6277 )
3. What Is Low Blood Pressure/Hypotension? - (https://www.narayanahealth.org/low-blood-pressure/)
4. Low Blood Pressure - When Blood Pressure Is Too Low - (https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/the-facts-about-high-blood-pressure/low-blood-pressure-when-blood-pressure-is-too-low)
5. Blood Pressure (low) - Hypotension - (https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/blood-pressure-low-hypotension)
6. What Causes Low Blood Pressure and What are Low Blood Pressure Symptoms? - (https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/medical/ask-the-experts/low-blood-pressure)