Here’s a scary stat: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the U.S. Add that to the fact that about half of Americans have at least one key risk factor for heart disease, such as low blood pressure (which causes poor blood flow to the heart and other organs), and don’t know it. But there’s good news in all these grim numbers: “Blood pressure remains the major reversible cardiovascular risk factor,” says Mark Moyad, MD, MPH, author of The Supplement Handbook. Read on to find out what causes low blood pressure, and how to raise yours if needed for a ticker that’s in tip-top shape.
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What Is Low Blood Pressure?
Hypotension, the medical term for low blood pressure, is classified as a reading of 90 mm Hg systolic (the top number in blood pressure reading) over 60 mm Hg diastolic. Moyad says that symptoms of low blood pressure (including weakness, dizziness, fatigue, and sweating, among others) can occur in one person with a low reading and not another. In fact, unless there is an underlying disease, having low blood pressure is often an indicator of good health. For those who do suffer from symptoms of low blood pressure, there are a few factors that may be causing yours to drop, along with some simple strategies to help you stay level.
Dehydration
Moyad says dehydration is one of the most common causes of hypotension, resulting in dizziness and weakness. If you suffer from frequent dehydration be mindful of how you’re hydrating. Consume less alcohol and more water. “Remember this saying: ‘Clear is Cool,'” says Moyad. “This means your urine should be clear in color (a sign of hydration) and not dark yellow.” Other hydration helpers include foods with more sodium and reducing the intake of potassium-boosting foods.
Another common cause of dehydration? Over-exercising, says Jay Wohlgemuth, MD, senior vice president and chief healthcare officer at HealthTap. “If you really overdo it (especially in the heat) and need to replenish, sometimes water isn’t enough,” he says. “Make sure to hydrate with an electrolyte replacement like Gatorade to hydrate quickly.” Wohlgemuth notes that frequent travelers should be mindful too, as airplane travel can leave you feeling dehydrated.
Eating Large Meals
Postprandial hypotension, which is when your blood pressure drops suddenly after a meal, is common as we age, says Moyad. “Try not to eat large meals. Smaller meals with fewer carbs tend to prevent blood pressure swings.”
Preexisting Heart Conditions
A slow heart rate, valve disease or other heart problem that can prevent the heart from adequately pumping blood will also result in low blood pressure. If you have symptoms such as vision changes, fainting or frequent dizziness, you should talk to your doctor about the possibility of having a larger heart condition. But don’t scare yourself for no reason, warn both Moyad and Wohlgemuth. Just because you have low blood pressure doesn’t mean you’re doomed to also have a heart condition. “Work with a doctor you trust to determine if you have low blood pressure with symptoms,” says Moyad. “Having just low blood pressure might mean the healthiest option for you to do is nothing. Your doctor will do a series of blood tests among other evaluations to determine if there is a reason for this drop.” If there’s not, your pressure may change simply because of age or lifestyle changes, such as cutting back on drinking and smoking.
Your Age
Sometimes, a change in blood pressure can be blamed simply for sticking another candle in your birthday cake. “As we get older, our ability to handle drops or changes in blood pressure changes, and we become more sensitive to these changes,” Moyad says.
“Many supplements can cause blood pressure drops,” says Moyad. These include arginine, citrulline, fish oil, melatonin, anti-stress supplements, and even some calcium supplements. Moyad says that some prescription drugs can do the same, so make sure you talk to your doctor about the possible side effects before starting a new medication.
Anemia
Anemia, a condition in which you have a reduced number of red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout your body, can increase your risk of hypotension. Symptoms of anemia are similar to those of low blood pressure, such as lack of energy, dizziness, and feeling weak. Causes of anemia range from illness to your diet, so make sure you talk to your doctor about your symptoms and the best form of treatment if you suspect you might be suffering from anemia.
Your Hormones
Moyad says that hormone conditions from low blood sugar to thyroid disease may also cause low blood pressure. Be diligent about your yearly physical. Your doctor will take blood work that could flag these problems early on, so they can be treated and prevented earlier. Wohlgemuth adds that chronic conditions such as an adrenal insufficiency or nervous system disorder could cause orthostatic hypotension, which is a form of low blood pressure that happens when you stand up. While mild symptoms are generally nothing to worry about, Wohlgemuth notes that if you have symptoms for a few hours or days you should seek medical treatment to find out what’s really going on.
A Note About Blood Pressure
While you might be alarmed to find you have low blood pressure, Moyad stresses the importance of making sure you get an accurate reading. Many factors can influence your blood pressure levels, from stress right before the measurement, to keeping your legs crossed—even having a full bladder. This is why it’s important to know your average blood pressure, in the event that at your yearly physical you get a number that skews way too low (or high). If you’re really concerned, Moyad recommends taking your blood pressure at home every few months to keep a current record. You can get an at-home monitor at drugstores for under $100. “No other health number in medicine has such a large variation or risk of being inaccurate,” Moyad says. “It’s important to know your numbers to know the difference between a problem and being inaccurate.” Wohlgemuth adds that soon home-based blood pressure monitoring will be even easier thanks to wearables that will be able to take your readings and upload them directly to a health platform (such as HealthTap) and even send them straight to your physician.
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