Home Remedies and Herbs for Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)

Low blood pressure, also known as hypotension, occurs where blood pressure in the arterial system is abnormally low. The heart constantly pumps a supply of blood around the body through the arteries, veins and capillaries. Blood pressure is a measure of force the pressurized blood places against the artery walls as the blood passes by.^{1 3} Normal blood pressure is between 90/60 and 140/90. Any reading above 140/90 is considered high blood pressure or hypertension. Conversely, anything below 90/60 is said to be low blood pressure or hypotension.³ There are three types of hypotension:¹

• Orthostatic Hypotension - is momentary and occurs when a person suddenly stands up or has an immediate physical demand. The body isn’t able to immediately adjust and blood pressure suddenly drops. This is more common in older people and only lasts a few minutes.
• Neurally Mediated Hypotension - is a long-term low blood pressure condition. It’s aggravated by standing for long periods and blood settles to lower extremities.
• Severe Hypotension Linked to Shock - is sudden and dangerous. This is a rapid decrease of blood pressure reacting to a sudden traumatic event.

What’s considered normal blood pressure varies between people, their physical makeup, their diet and their lifestyle. Many people have low blood pressure by a scale reading but show no adverse effects.³

What Causes Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure)

Low blood pressure causes depend upon the category.¹ Orthostatic Hypotension is usually found in older people as the aging body doesn’t manage blood pressure changes as well as younger ones. Neurally Mediated Hypotension is a long-term issue and affects people of all ages. Certain medical conditions contribute to both types of low blood pressure:^{1 2}

• Heart conditions
• Endocrine conditions
• Central nervous system disorders
• Pulmonary embolism
• Diabetes
• Blood pressure medications
• Pregnancy

Severe Hypotension Linked to Shock is acute and caused by a sudden traumatic event including:^{1 2}

• Severe blood loss
• Severe infection
• Loss of body fluid from burns
• Swelling of the pancreas
• Severe diarrhea or kidney disease
• Overuse of diuretics
• Severe head injury
• Allergy reactions
• Poisoning
• Liver failure

Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure) Symptoms

• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Blurred vision
• Confusion
• Weakness or fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting

• Cold and sweaty skin appearing blue or pale
• Weak and rapid pulse
• Patient attempting to breathe quickly
• Sleepy, drowsy and becoming unconscious

References

1. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/hyp
2. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007278.htm