When the body suffers from low blood pressure, the brain and other organs do not get the oxygen they need to function.
Normal blood pressure is considered to be between 90/60 mm Hg and 120/80 mm Hg, and a drop of 20 mm Hg can cause some unwanted symptoms.
Symptoms of low blood pressure in women include dizziness, lightheadedness, blurred vision, difficulty concentrating, heart palpitations, confusion, nausea, fatigue, weakness, and pale skin.
Symptoms of low blood pressure usually appear when changing positions, such as standing up suddenly.
If you experience these symptoms frequently or have fainted, you should see a doctor to check the cause of the problem and get the appropriate treatment.
Low Blood Pressure in Women
Low blood pressure is a common problem. When blood pressure drops by 20 mm Hg, it can cause unwanted symptoms.
Types and causes of low blood pressure:
Orthostatic hypotension: This usually occurs when you stand up suddenly and affects older people, those with Parkinson’s disease, and those with high blood pressure. It sometimes occurs right after eating and usually lasts for a few minutes before your blood pressure returns to normal.
Severe low blood pressure: This is caused by large amounts of blood loss, severe allergies, heart attacks, or severe infections.
Neuralgic low blood pressure: This affects younger people, especially when they stand for long periods
Other causes of low blood pressure include:
- Taking medications; like antidepressants, anti-anxiety, painkillers, diuretics, etc.
- Alcohol consumption.
- Nerve damage.
- Pregnancy.
- Diseases related to hormones such as Addison’s disease.
- low blood sugar.
- Diabetes.
- Heart palpitations.
- Dehydration. (MedLine Plus, 2023)
Symptoms of Hypotension in Females
Low blood pressure can affect women in many ways. Symptoms of low blood pressure in females include:
- Dizziness and lightheadedness that can lead to fainting.
- Vomiting and nausea.
- Blurred vision.
- Confusion.
- Difficulty concentrating.
- Feeling tired.
- Feeling fatigued.
- Cold, clammy skin.
- Rapid, shallow breathing. (NHS, 2023)
Tips to Manage and Treat Low Blood Pressure
If you suffer from symptoms of low blood pressure in females, you can do the following to manage the symptoms and control the problem:
- Keep the body hydrated by drinking plenty of water and fluids.
- Get up from a sitting position carefully to prevent a sudden drop in blood pressure.
- Wear compression stockings that can improve blood flow in the lower extremities.
- Make sure to eat small meals throughout the day to keep blood sugar levels good and maintain appropriate blood pressure.
- Eat salt in moderation, as sodium salts can help raise low blood pressure levels, while being careful not to eat too much salty foods so as not to cause harm.
- Stop drinking alcohol.
- Try to prop your head up on extra pillows when you sleep.
- Exercise regularly to help improve blood flow in your blood vessels, strengthen your heart, improve your blood fat levels, and maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
- Check your medications with your doctor to make sure they aren’t causing your blood pressure to drop.
- Avoid hot weather, don’t exert yourself too much when your surroundings are hot, and stay hydrated.
- Notice the triggers that cause your blood pressure to drop, such as hunger, getting up quickly, or standing for long periods, and avoid them.
- Make sure through medical examinations that there are no hidden causes that require medical attention behind the problem of low blood pressure.
Read Also: What Are the Top 10 Symptoms of High Blood Pressure?
References
MedLine Plus. (2023). Retrieved from Low blood pressure: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007278.htm
NHS. (2023). Retrieved from Low blood pressure (hypotension): https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/low-blood-pressure-hypotension/#:~:text=Get%20your%20blood%20pressure%20checked,a%20home%20blood%20pressure%20monitor