Low blood pressure - A fashionable malady of modern times

Although the diagnosis of low blood pressure has become increasingly popular in the modern society, it is just a malady worth a pinch of salt, and this, not figuratively. For, the treat­ment of chronic hypotension, as it is otherwise called, is indeed often so simple. Actually, it is less a malady than a fortunate gift available to only a few select people. Long-term studies have clearly demonstrated that individuals endowed with lower blood presure have a greater life expectancy than those with normal pressures. The reasons why it is diagnosed so com­monly lie elsewhere. It seems to have become a convenient camouflage for escaping the tensions and pressures of modern, high-strung, stressful life. Other than being a symptom of some bodily states and uncommon diseases, its relevance in medical terms is little.

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What is chronic hypotension or low blood pressure?
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Why is it that the diagnosis of low blood pressure is becoming increasingly common in recent years?

Does it mean that chronic low blood pressure is not hazardous?

Which diseases and bodily conditions can have a low blood pressure as a feature?

What are the common symptoms of low blood pressure?

What investigations are indicated in a person with chronic hypotension?

Do shots of vitamins help?

What is the treatment for true chronic hypotension with symptoms of tiredness, lethargy and feeling of dizziness?

What is chronic hypotension or low blood pressure?   Top  

It is the state in which the pressures in the arterial system remain chronically lower than the estimated normal values. In terms of figures, pressures less than 100 systolic and 60 diastolic would qualify for the diagnosis of low blood pressure.

Why is it that the diagnosis of low blood pressure is becoming increasingly common in recent years?   Top  

This is more a commentary on the mental state than on the physical. condition of people. It has much to do with disap­pointments, frustrations and the chronic stress of modern life. In such a situation, non-specific symptoms which may have little to do with blood pressure, such as pains and aches, weakness, tiring easily, loss of appetite and indigestion tend to abound. For such people, the chance discovery of low blood pressure comes as a convenient medical bluff. Vitamin and mineral tablets and shots are often administered for no rhyme or reason. These shots and tablets act more as a placebo than do any real good in physical terms. They merely induce a sense of psychological well-being. Often, therefore, they fail to resolve the patient's problems, who finds himself frequenting the doctor's chamber without a justifiable cause.

Does it mean that chronic low blood pressure is not hazardous?   Top  

Rather it is a blessing, nature's gift. Many long-term studies have shown that people with constant low blood pres­sure usually live longer than those with so-called normal pressures.

But sometimes a low blood pressure can be a symptom of abnormal bodily states and diseases, pointing to serious aber­rations within the body.

Which diseases and bodily conditions can have a low blood pressure as a feature?   Top  

This can happen in some diseased states of the heart, a few major hormonal disorders, and a variety of neurological conditions. Damage to the heart muscles from myocardial infarction with its pumping strength having turned poor, heart failure, and aortic valve steposis can all bring the blood pres­sure down. Some major endocrinal disorders, such as Addison's disease (occurring as a result of poor function of the adrenal glands) may act likewise on the arterial pressures, though the mechanism is different. A few neurological disor­ders, such as neuropathies caused by diabetes, alcoholism, and vitamin Bl deficiency, spinal cord affections due to multiple sclerosis, syphilis or diabetes, sympathectomies, and some anti-hypertensive and vasodilator medications can bring down the blood pressure to uncommonly low levels. In this last group, the reduction in pressure occurs when the patient stands up from recumbent, lying down position. This symp­tom is called orthostatic or postural hypotension.

Malnutrition, cachexia, and chronic bed rest may also result in chronic hypotension, which disappears on restoration of health and mobility.

In some people, a condition called micturition syncope is seen during or soon after the act of urination, particularly after arising from recumbent position. This is caused by a sudden drop in blood pressure, which soon recovers to normal levels.

Others experience a somewhat similar phenomenon when they witness an unpleasant, or a frightening event, or hear some sudden, emotionally upsetting news. Some people, you may have noticed, cannot stand the sight of blood and fall into a dead faint. This is called vasovagal syncope, but in this condition the drop in pressure is not constant; it is momentary.

Sudden, acute drops in blood pressure can occur in many conditions. An acute loss of blood, loss of fluids from severe vomiting and diarrhoea, shock injury and severe infection can cause this. But these conditions do not fall within the zone of chronic hypotension.

What are the common symptoms of low blood pressure?   Top  

Patients with true chronic hypotension may complain of lethargy, getting easily tired, and dizziness or faintness, espe­cially when they get to stand up from a lying-down position. These symptoms are presumably the result of insufficient blood supply to the brain, heart, muscles, and other organs. But most people who, by choice, like to live with the label of hypotensive have a variety of vague symptoms.

What investigations are indicated in a person with chronic hypotension?

This can only be decided by the physician consulted. Usually, none is rewarding, unless an underlying disease is suspected as a cause.

Do shots of vitamins help?   Top  

Only at the psychological level. They do not influence the arterial blood pressure.

What is the treatment for true chronic hypotension with symptoms of tiredness, lethargy and feeling of dizziness?   Top  

The treatment may be as easy as taking an extra pinch of salt. Drinking plentiful lime water with salt added to it can prove extremely useful. In occasional cases, small doses of ephedrine may bring favourable results.

People who suffer from postural hypotension may benefit from tight, full-length elastic leggings worn on medical advice.

Herbal Cure for Heart - Complete Pack
Total Heart Support	Arjuna	Arjun Tea	Arjun Saar	Kumari Saar	Total Price
					Free Shipping and Handling Worldwide! No Side Effects!
2 Bottles	1 Bottle	1 Pack	4 Bottles	4 Bottles
$47.90	$ 31.00	$ 14.95	$ 75.80	$ 75.80	$ 274.55
Price after Discount 20%					$ 220.00
Buy This Pack for Just $ 220.00
Free Shipping and Handling Worldwide! No Side Effects!

Click here to buy Individual herbal products for heart care, heart herbal cure, herbs for heart