How to manage hypotension
Aug 24, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Man
Introduction
Blood pressure is relatively low; therefore, increasing salt intake may help effectively improve blood pressure and alleviate symptoms such as dizziness and excessive daytime sleepiness. However, salt intake should still be carefully controlled—use salt in moderation during cooking. Excessive salt consumption should be avoided; when increasing salt intake, it is important to drink more water, which helps expand plasma volume. For individuals with hypotension, a nutritionally rich diet is especially beneficial. Generally, foods high in protein, vitamins, and calories should be emphasized.
Low blood pressure (hypotension) is a general term referring to systemic arterial pressure below the normal range. Typically, blood pressure lower than 90/60 mmHg is considered hypotensive. Additionally, individuals with severe anemia, chronic infectious diseases, or malignant tumors are more prone to developing low blood pressure. So, how can one manage or improve low blood pressure?
How to Manage Low Blood Pressure
Since blood pressure is relatively low, increasing dietary salt intake may help—moderate salt consumption can effectively raise blood pressure and alleviate symptoms such as dizziness and excessive sleepiness. However, salt intake should be carefully controlled; only a moderate amount should be added during cooking. Excessive salt intake must be avoided. When consuming additional salt, it’s important to drink more water, which helps increase blood volume. A nutrient-rich diet is especially beneficial for individuals with low blood pressure. Generally, foods high in protein, vitamins, healthy fats, and calories should be emphasized. Fresh poultry (e.g., chicken, duck), fish, vegetables, and fruits are essential components of such a diet. Nutritional intake must be comprehensive and balanced—avoiding picky or selective eating habits is crucial. Otherwise, nutritional imbalances may compromise overall health and hinder effective improvement of blood pressure. Individuals with low blood pressure and low body weight are advised to undergo trace element screening at a hospital; targeted supplementation of deficient elements can accelerate blood pressure improvement.
The primary cause of low blood pressure is physiological hypotension—meaning some healthy individuals consistently exhibit blood pressure readings meeting the hypotension criteria but remain asymptomatic. Long-term follow-up reveals no evidence of ischemia, hypoxia, or other abnormalities in organ systems beyond the low blood pressure itself, and life expectancy remains unaffected. In contrast, pathological hypotension is accompanied by varying degrees of symptoms and underlying disease conditions. Primary hypotension refers to low blood pressure without an identifiable cause—for example, physiological hypotension or systemic hypotension—and is commonly observed in frail elderly women.
In daily life, ensure adequate intake of multiple nutrients to maintain overall nutritional balance. Avoid picky or selective eating habits, and incorporate regular physical activity into your routine. We hope this information proves helpful.
