How To Safely Raise Blood Pressure, According To Experts – Forbes Health

Untreated hypotension can increase the risk of serious health complications. Therefore, it is important to take steps to raise your blood pressure safely. Here are six expert tips to help you do just that.

Stay hydrated

Severe dehydration can reduce the volume of blood circulating throughout the body, leading to low blood pressure.

Hot weather, exercise, vomiting, or persistent diarrhea can cause you to need extra fluids, says Allan Stewart, MD, cardiothoracic surgeon and medical director of Cardiovascular Surgery at HCA Florida Mercy Hospital. “Make sure you to drink a lot of water throughout the day, and opt for drinks with electrolytes if you’ve been sweating a lot,” he adds.

Increase salt intake

Reduce salt intake is often recommended for people struggling with high blood pressure, or hypertension. The reverse is true for those who suffer from hypotension.

Sodium helps regulate the amount of water in the body. Increasing your sodium intake can help increase blood volume and therefore blood pressure.

If you exercise or sweat more than usual, you’re likely losing more sodium, which could contribute to low blood pressure, Dr. Stewart says. He suggests adding a pinch of salt to foods or snacks throughout the day, as well as drinking electrolyte-rich beverages like sports drinks to get an extra sodium boost.

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Eat smaller meals

“Postprandial hypotension (PPH) is a medical condition in which a person experiences a drop in blood pressure after eating,” says Dr. Kaulback. “It is found more frequently in older patients, especially those being treated for high blood pressure or those with autonomic dysfunction due to a disorder like Parkinson’s disease,” he says.

Dr. Stewart adds that people with certain heart conditions, such as aortic stenosis, can also experience low blood pressure after eating a large meal because their body sends more blood to the intestines to aid digestion.

Those who experience low blood pressure after eating may respond better to smaller, more frequent meals, experts agree.

Limit alcohol consumption

Alcohol can have a direct effect on blood pressure levels. Research suggests that when consumed in large doses, alcohol lowers blood pressure for up to 12 p.m. and then increases blood pressure after 1 p.m.

If you are prone to low blood pressure, it is important to know how much alcohol you are drinking and limit your consumption.

Wear compression stockings

Compression stockings, usually worn on the legs and sometimes on the abdominal area, can help keep blood flowing properly by applying counter pressure. The gentle pressure exerted on the extremities can help improve circulation to the heart and prevent the drop in blood pressure.

This aid is especially beneficial for those who suffer from low blood pressure due to inactivity or get up quickly, as well as for the elderly, says Dr. Stewart.

Evaluate medications

Certain medications can cause low blood pressure, including those prescribed for high blood pressure. “Sometimes a person takes multiple blood pressure medications, which can contribute to low blood pressure,” adds Dr. Stewart.

“The body changes over time, and blood pressure medications may just need to be adjusted periodically to reflect those changes,” he explains.

If you suspect that your medications are contributing to your low blood pressure readings, talk to your healthcare provider before making any changes. They may recommend that you adjust your dose or switch medications altogether.

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