What to do when the pressure is low

When a person has a low blood pressure crisis, it is recommended to lay them down in a cool, airy place with their legs elevated until their blood pressure returns to normal and the symptoms of low blood pressure pass.

Low blood pressure, also called hypotension, is usually not a problem, especially when the person has always had low blood pressure. However, if the pressure drops too quickly it can cause symptoms such as weakness, tiredness, dizziness or fainting.

Read too: Low blood pressure: symptoms, causes and what to do

Although it is not always a concern, especially if low blood pressure attacks are frequent, it is recommended to consult a cardiologist or general practitioner to check if there is a health problem that requires treatment.

What to do in case of low blood pressure

For a person who has normal or high blood pressure, but who has suffered a low blood pressure crisis, the following should be done:

1. Lay the person downpreferably in a cool and ventilated place;
2. Loosen your clothesespecially around the neck;
3. Raise your legs above heart level, more or less 45º from the floor;
4. Offer liquids such as water, coffee or fruit juice, when the person has recovered, to help stabilize blood pressure.

Raising your legs allows blood to flow toward your heart and brain more easily, increasing pressure. The person should remain in this position for a few minutes until the low blood pressure symptoms subside.

Online blood pressure calculator

If you think you may have low blood pressure, please enter the data into our calculator below:

When to go to the doctor

In healthy people who have always had low blood pressure but have no symptoms, the blood pressure value is usually not worrisome. However, if crises are frequent, it is recommended to consult a cardiologist for evaluation.

If you want to schedule an appointment, find a cardiologist closest to you using the tool below:

Furthermore, if the symptoms of low blood pressure take a long time to pass or there is a suspicion of a health problem, it is recommended to seek an emergency room. Low blood pressure can also be caused by side effects of medications, dehydration, allergic reaction or heart disease, for example.

Read too: 8 main causes of low blood pressure

How to avoid low blood pressure attacks

To avoid low blood pressure crises, you must take some precautions, such as:

• Taking high blood pressure medication correctlyaccording to the doctor’s instructions and never in doses higher than that indicated;
• Avoid very hot and closed placesand it is recommended to wear light, easy-to-take off clothing;
• Drink 1 to 2 liters of water per dayunless the doctor has given other instructions regarding quantity;
• Eat small meals every 2 or 3 hours and not leaving home without having breakfast;
• Avoid exercising on an empty stomachdrinking at least one glass of juice before training;
• Practice regular physical activity to strengthen the muscles in the arms and legs, as it helps blood reach the heart and brain more easily.

Normally, low blood pressure is benign and does not have serious consequences, but the person runs the risk of fainting and breaking a bone or hitting their head in the fall, for example, which can be potentially serious.

Therefore, if you notice any frequency in blood pressure drops or if other symptoms such as recurrent heart palpitations appear, a medical consultation is recommended.