Coping with low blood pressure

[ForhadFaysol]

High blood pressure gets all of the attention, but very low blood pressure can be just as dangerous, experts say. If severe enough, low blood pressure (hypotension) can lead to dizziness and fainting.

The U.S. National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute offers following suggestions for dealing with low blood pressure:

* After you have been sitting or lying down for an extended period, stand up slowly. Also, change the position of your legs before you stand.

* Eat frequent, small meals that are low in carbohydrates.

* If your doctor mentions that you have risk for hypotension, avoid standing for long periods. If you must stand for a long time, wear compression stockings and walk around frequently.

* Drink sports drinks that contain sodium and potassium, or water, throughout the day.

* Try to avoid scary or upsetting situations.

[rumman]

Low blood pressure (hypertension) is pressure so low it causes symptoms or signs due to the low flow of blood through the arteries and veins. When the flow of blood is too low to deliver enough oxygen and nutrients to vital organs such as the brain, heart, and kidney, the organs do not function normally and may be temporarily or permanently damaged.

Unlike high blood pressure, low blood pressure is defined primarily by signs and symptoms of low blood flow and not by a specific blood pressure number. Some individuals routinely may have blood pressures of 90/50 with no symptoms and therefore do not have low blood pressure. However, others who normally have higher blood pressures may develop symptoms of low blood pressure if their blood pressure drops to 100/60.