How to quickly raise blood pressure at home

Low blood pressure, or hypotension, is unpleasant, but most often safe. However, this condition should never be ignored.

What is low blood pressure and why is it dangerous?

Remember the borderline level of normal blood pressure: 90/60. As soon as any of the numbers decreases, be it the first or the second, we can talk about hypotension.

There is an important nuance here. Constant pressure of 130/80 is considered high , and it is absolutely dangerous for everyone. But low blood pressure may just be your peculiarity. As long as it does not spoil life with ailments, it is not classified as a disorder, and there is no need to fight it.

It’s another matter if the following symptoms appear :

• weakness;
• sweating;
• decreased concentration;
• blurred vision;
• nausea;
• dizziness to the point where it seems that you are about to lose consciousness;

This complex seriously spoils life and interferes with work and communication. But the most important thing is low blood pressure, if it is accompanied by unpleasant symptoms, most often it is also just a symptom.

The reasons for decreased blood pressure can range from simple dehydration and stress to hormonal imbalances, internal bleeding and myocardial infarction .

It is important to find out what exactly is causing hypotension and begin treatment. When you defeat the underlying disease, your blood pressure will normalize on its own.

In addition, hypotension may be caused by taking certain medications , such as diuretics or antidepressants. It is important not to cancel the drug yourself, but to contact your doctor so that he can select a suitable replacement.

When to call an ambulance

Call the doctors if you notice not only a significant drop in blood pressure in yourself or a loved one, but also:

• cold, clammy and pale skin;
• fast shallow breathing;
• weak and fast pulse;

These are signs of  so-called acute arterial hypotension (collapse, shock). This condition is life-threatening. It can lead to hypoxia of the brain and internal organs. Therefore, you should not hesitate to seek medical help.

You also need to call an ambulance if hypotension is accompanied by shortness of breath, acute pain in the chest, jaw, neck or back: all together this may indicate a heart attack .

How to quickly raise blood pressure at home

Let us remind you: if low blood pressure has unpleasant symptoms, go to a therapist. Otherwise, you risk missing a possible hidden and much more global problem. But until you see a doctor or a specialist has not yet determined the cause of the ailment, you can use simple home remedies to increase your blood pressure. Choose the one that is most comfortable for you or combine them.

1. Eat something salty

A piece of herring, a pickled cucumber, a couple of slices of feta cheese or other pickled cheese, a spoonful of rice generously seasoned with soy sauce…

Sodium chloride (the same table salt ) increases  blood pressure. Sometimes sharply, so salt is strictly contraindicated for people suffering from hypertension.

Attention! You cannot constantly increase your blood pressure with salty foods. Excess sodium can lead to heart failure, especially in older people.

2. Drink a glass of water

Or better yet, two if it fits. The liquid will increase blood volume (and, as a result, its pressure on the walls of blood vessels), and also eliminate possible dehydration.

You can choose mineral or salted water – this will enhance the effect.

3. Wear compression socks or stockings

Elastic stockings are commonly used to reduce swelling and pain in varicose veins. But in addition, they reduce  the volume of blood in the legs. The displaced blood will increase the pressure in the main vessels of the body. Just put on your stockings correctly .

4. Take the correct posture

This is a unique alternative  to compression stockings.

If you are sitting, stand up carefully. It is impossible to be in a “leg-to-leg” position.

While standing, you can cross your thighs like scissors and squeeze them tightly. This will reduce the blood volume in the lower extremities and increase the pressure in the main vessels.

Another option: place one foot on a chair or bench in front of you and lean your whole body forward as deeply as possible.

You can also lie down with your feet on pillows or another elevated surface – this will increase the flow of blood from the lower part of the body.

5. Shake yourself up

If you have been sitting for a long time and feel symptoms of decreased blood pressure, then you should shake your hands, shake your legs, and roll your feet. This will speed up  blood circulation.

6. Drink coffee

This is one of the most popular methods, but it is not certain that it will work. Caffeine may increase  blood pressure in infrequent coffee drinkers . But if you are a coffee lover, the desired effect will not necessarily occur.

7. Do a light warm-up

You can raise your blood pressure through exercise  —warm-up, stretching, yoga—or a short walk. The fact is that during physical activity, muscles require more oxygen – to deliver it, the heart has to beat faster and pump more blood.

8. Take a cool shower

In the cold, blood vessels narrow and the heart works harder  – so people with hypertension should not take a cold shower . To increase the pressure, you can stand under cool water or wipe yourself with it.

How to permanently increase blood pressure without medications

We repeat: with the help of a doctor who will determine the causes of your condition and prescribe a treatment regimen. To relieve symptoms, your doctor will prescribe medications that return low blood pressure to normal.

However, you can help your body by making a few lifestyle changes. Here’s what doctors advise you  to do if you have hypotension:

1. Drink more water, especially if it’s hot outside or you have a fever.
2. Limit your alcohol intake. If possible, give up alcohol altogether.
3. Exercise regularly or at least walk more: physical activity improves vascular tone .
4. Try not to stand in one place for a long time. If you have a standing job, warm up more often: walk, squat, jump, dance.
5. Do not take long hot baths.
6. Reduce the amount of carbohydrates in your diet. If you want something sweet, eat fruit.