What is the Best Medicine for Low Blood Pressure?

How to Treat Low Blood Pressure: Best Medications & Lifestyle Measures

Low blood pressure, also known as hypotension, occurs when the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your arteries is lower than normal. Usually, blood pressure is low if it is 90/60 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) or lower. Hypotension requiring treatment is defined by symptoms (dizziness, syncope) combined with low BP, not just numerical values.

When lifestyle changes aren't enough, medications may be prescribed. Midodrine (Orvaten) is one commonly used medication; it constricts blood vessels and raises blood pressure. Fludrocortisone, which helps the body hold on to sodium and increases blood volume and pressure, is another possibility. It is important to see a doctor who can diagnose the condition properly and suggest a proper treatment plan according to individual requirements.

Continue reading to learn more about low blood pressure!

What Causes Low Blood Pressure?

Low blood pressure is caused by the following conditions:

1. Dehydration: Lack of fluids (from illness or not drinking enough) lowers blood volume and pressure.
2. HeartIssues: Heart attacks, valve problems, or a slow heart rate can hamper flow.
3. Endocrine Problems: Certain hormone-producing glands in your body can lead to conditions that result in low blood pressure, including Addison’s disease and diabetes.
4. Loss of Blood: Blood loss from wounds or internal sources lowers the circulating blood volume.
5. Serious Infections: When bacteria or other germs get into the blood (a condition known as septic shock), it can lead to a hazardous decrease in blood pressure.
6. Medications: Medications for high blood pressure, Parkinson’s disease, depression, or erectile dysfunction can lower blood pressure.

How to Diagnose Low Blood Pressure?

Low blood pressure, or hypotension, is diagnosed by a combination of physical exams and tests:

• A doctor will start by conducting a physical exam and looking at your health history.
• Blood pressure is taken while lying down and then again while standing, to see if there is a large drop.
• A blood pressure reading below 90/60 mm Hg is considered low.
• Other tests, such as blood tests, can detect underlying factors, like anemia or hormonal imbalances.
• A tilt table test is used in some cases to observe how your body reacts to changes in position and to identify the cause of dizziness or fainting.
• Home monitoring of blood pressure may also be helpful in diagnosis.

What are the Risks of Low Blood Pressure?

Low blood pressure can be life-threatening. It has the following risks:

• Dizziness and lightheadedness
• Fainting
• Blurred vision
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Confusion
• Shock (in severe cases)
• Falls and injuries
• Reduced blood flow to organs
• Potential cardiovascular complications

How is Low Blood Pressure Treated?

Managing low blood pressure includes treating its underlying causes and managing symptoms. Treatment is individualized according to the severity of the disease and specific causative factors.

Medications commonly used to treat low blood pressure include:

1. Midodrine (Orvaten): This vasoconstrictor increases blood pressure by constricting blood vessels, a boon for people with orthostatic hypotension.
2. Fludrocortisone (Florinef): A type of corticosteroid that causes the body to retain sodium, thereby increasing blood volume and blood pressure.
3. Droxidopa (Northera): Treats neurogenic orthostatic hypotension; it turns into norepinephrine to help control blood pressure.
4. Norepinephrine (Levophed): This drug is given intravenously in emergencies and causes the blood vessels to contract, raising the blood pressure quickly.
5. Phenylephrine: Another vasoconstrictor used in emergencies to raise blood pressure.
6. Ephedrine: Stimulates the nervous system, resulting in increased heart rate and blood pressure, and often used in critical care.

Along with medication therapy, lifestyle measures are important in the treatment of hypotension. These include:

1. Increasing fluid and salt intake
2. Wearing compression stockings to improve circulation
3. Making dietary adjustments like consuming smaller, more frequent meals.

Regular monitoring and consultation with healthcare professionals are essential to tailor treatment plans effectively.

Does Health Insurance Cover Blood Pressure?

Low blood pressure (hypotension) is not specifically mentioned as a covered condition in the policies offered by Star Health Insurance. If the hypotension causes an admission to the hospital or requires treatment, this could be claimable under the general hospitalization benefits of the policy.

It's important to note that coverage for pre-existing conditions, including those related to blood pressure, typically involves a waiting period, which can vary depending on the specific policy.

Call us today for further information!