There are a few low diastolic blood pressure causes, which may require prompt medical attention in order to avoid complications. Timely diagnosis and treatment will help prevent the condition from becoming life-threatening. …
The heart, being the center of the circulatory system, is one of the most important organs in the body. The main function of this vital organ is to pump blood throughout the body. Blood pressure can be defined as the pressure exerted on the walls of the arteries when the blood is circulated through them. Blood pressure can be classified into two types: (1) Systolic; and (2) Diastolic blood pressure.
Quick Facts
➊ Systolic pressure: The peak blood pressure when ventricles contract.
➋ Diastolic pressure: The blood pressure, after the contraction of the heart while the chambers of the heart refill with blood.
➌ The normal range of blood pressure in an average adult is 120/70. It is essential to maintain this level as high blood pressure can result in various health disorders and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
➍ Low blood pressure, also known as hypotension, in medical parlance, occurs when the heart is unable to maintain the normal pressure due to numerous reasons, like improper diet, lack of rest and some underlying ailment. The reading for this condition is 90/60 mm Hg and can even be lower than this.
➎ Low diastolic blood pressure reduces the rate at which the blood supplies oxygen and nutrients to the cells, as a result of this the cells become deprived and turn acidic. The process of cellular waste removal also slows down, resulting in the building up of toxins in the body and finally in cellular death.
Causes
Hypotension is a risky health disorder which can lead to the hardening of arteries, kidney failure, stroke and heart attack. Other risk factors include damage to the muscles in the heart, pulmonary embolism and slow heart rate. To reduce these risks, it is necessary to get to the root cause of this condition. Some of the causative factors are listed below.
☛ One of the most common causative factors is deficiency of vitamin B complex, especially vitamin B12 and folic acid. Lack of both these essential nutrients in the body can result in anemia and lower the blood pressure.
☛ Age is another factor for experiencing low blood pressure. With age, the aorta and other blood vessels narrow down or stiffen, which reduces the amount of blood delivered to the heart. The cardiac muscles relax and this can lead to reduced blood pressure.
☛ Allergic reactions that trigger itchy skin rashes or hives, difficulty in swallowing, anaphylactic shock, breathlessness, etc. can dilate the blood vessels and reduce the pressure of blood. This is also one of the reasons for observing a fall in diastolic blood pressure.
☛ During pregnancy the body undergoes several changes since it has to adjust itself to different demands. Since there are some hormonal changes and the circulatory system expands to provide more blood to the growing fetus, there is a drop in the pressure. Women who are into the first twenty four weeks of pregnancy will usually suffer from low blood pressure during pregnancy, which is normal. The blood pressure usually becomes normal after the delivery.
☛ Low pressure can also result due to the side effects of certain medications like drugs for lowering high blood pressure, beta blockers, antidepressants and diuretics, etc.
☛ Diabetes is also responsible for hypotension, since this condition tends to destroy the autonomic nervous system. Once the nerves are damaged, the blood vessels find it tough to get used to this change resulting in low blood pressure.
☛ Dehydration is another reason why the blood pressure dips below normal. When the body is dehydrated, water is lost at a faster pace than it is assimilated by the body, leading to a drop in the blood volume. This condition, also called hypovolemia, can become life-threatening, if not treated on time.
☛ Micturition syncope is a disorder where the person faints or passes out, especially while straining during a bowel movement or urination. Due to excessive straining, the vagus nerve gets stimulated, thereby triggering the production of acetylcholine. This chemical dilates the blood vessels and lowers pressure, hence depriving the brain of blood.
☛ Loss of blood and internal bleeding in the organs due to trauma or injury results in a severe dip in the diastolic blood pressure. This condition can also be experienced during the menstrual cycle. However, blood pressure returns to normalcy, once the problems are treated.
☛ Septicemia or sepsis, which is caused due to the presence of infection-causing pathogens in the bloodstream is also a causative factor for lowering of blood pressure. This condition can increase the toxins in the blood and damage the blood vessels, resulting in septic shock which can prove fatal.
Symptoms
After the causes of low diastolic pressure have become apparent, let us now take a look at the symptoms of low blood pressure, which may give the exact cause for this condition.
- Feeling lethargic and fatigued all the time
- Nausea and vomiting
- Feeling dizzy and experiencing fainting spells
- Generalized body weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Headaches, which can range from mild to severe
Remedies
Certain tests like blood pressure tests, ECG and blood tests will be carried out by the doctor before administering treatment. Once the exact condition is diagnosed, necessary treatment is provided. Given below are some remedies and methods of treatment for low blood pressure which are effective in normalizing the condition.
✔ Beetroot juice for low blood pressure is an effective home remedy to bring back the pressure to normal. Beetroot is a rich source of iron that triggers the production of red blood cells and hence, increases the blood volume and pressure.
✔ The doctor may advice the patient to stay well-hydrated and increase the intake of salt till the level of blood pressure rises to normal. Some other nutritional supplements having vitamin C, proteins etc. will be prescribed.
✔ Medications, like fludrocortisone, which help in increasing the blood pressure may also be taken but only under the guidance of a health care provider.
A regular monitoring of the blood pressure will reveal the exact range and also help in bringing the levels back to normal in case of hypotension.
Disclaimer: The article published herein, is meant for educational purposes only and does not intend to supplant the advice of a healthcare practitioner.
