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A guide to what foods & exercises increase blood pressure
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Low blood pressure can cause dizziness and fainting. That's why it's important that you raise your blood pressure to a healthy level. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to get your blood pressure back up to where it needs to be.
Things You Should Know
- Drink lots of water and eat something salty to raise your blood pressure when it gets low.
- Put on compression socks and elevate your legs to circulate your blood and increase your blood pressure.
- Check if you missed a medication, which can sometimes lower your blood pressure. If you did, take it immediately.
Steps
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Assess the situation. If this happens often, it may be chronic. Consider the health of the person at hand. Is this a result of sickness? Was anything unusual going on at the time that could have had a lowering effect on blood sugar levels? What's more, stay relaxed . There may not be a bigger problem at hand. [1] X Research source- You will need to ascertain if the symptoms point to dangerously low blood pressure. Generally, the symptoms include dizziness, lightheadedness, unsteadiness, dimming or blurring of vision, weakness, fatigue, nausea, cold, clammy skin, fainting, and pale skin. [2] X Research source
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Brew a cup of hot black tea. Bring water to a boil and steep the tea for 5-7 minutes to get the full flavor. Add 1 teaspoon (4 g) of sugar for an added boost to your blood pressure. The increase will happen within 45 minutes of drinking the tea.Advertisement -
Insist the patient drink plenty of water or other fluids. When blood volume is increased and dehydration is alleviated, hypotension may disappear. [3] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source Sports drinks containing electrolytes return lost minerals to the body, too. Drinking these or water will keep dehydration from happening.- Another way of spiking blood pressure (temporarily, that is) is to drink caffeine. Scientists aren't quite sure how or why it does this, but it's thought that it either blocks hormones that widen your arteries or pumps up your adrenaline levels, directly causing a rise in blood pressure. [4] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
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Provide something salty for the patient to eat. The excess salt helps make blood pressure rise. That's why heart patients are usually on low-sodium diets.- Sodium is known to raise blood pressure (and sometimes greatly), so doctors generally recommend limiting it. Check with your healthcare professional before you up your intake -- if you consume an amount that's not good for you, it can lead to heart failure (especially if you're older). [5] X Research source
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Think of circulation needs in relation to blood pressure. Raise the legs and put on compression stockings, if available. These are the same stockings that people use to reduce varicose veins and they're just as good for reducing blood pooling up in the legs. [6] X Research source -
Determine whether or not the patient has missed necessary medications. The problem could easily be failure to follow doctor's orders. Many medications lower or heighten blood pressure, even if just as a side effect. Certain combinations can also be more powerful than when taken alone. -
Give any missed medications to the patient. Make sure they (or you as the case may be) understand the importance of not missing doses. Or not taking too much!- In addition to their regular meds, know that acetaminophen (Tylenol) and certain anti-inflammatories and anti-depressants can also spike blood pressure levels. If you have some readily available, consider adding it in this instance. [7] X Research source
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Pump your feet and dance around on your hands a few times before standing up. It's common for even healthy individuals to experience a dip in blood pressure when they rise after long periods of sitting. When going to stand (especially upon getting out of bed), sit up straight first and rise slowly. [8] X Research source- If you're able, get regular exercise to promote blood flow. If it's a chronic issue, keep up the exercise and eat small meals often.
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Contact the patient's physician if the blood pressure reading was dangerously low. A medical professional's advice will be invaluable in this situation.- Thoroughly explain the circumstances of the lower blood pressure to the physician. If the patient can talk, have them describe the symptoms as vividly as possible.
- Do exactly what the physician suggests. In cases of dangerously low blood pressure, the physician may want the patient to go to the emergency room.
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Take blood pressure readings, if possible, when the crisis is over. If it's still too low, you may need to seek further medical attention. Slightly below 120/80 is considered ideal. [9] X Trustworthy Source American Heart Association Leading nonprofit that funds medical research and public education Go to source -
Reassess the patient and the readings after an hour to determine if the patient is out of the woods. Do they display any symptoms? How do they feel? Keep up the liquids even if they aren't thirsty.
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Foods to Eat and Avoid and Workouts to Raise Blood Pressure
Expert Q&A
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QuestionWhat is the range of low blood pressure?Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006.Generally, readings of below 90 mm Hg systolic and 60 mm Hg diastolic are classified as a low blood pressure. However, each person is different and what is low for one person might be considered within the normal range for another.
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QuestionShould you take scheduled blood pressure medication if BP is low?Dr. Deutsch is a board certified Cardiac Anesthesiologist in Boise, Idaho. He completed his residency at the Mayo Clinic and his fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. He is a member of the Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists, the American Society of Anesthesiologists, and SOAP (Society of Obstetrical Anesthesia and Perinatology).It depends on your individual situation, so you should contact your primary doctor before you do anything. High blood pressure is a significant risk factor for heart, brain, and kidney disease. However, for some elderly persons. having low blood pressure may be more dangerous.
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QuestionWhich foods are helpful in raising blood pressure?Dr. Deutsch is a board certified Cardiac Anesthesiologist in Boise, Idaho. He completed his residency at the Mayo Clinic and his fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. He is a member of the Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists, the American Society of Anesthesiologists, and SOAP (Society of Obstetrical Anesthesia and Perinatology).Salty foods, modest caffeine intake, and plenty of fluids. Just make sure that you are avoiding diuretic fluids as much as possibe, such as alcoholic and caffeinated beverages.
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Tips
- If low blood pressure is a problem, you should invest in a home blood pressure monitor.Thanks
- Compression stockings are a necessary aid in maintaining good circulation, for those with chronic low blood pressure.Thanks
- Taking a multivitamin helps nutrition levels which, in turn, maintain appropriate blood pressure levels.Thanks
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Warnings
- Low blood pressure may cause lightheadedness. This can also bring on chills and, in severe cases, can bring on shock.Thanks
- Remember, dehydration is dangerous and can kill the patient. Therefore, think fast in the case of sunstroke or other lack of fluid occurrences.Thanks
- Alcohol dehydrates the body and its functions. Consequently, don't drink it.Thanks
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References
- ↑ http://www.webmd.com/heart/understanding-low-blood-pressure-treatment
- ↑ http://www.webmd.com/heart/understanding-low-blood-pressure-symptoms
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/low-blood-pressure/basics/treatment/con-20032298
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/expert-answers/blood-pressure/faq-20058543
- ↑ https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/heart-and-blood-vessels/conditions/low-blood-pressure-hypotension#diagnosing-low-blood-pressure
- ↑ https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/heart-and-blood-vessels/conditions/low-blood-pressure-hypotension#diagnosing-low-blood-pressure
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/blood-pressure/MY00256
- ↑ http://www.webmd.com/heart/understanding-low-blood-pressure-treatment
- ↑ https://www.heart.org/-/media/files/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/hbp-rainbow-chart-english.pdf
About This Article
Article Summary
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To raise your blood pressure to a healthy level, drink lots of water throughout the day and eat more foods that contain sodium, like sauteed spinach and beets. You can also put on compression stockings and elevate your legs with a pillow to raise your blood pressure. Talk to your doctor about taking medications if your blood pressure is still low. If you experience dizziness, blurry vision, weakness, or fainting, contact your doctor right away. To learn more ways you can raise your blood pressure, like drinking sports drinks, scroll down.
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Reader Success Stories
- "I m normally have high blood pressure, and I take two meds for that (along with another 30-ish). Every now and then it will take a nose-dive out of nowhere. On two separate occasions, it will do this while I sleep, even to the point of passing out. Tonight was the second time. It is very scary to pass out while you sleep. I also have obstructive sleep apnea. When I was growing up, my mom would pour cola syrup into a cup of crushed ice and I'd sip on it. I also used to carry smelling salts." ..." more
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"I m normally have high blood pressure, and I take two meds for that (along with another 30-ish). Every now and then it will take a nose-dive out of nowhere. On two separate occasions, it will do this while I sleep, even to the point of passing out. Tonight was the second time. It is very scary to pass out while you sleep. I also have obstructive sleep apnea. When I was growing up, my mom would pour cola syrup into a cup of crushed ice and I'd sip on it. I also used to carry smelling salts."
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"I tried a few of these suggested steps. After a little while, I didn't feel 100% but I felt better. I sat up, ate some salted chips and peanuts, and kept drinking water to stay hydrated, but I'm still getting sensations in my feet. I might get those compression socks and I'm going to try working out. Whoever created this, thank you. You're doing a great service to the world!"
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"The recommended steps made me understand that I was not drinking enough water. I knew that but didn't realize how badly it would affect my body. We should all drink up to 100 oz. of water a day to stay hydrated. Great resource, I'm glad I found it. Best of health to all."
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"I have high blood pressure and I am being treated for such. I have a bad cold and took some cold meds. With them, my blood pressure dropped to 85/55. I had the sweats and was very weak. I drank a lot of fluids and had some saltine crackers and I felt good."
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"Have had low pressure for about 9 months with palpitations. Went to see a cardio doctor today. He told me some of what you said, but your display was a helpful review. Not excited to eat more salt. My feet and hands swell. But your advice was helpful."
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