Tips for Managing Low Blood Pressure

Low blood pressure (or hypotension) occurs when there is a low flow of blood throughout the body. For most, blood pressure levels fluctuate throughout the day, but a person with low blood pressure has a consistently lower than normal blood pressure. Because of this inability of the body to keep the flow of blood where it should be, your loved one’s body may not be getting enough oxygen or nutrients it needs. Having home care assistance providers can help with making some changes to reduce this problem.

Hypotension can lead to symptoms such as:

• Feeling dizzy and lightheaded
• Fainting spells
• Blurred vision
• Nausea or vomiting
• Tiredness and weakness
• Trouble concentrating or being easily confused

For many, hypotension is something they have to live with daily. If your dad has it, there are some things he can do to help make it more manageable.

Here are steps he can take to manage his low blood pressure.

Change body positions slowly with home care assistance supervision

Whenever he’s been in one position for a long time, moving to another position (like going from sitting to standing) can trigger low blood pressure symptoms such as making him dizzy or feeling faint. This can lead to falls and injuries. Having a home care assistance team member nearby when he wants to get out of his chair is one way to help. Holding his home care assistance provider’s arm will give him extra support. When his home care assistance provider isn’t nearby, he needs to change positions in segments. If he’s laying in bed, first slowly sit up and then wait. Then slowly stand, but don’t walk yet. Finally, walk when all seems steady.

Drink lots of fluids

Staying hydrated is an important step in managing low blood pressure. By staying hydrated, your loved one can help ensure there is enough fluid in his body for a strong blood supply, helping his tissues and organs work the way they need to.

Drinking 5-8 8-ounce glasses of water a day plus a couple of sports drinks to replenish sodium and potassium will help alleviate some of the symptoms linked to hypotension.

Make some dietary changes and try herbs and supplements

What you’ve heard is back for high blood pressure is good for low blood pressure. So increasing salt intake, drinking caffeinated beverages (in addition to the water, not as a replacement), and avoiding high-carb foods can all help in keeping his body from having a large drop in his blood pressure. Eating foods rich in folate and vitamin B12 can also help with increasing blood pressure.

If his doctor gives the okay, some supplements like B12 and Vitamins D and C may help increase blood pressure. But always check with his doctor first to make sure any supplements will not have negative effects on any other medications he may be taking.

Adjust his lifestyle

There are certain everyday things your loved one can do to help with low blood pressure symptoms. Most are pretty simple, like going for a walk each day. Exercising reduces the risk of blood pooling into certain areas of the body, lowering blood pressure. He can also look at wearing compression socks to help with blood flow and avoiding overly hot baths or hot tubs, both of which can cause blood vessels to restrict.

If you or a senior family member are considering hiring Home Care Assistance Services in Franklin Lakes NJ, please contact the caring staff at Caring Solutions Home Care LLC. In-home senior care servicing Bergen & Passaic Counties. Call today at (973) 427-3553.