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Original poster

How to increase low blood pressure?

11 replies

LettuceBeFree · 21/07/2019 11:21

Hi,
I'm a mid-20s female, average BMI and short.

I've always (at least last few years when I'v had my blood pressure checked - hadn't prior to this so not sure how it was before) had low blood pressure (not dangerously low but on the borderline of low/average threshold - can't remember the numbers now.

I think that's what causes me to feel lightheaded when I stand up and often shaky with hunger (I don't have diabetes) so does anyone know how to increase blood pressure?

I eat meat, etc. so I'd have thought the salt from that would have helped but it hasn't.

OP posts:

DropZoneOne · 21/07/2019 11:27

I'm not sure you can increase your blood pressure if it's naturally low. My GP said i should drink more water - the last time i saw her my pressure was so low the computer suggested i was septic but it's normal for me.

Shaky with hunger suggests low blood sugar, so try eating smaller meals more regularly, increase your protein and reduce your carbs.

Aozora13 · 21/07/2019 11:27

I’m the same, as is my dad, we just naturally have lower than average blood pressure. The advice I get is to drink lots of water to keep well hydrated all the time. Also to be careful when standing up. But generally I’ve found healthcare professionals to be quite dismissive of it, especially when I was pregnant and it dropped even further. Not sure what else can be done but it is annoying!

sashh · 22/07/2019 06:07

Start drinking a bottle of wine a day, then make it 2 and cut out all exercise - you will soon increase your blood pressure and your weight. Obviously you will then start to have other problems.

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blackcat86 · 22/07/2019 06:12

My BP became artificially low as I was prescribed tablets post partum for it being too high. As my body adjusted my blood pressure would drop and it was horrid so I do sympathise. I was told that there is no threshold of concern as such but that if you're experiencing unpleasant symptoms they can treat those. I had a bit of a go at the nurse who seemed to think it was all fine as I didnt think it was acceptable to leave me feeling like I was about to pass out when I had a newborn baby at home. I would urge you to get a second opinion if that was your experience as I saw a gp who was much better. Drink lots of water, eat regular meals and try not to sit for too long. Stand up slowly when you do.

Pudner · 22/07/2019 06:25

I have naturally low BP too. Lots of water helps but also try and increase your salt levels if you can. I usually keep a pack of salty snacks at home and in the car so if I get that woozy feeling I have something on hand that helps pretty quickly. Rest is important too along with sensible measures such as not rising quickly etc.
It can be a bummer but it is much better than having it on the high side.

pepperpot99 · 22/07/2019 06:30

I have naturally low BP as well, and my heart rate is slow- my resting pulse is about 50 bpm, sometimes lower. It was an issue when I had to have an operation because low bp can be connected to poor blood clotting function and I almost had to have a blood transfusion....long story. Anyway, the tip about drinking plenty of water is a good one. I have poor eating habits ( leaving too long in between meals) whcih doesn't help.

Number3or4 · 22/07/2019 06:49

I have low blood pressure to and the advice I got was to drink more fluid and eat more salt. I have noticed that I don't have symptoms anymore as I'm now overweight. It naturally increased, but that is not something I would recommend.
@DropZoneOne that happened to me to and the locum gp got all serious starting to ask questions quick until I asked him the reading that got him worried and told him that is normal for me (he said he needs to check my medical history for confirmation (did he call me a possible lier there?)). I had an appointment for something else but don't remember what now.

GrrrAaargh · 22/07/2019 06:54

Coffee ramps mine up pretty fast for several hours.

I sadly have the opposite problem, so I've been home monitoring mine quite a lot, while my medication's been adjusted. Other foods and drinks don't seem to affect mine (including alcohol), and neither does my levels of stress and anxiety, but caffeine certainly does.

allthegoodusernameshavegone · 22/07/2019 07:00

I have very low blood pressure and have always been told that it’s a great thing to have and do nothing. I do drink gallons of water everyday

tangledyarn · 22/07/2019 07:06

Lots of water and practice applied tension to your legs..so essentially tensing leg muscles when you are standing. Its frustrating as medics are generally pretty happy that bp is low but it can make you feel quite unwell. Mine is worse if I need to eat too.

hannah1992 · 22/07/2019 07:50

Not sure how to make it higher. My mum has lower blood pressure, always has. In the normal range but the lower side. Whereas mine is in the normal range but to the higher side. Always has been. I dont think the doctors will do anything about it until it's out of the normal range

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