Very low blood pressure - any tips on how to raise it? Feeling like death [grin]

[NonsensicalHair]

My blood pressure has always been on the "low side of normal" (GPs words) but for the past few days it's been even lower and I'm wondering how to bring it up as I've been feeling pretty exhausted and often a bit ill.

Yesterday I had readings of 85/52, 87/45 and 81/41 which made me suspect I may be dead This is low, even for me. The better readings were 98/58 and similar. Today I've rocketed up to 101/59 so that's more normal. I'm properly hydrated (always wee-ing) and not on any medication.

I do suffer from ME so never feel particularly and energetic but would love to know how to raise my blood pressure so that doesn't contribute to exhaustion.

Any tips gratefully received!

Salted caramel chocolate?

@grey12 - omg, salted caramel chocolate! Forget what I said about hating salt as I love anything salted caramel! Maybe I can eat loads for medical reasons now?

Will look into sports drinks too.

Thanks for the advice everyone. It's reassuring to know I'm not the only one with this issue, though obviously sorry to hear other people are fainting, feeling iffy etc.

My bp is a a bit on the low side. It used to be much lower before I put on weight.

I’ve fainted a few times because of it (not recently), which is horrible. I once fainted and knocked myself out by hitting the kitchen table. There was no warning.

Def eat more salt - it’ll help.

@Sewaccidentprone - that's interesting to hear that your BP was lower before you put weight on; I've recently lost about a stone and a half, wonder if that has anything to do with it? It's always been on the low side but recent readings are quite surprisingly low. Have also been having slightly less calories, though still eating a fair amount.

Sorry to jump in but low blood pressure and weight loss are signs of Addison’s disease which often goes along with other autoimmune conditions. Get your GP to do an early morning cortisol blood test. If it comes back as under 250 you need a referral to an endocrinologist, under 100 should be an instant diagnosis. Have a google about Addison’s. I had never heard of it until I was diagnosed in 2017 - I also have lupus, sjorgens, asthma, hypothyroidism etc etc.

Olives are low in calories and high in salt

When you're overweight a
a 1 stone weightloss is reckoned to cause a 10 point reduction in blood pressure

I lost five and half stone on the cancer diet, I have had the most vile sinusitis for the last five weeks (finally capitulated and asked for the dreaded AB's) so I have also been off my food, I stood on scales this morning and now I finally have an answer for the woo feeling, I came down and ate some cold Jersey Royals dipped in Maldon sea salt, not exactly pleasant but I felt the benefit of it.

OP have you been trying to lose weight.
why are you restricting intake.

I have POTS and my BP is generally on the low side. I carry sachets of sugar-free electrolyte replacements to add to my water. (You prbably don’t need sugar-free ones, but I get migraines) I find my symptoms are worse in hot weather.

When I had really low blood pressure my doctor said he wasn't allowed to tell me how to raise it but he said if I looked at the list of how to lower blood pressure and do the opposite that would work.

I hate salt but I like things like baked beans and pickled onions which have salt in.

Ooh baked beans there is an idea.

@alexdgr8 - yes, been trying as was overweight. Not restricting calories, just eating less as previously was overeating (mainly chocolate...).

Baked beans are a staple of my diet. Bought some salt but god, it's awful. Think I have an aversion.

Ha ha just went looking for Baked beans, just missed the Tesco cut-off for amending order but that is ok because we definitely do have some, however when I googled up popped the snack pots. I worked for a company that had a food development kitchen, we were sent them to trial with a well known takeaways food offering, I remember myself and the development chef turning them over and over in our hands and saying whatever next they will never catch on, that was in 2017

@NonsensicalHair If you have lost weight, you might want to check with your GP about whether you need your beta blockers. Now you have low BP they could be dangerous. I don’t know if you are taking them for BP, Migraines or Anxiety, but there is probably an alternative medication that can help you, or something that can assist the BP symptoms. You may also be on other meds that are affecting this. Worth calling to get a medication check.

Liquorice. Make it the good stuff from the health food shop

I'm not allowed to have it as it raises blood pressure& mines on the high side and I bloody love liquorice

Licorice raises my BP better than salt

I have this issue too. My GP told me salt & meat. Licorice tea s quite nice.

I detest salt which is unfortunate as my BP is very low. It runs in the family - my mum’s was and my son’s is too. Butter with salt crystals is my friend, for some reason it’s completely different in that form.

Why don’t you try some miso for a raising of sodium and salt levels? Itsu do little miso sachets you can keep on your bag or car or whatever you just add hot water to and it’s ready to drink. Perked me right up after a wild swim in the heatwave the other day!

my 83 year old dad currently has low blood pressure and is feeling very weak and dizzy. He had a heart attack about 25 yrs ago and avoids salt at all costs. Would salt still be recommended with a known heart condition? He went to the walk in centre and it was shut and his doctor won't see him.

@Justilou1 - I'm not on beta blockers. Maybe you got me mixed up with someone else!

Oh sorry @NonsensicalHair… you’re right. I must have read an answer above and got it confused with you. Very pleased about that. I was worried!

@crappytimes - I wouldn’t give him straight salt as it may dehydrate him and drop his BP further. It could also affect his kidney function. At 83, he’s probably too vulnerable to do risk this. You could try giving him some lucozade or some electrolyte drinks, but not too much. He’s not a triathlete. Maybe a small glass twice a day. One of the reasons elderly people get low BP is because they drink less fluids. There are lots of reasons why… Firstly, their circulation isn’t as good and fluids can build up around their heart and lungs and in their tissues (legs and feet), especially if they are not as mobile as they once were. Secondly, if they are not as mobile, going to the bathroom isn’t as easy, so they tend to drink less so they don’t have to pee as often. It’s totally normal. If you can’t get through to his GP, I would consider trying to get him another one.