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!

I also have very low blood pressure, it's interesting to read that salt helps as I've always been addicted to say since I was little, so interesting that my body knew what I needed

Okay - I have to say this. Salt helps a little bit. BUT it puts pressure on your renal system. It is not the answer to everything and it can be dangerous. Do not go gung ho and chuck chips down your necks at all times. It doesn’t take much salt to dehydrate you and send you further into the low bp department. You are better off having oral electrolytes like Gatorade, lucozade, etc. They have a small amount of salt and the fluid will help put your bp up safely. (*Unless you have kidney problems, or are taking diuretic medication for heart problems and then you must discuss with your doctor)

@Justilou1 - would the electrolyte drinks meant for diarrhea be suitable for low BP?

The flippant answer would be - become a teacher, borrow some difficult children, fight with your husband, eat more salt and put on weight.

Realistically, I suggest upping your salt intake (but only slightly) and drinking more fluids. You said you have lost weight - are you now underweight? Weight loss can lower blood pressure.

I hope other posters have more useful suggestions than I do. Sorry.

Soy sauce, miso paste, smoked salmon, smoked mackerel. Strong coffee also helps, and putting a bit of weight on.

I have this. In the past I have passed out on numerous occasions which obviously can be dangerous . The passing out is sometimes stress induced combined with low BP. Had to wear a monitor for this over a 24 hour period and also same for heart to check no underlying problems. All was fine.

Doctor told me to keep hydrated, increase salt intake a bit by eating salty foods and drink more coffee. There is medication available apparently but they are loathe to prescribe as it can do more harm than good as it's a long term thing.

@NonsensicalHair - the ones for diarrhea contain higher salt content and are definitely not for long-term consumption. (Again, can affect kidney function.) Not bad for a day or two, then would swap to a “sports” one. (Usually cheaper to buy in powdered format than bottled.)

@Justilou1 - thanks, I just read your reply - I bought one of the diaorrrhea ones yesterday (useful to have in, I guess) and definitely wouldn't choose to drink that! Salty blackcurrant squash, anyone? Sports drinks it is then. presuming they don't taste like someone's added a spoonful of salt to Rbena....

@DifficultBloodyWoman - definitely not underweight. In fact according to NHS guidelines I am still overweight (BMI 25.4) I don't put much store by that, as it goes, as it doesn't take account of muscle mass, but am happier with weight than I was.

Who mentioned licorice? Love that stuff. Well, I love the Panda stuff - does that count?

Fluids front loaded in the morning - although in a hot day all day long.

Assuming no other health problems - salt.

And squeeze your bum when standing up to get fluid back out of your legs.

I've been keeling over from low BP since I was a teenager. Cardiologist told me to have 2 teaspoons of salt every morning and it made a huge difference. Wow, I felt well!

Having said that, I still turned up at work the other day when it was hot, said hello and then fainted.

@HarebrightCedarmoon

Soy sauce, miso paste, smoked salmon, smoked mackerel. Strong coffee also helps, and putting a bit of weight on.

Putting a bit of weight on... didn't work for me. I'm a bit overweight & my blood pressure is still in my boots.

Speaking to the GP about it today (if they do actually call...bit unrelaliable) and what's the betting I'll be told to be thankful it's not high BP as that's much more dangerous! That's pretty much what they've said (no so baldly) in the past.

Am booking a cholesterol test too as mine is high. Been looking at the connection between them and it seems that in some cases high cholesterol can cause high BP, so guess I'm doing well on that score...

2 teaspoons of salt! 🤢

Mine is 90/55 I feel ok on it apart from mild blackouts on standing up sometimes. I guess that sounds worse now I've written it down but it's always been like that so I'm used to it.

Love crisps but not really other forms of salt. Seems silly to just take up eating processed food? I drink a lot of water. Clearly it's not helping.

I would get told to be pleased about my BP too - but actually it was causing real problems for me at work, I couldn't stand up for long periods, I was having days of sick which resulted in me being sickness managed, frankly I was scaring people when I went over and so on.

First question cardiologist asked was 'Do you think salt is bad for you?' - and yes, I was barely adding any to my food.

Gaining weight hasn't helped me either, I'm clinically obese.

I thought the salt was vile to begin with, now I can drink it without a problem, gallons and gallons of water just don't hit the spot on their own.

I can barely move in the mornings without 3 glasses of water.