Hypotension prevention

There are more than few ways to try and prevent hypotension. Here follow some of the most common recommendations given by doctors worldwide:

- Drink more liquids. By staying hydrated you effectively avoid dehydration which is considered as one of the top reasons for hypotesnion

- Try not to stand up to quickly. Taking few deep breathes just before standing up can help you reduce the effects of hypotension, or sleeping with the head bit elevated.  

- Increase the input of drinks containing electrolytes (PowerAde, Gatorade…). Drinks that contain electrolytes can elevate your blood pressure. However, one needs to be careful not to over do with it because that can have the opposite effect - hypertension. 

- Increase the input of salt in your diet. However, there is a recommendation simillar as with drinks containing electrolytes, one needs to be careful how much salt is added, 10g per day is recommended dosage.

- Avoid alcohol beverages. Alcohol causes dehydration, which as mentioned earlier can cause hypotension.  

- Wear compression stockings. The stockings can prevent blood collecting in the legs. This means that more blood can be kept in the upper body.   

- Drink beverages containing caffeine. It is a known fact, scientifically proven, that caffeine increases blood pressure. 

- Eat smaller meals. In case the hypotension happens after eating, patients can reduce its symptoms by eating smaller meals several days a day. Also, it helps if you reduce the amount of carbohydrates in your diet. 

- Ask your doctor to prescribe you hypotension medications. The best and safest way to deal with this condition is if you consult your physician and work out a program that can help you deal with it. 

  

References:
Calkins H, Zipes DP. Hypotension and syncope. In: Bonow RO, Mann DL, Zipes DP, Libby P, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 42.
Cheshire WP Jr. Autonomic disorders and their management. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman's Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 427.
Olgin JE. Approach to the patient with suspected arrhythmia. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman's Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 62.