The Blood Pressure Issue Often Overlooked by Doctors
You are aware of the dangers that high blood pressure poses to your health, putting your heart, arteries, and brain at risk. High blood pressure increases the likelihood of a heart attack, stroke, and even Alzheimer’s disease.
However, another blood pressure issue that is often overlooked is low blood pressure, which can be equally perilous.
Overview
Hidden Blood Pressure Problems
If you are middle-aged or younger and have very high blood pressure, it should be managed. However, caution should be exercised not to excessively lower blood pressure with medications, as it can lead to other health issues.
Various medications, not limited to blood pressure medications, are associated with low blood pressure, notably a condition known as orthostatic hypotension.
Orthostatic Hypotension is a Common Drug Side Effect
Orthostatic hypotension occurs when there is a significant drop in blood pressure upon standing from a sitting or lying position. This drop can be severe, leading to dizziness and potential fainting.
This condition increases the risk of falls and fractures, which can be serious and life-threatening, especially for older individuals. According to research at Johns Hopkins, individuals experiencing orthostatic hypotension in middle age are at a higher risk of developing dementia later in life, possibly decades later.1
In a study involving over 11,000 participants with an average age of 54, those with orthostatic hypotension at the beginning of the study were 54 percent more likely to develop Alzheimer's and other types of dementia compared to those without this condition.
Researcher Andreea Rawlings notes, "Identifying orthostatic hypotension in middle-age could be a new approach to identifying individuals who require close monitoring for dementia or stroke. Further studies are necessary to understand the underlying causes and explore potential preventive strategies."
What To Do About Orthostatic Hypotension
If you suspect you have orthostatic hypotension, start by reviewing your medications. Consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist to determine if any of your prescriptions could be contributing to this issue—it is a common culprit.
Fortunately, experts suggest several natural remedies for orthostatic hypotension, such as:
- Wear compression stockings and/or abdominal bindings to prevent blood pooling in the legs.
- Increase water intake and avoid alcohol. Some experts recommend drinking water quickly during meals to prevent low blood pressure after eating.
- Consider taking vitamin B12, as a deficiency can contribute to orthostatic hypotension.
- Elevate the head of your bed.
- Avoid sudden position changes. Pause for a moment after standing to ensure stability before walking.
- Refrain from crossing your legs while seated.
- Increase salt intake with meals—moderately.
- Engage in regular exercise, avoiding hot and humid conditions.
- Squat to pick up items from the floor instead of bending at the waist.
Low Blood Pressure Increases Death Risk
A study in Germany reveals that low blood pressure poses a greater health risk during surgery than elevated blood pressure.
Research based on data from over 250,000 surgical patients in the United Kingdom demonstrates that having a systolic blood pressure below 100 mmHg before surgery increases the risk of mortality by 40 percent. Additionally, if diastolic pressure falls below 40 mmHg, the likelihood of death is 2.5 times higher. When both systolic and diastolic pressures are low, the risk of death further escalates.3
Higher Blood Pressure? You’ll Live Longer
Contrary to common belief among conventional medical practitioners, research indicates that for older individuals, aggressively lowering blood pressure may not always be beneficial unless it is notably high.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), high blood pressure is defined as anything above 130/80 mmHg, normal blood pressure is below 120/80 mmHg, and low pressure is at 90/60 mmHg or lower.4
An English study analyzing the health records of over 400,000 individuals found that those aged 75 or older with blood pressure below 130/80 mmHg were more likely to die during the ten-year study than those with higher blood pressure.
Notably, individuals over 75 deemed "frail" had a 62 percent higher risk of death when their blood pressure was below 130/80 mmHg.
In contrast to common assumptions, participants over 85 with high blood pressure had a lower death rate compared to those with lower blood pressure in the study—regardless of frailty.5
Researcher Jane Masoli at the University of Exeter cautions, "Further research is needed to determine the safety of aggressive blood pressure control in older adults and identify specific patient groups that may benefit from it, allowing for more personalized blood pressure management in older individuals."
She adds, "We do not recommend discontinuing medications without consulting your doctor."
While I endorse this advice, personally, I follow a different approach. An influential alternative healthcare provider once advised against excessive worry over moderately high blood pressure, and I have chosen to adopt this belief. My systolic blood pressure often exceeds 140, and I do not fret about it.
Getting Your Blood Pressure Numbers Just Right
I have always maintained that slightly higher blood pressure is preferable. I do not rush to take blood pressure medication simply because my readings fall within the range deemed "too high" by current standards. I believe that adhering to a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and ensuring adequate sleep are crucial for maintaining heart-friendly blood pressure.
That said, some individuals may benefit from medication if natural methods fail to reduce blood pressure. The decision depends on individual health circumstances. Regardless of age or health status, it is vital to monitor your blood pressure regularly, watch for changes, and collaborate with a trusted integrative healthcare provider to safeguard your heart health.
Summary
While high blood pressure is widely recognized as a significant health risk, dangerously low blood pressure—often a result of medication overuse or specific conditions—presents its own substantial dangers. Orthostatic hypotension, characterized by a drop in blood pressure upon standing, is associated with falls, fractures, and an increased risk of dementia. Studies also suggest that older adults with moderately higher blood pressure may have a longer lifespan than those with overly aggressive blood pressure control. Personalized blood pressure management is critical, especially for older individuals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is orthostatic hypotension?
It’s a condition where blood pressure drops significantly when standing, leading to dizziness, fainting, and increased fall risk.Why is low blood pressure dangerous?
Very low blood pressure can increase the risk of falls, fractures, dementia, and even death, particularly in older adults.Should older adults aim for lower blood pressure?
Not always—research suggests that moderately higher blood pressure in seniors may lower mortality rates.What are natural ways to manage low blood pressure?
Drinking more water, wearing compression stockings, avoiding rapid position changes, and adding salt to meals can help.Can medications cause low blood pressure?
Yes, certain medications, including blood pressure drugs, can cause orthostatic hypotension. Consult your doctor for alternatives."