The Blood Pressure Issue Often Overlooked by Doctors
Written by Susan Parker | Updated on May 28, 2025
Reviewed by Susan Parker
11 sources cited
You understand the risks associated with high blood pressure, which can jeopardize your heart, arteries, and brain health. High blood pressure increases the chances of experiencing a heart attack, stroke, and even Alzheimer’s disease.
However, another blood pressure concern that often goes unnoticed is low blood pressure, which can be equally dangerous.
Overview
Undetected Blood Pressure Issues
If you are in your middle age or younger and have significantly high blood pressure, it should be controlled. However, caution is advised not to overly lower blood pressure with medications, as it can lead to other health complications.
Various medications, not limited to those for blood pressure, are linked to low blood pressure, notably a condition called orthostatic hypotension.
Orthostatic Hypotension as a Common Medication Side Effect
Orthostatic hypotension occurs when there is a notable decrease in blood pressure upon transitioning from sitting or lying down to standing. This drop can be severe, causing dizziness and potential fainting.
This condition raises the risk of falls and fractures, which can be critical and life-threatening, especially for older individuals. According to a study at Johns Hopkins, individuals experiencing orthostatic hypotension in middle age are at a higher risk of developing dementia later in life, possibly many years later.1
In a study involving more than 11,000 participants with an average age of 54, those with orthostatic hypotension at the study's onset were 54 percent more likely to develop Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia compared to those without this condition.
Researcher Andreea Rawlings suggests, "Identifying orthostatic hypotension in middle-age could be a new strategy to identify individuals who need close monitoring for dementia or stroke. Further studies are needed to comprehend the root causes and explore potential preventive measures."
Addressing Orthostatic Hypotension
If you suspect you have orthostatic hypotension, begin by reviewing your medications. Seek guidance from your healthcare provider or pharmacist to determine if any of your prescriptions could be contributing to this issue—it is a common factor.
Fortunately, experts recommend several natural remedies for orthostatic hypotension, such as:
- Utilize compression stockings and/or abdominal bindings to prevent blood accumulation in the legs.
- Increase water intake and avoid alcohol. Some specialists suggest drinking water rapidly during meals to prevent low blood pressure after eating.
- Consider taking vitamin B12, as a deficiency can contribute to orthostatic hypotension.
- Raise the head of your bed.
- Avoid sudden position changes. Pause briefly after standing to ensure stability before walking.
- Abstain 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 Raises Mortality Risk
A study in Germany reveals that low blood pressure poses a higher health risk during surgery than high blood pressure.
Research based on data from over 250,000 surgical patients in the United Kingdom shows that having a systolic blood pressure below 100 mmHg before surgery increases the mortality risk by 40 percent. Additionally, if diastolic pressure drops 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? Longevity Awaits
Contrary to popular belief among mainstream medical practitioners, studies indicate that for older individuals, aggressively reducing blood pressure may not always be advantageous 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 examining 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 considered "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 warns, "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 support 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.
Achieving Optimal Blood Pressure Levels
I have always believed that slightly higher blood pressure is preferable. I do not rush to take blood pressure medication simply because my readings fall within the range considered "too high" by current standards. I believe that sticking to a healthy diet, regular exercise, and ensuring sufficient sleep are essential for maintaining heart-friendly blood pressure.
That being said, some individuals may benefit from medication if natural methods fail to lower blood pressure. The decision depends on individual health circumstances. Regardless of age or health status, it is crucial to monitor your blood pressure regularly, watch for changes, and collaborate with a trusted integrative healthcare provider to protect your heart health.
Summary
While high blood pressure is widely acknowledged as a significant health hazard, dangerously low blood pressure—often a consequence of excessive medication use or specific conditions—poses its own significant risks. Orthostatic hypotension, characterized by a blood pressure drop upon standing, is linked to falls, fractures, and an increased dementia risk. Studies also suggest that older adults with moderately higher blood pressure may have a longer life expectancy than those with overly aggressive blood pressure management. Tailored blood pressure management is crucial, particularly for older individuals.
