By now, most, if not all of you, accept the fact that you have low blood pressure. I had a stroke, and low blood pressure (90/60), and with people who have brain injuries like me, you need to know more.
Low blood pressure (hypotension) can worsen brain injury symptoms because the brain depends on a constant blood supply for oxygen and nutrients. When blood pressure diminishes too low, the brain may not get enough oxygen (called hypoxia), leading to fatigue, dizziness, brain fog, confusion, and even longstanding cognitive problems.
Those with low blood pressure can have blackouts, contributing to the risk of falls, head injuries, or further brain damage. It can make fatigue, memory problems, and brain fog worse. Also, low blood pressure may cause problems with concentration and language processing speed.
There are 7 steps that may increase your blood pressure to within normal range:
1. Low-sodium (salt) intake can worsen low blood pressure. Supplementing with more salt may help put you the normal range.
2. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, throughout the day. If dehydration is an issue, electrolyte drinks with low-sugar (or even no sugar) may help.
3. Eat small-scale and continual meals throughout the day. Heavy meals can cause blood pressure to drop at once, but eating smaller meals more often assists with reliable blood flow.
4. Move slowly when getting up from a sitting position or lying down. If you feel dizzy, sit back down and take deep breaths.
5. Adjust medication if needed. Some medications can lower blood pressure in excess.If you suspect this to be true, speak with your primary care doctor.
6. Keep track of your blood pressure if you continually feel lightheaded or have cognitive difficulties and report the sequence to your physician.
7. Wear compression socks if suggested by your doctor. These socks will help keep the blood from merging in one spot on the legs and maintain circulation to the brain.
As Anonymous said, “Acceptance of our limitations is the first step towards reclaiming control over our lives after brain damage. We can begin to understand the extent of our abilities, adapt to new ways of accomplishing tasks, and explore avenues for personal growth and recovery.”
Joyce Hoffman is one of the world's top 10 stroke bloggers according to the Medical News Today. You can find the original post and other blogs Joyce wrote in Tales of a Stroke Survivor. (https://talesofastrokesurvivor.blog)
Joyce, very helpful connections. Do you keep these issues in your noggin, or have favorite resources that feed your brain and curiosity? Thanks!