Hypotension or low blood pressure is common in pregnancy due to the increased volume of blood circulating through the veins, especially in the first trimester due to the hormonal changes that the body is experiencing. Then towards the middle of the gestation it usually stabilizes, although there are women prone to suffer it throughout the pregnancy.
It is common for the pregnant woman to suffer a drop in blood pressure, which causes dizziness, vertigo, tachycardia and even fainting. In addition, in summer the probabilities increase because high temperatures can cause our blood vessels to widen, causing the blood to circulate with less force.
What is blood pressure and when is it low?
Blood pressure or blood pressure is the force exerted by blood as it circulates through the arteries. Keeping it within adequate levels is essential for good cardiovascular health. However, there are people prone to hypotension or low blood pressure.
To measure blood pressure, two values are taken into account, a maximum that is the systolic pressure and is measured during the heartbeat, when the pressure is maximum and the other minimum, the diastolic pressure, which is measured with the heart at rest. between beats, when it is minimal.
Normal blood pressure values are usually between a maximum of 120 mmHg (millimeters of mercury) and a minimum of 80 mmHg. Above, there is already talk of high blood pressure and hypertension. And, below 90 mmHg of systolic pressure, we speak of hypotension or low blood pressure.
Experts from the online pharmacy DosFarma explain that there are people who can have low blood pressure values without suffering any discomfort. However, when there is a sudden drop in tension, dizziness, disorientation and fainting can occur.
How to prevent a drop in blood pressure?
Get up slowly
On vacation, it is common to spend time resting in the same position. We take a nap, we lie on the beach or in the pool, we spend time on a terrace with friends or resting on the sofa … This can cause postural hypotension, that is, there is an imbalance between the volume of blood of the lower part of the body and that of the upper body and we get dizzy when we get up. Therefore, it must be done slowly . Also, if possible, it is better not to spend a lot of time in a horizontal position ; for example, you can take a nap with a pillow quite high, to get up with less effort.
Drink fluids frequently
In summer, dehydration is the cause of low blood pressure that needs to be controlled the most. High temperatures increase sweating and cause a greater amount of fluids to be eliminated, which must be replaced. Also, the heat can dilate the blood vessels, causing the blood to not exert as much force as it passes through the arteries.
It is essential to drink water regularly and not wait to be thirsty. It can be combined with many other drinks, such as herbal teas. Dry mouth, fast pulse, or disorientation are some of the symptoms of dehydration.
Eat little and every few hours
Holidays are usually accompanied by copious meals. We meet with family and friends, we go out to dinner at restaurants or buffets … However, heavy digestion forces more blood to move to the digestive system, so it is a better option to take small portions and with some regularity.
Eat foods that help raise blood pressure
Salt is the main source of sodium, an essential nutrient for the body that influences blood pressure. People with hypertension should eat a diet low in sodium, but those with low values can use it to balance them. However, it is very important not to exceed the recommended 5 g of salt per day . Although it serves to increase blood pressure, it can also have harmful effects in large quantities, such as fluid retention.
So any food in brine, such as pickles, can help, as well as ham or anchovies. Licorice is also a suitable food and can be taken in infusions, for example. They can be perfect snacks to snack between meals or help replenish fluids. As for coffee, its effect to increase blood pressure has been shown to last only a few minutes. It only produces a spike that falls quickly, making it a very short-term remedy.
Avoid the hottest hours
High temperatures promote excessive sweating and loss of fluids. Therefore, it is important to avoid any intense physical activity or being outdoors between 12:00 and 17:00. Likewise, it is better not to use saunas or take very hot showers.
What to do in the event of a voltage drop?
- If the first symptoms are noticed, or if you suffer a drop in blood pressure, you have to lie down to avoid falling if you become dizzy or faint and put your legs up ( about 45 ° from the ground) to help the blood from the lower part reach quickly to the heart.
- It may also be helpful for the person to sit up and try to lower the head between the legs below the knees.
- Eating something very salty will help you retain fluids and raise your blood pressure.
- Help you breathe better. Remove or loosen clothing that may constrict the neck or chest and, if possible, fan him. It is also very important to avoid crowds of people around.
- You can offer water, a tea, or a sugary drink , which will increase the level of glucose in your blood and help you regain vitality.
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