Exercise and contrast showers, alternating hot and cold water, help counter low blood pressure.
Contrast showers boost blood circulation, said Norbert Smetak, Chairman of the German Federation of Cardiologists in Private Practice, adding that “cold water should always come last.” Endurance sports such as swimming, cycling, jogging and squash are also helpful.
Smetak advised people with low blood pressure to eat balanced meals containing sufficient amounts of salt and minerals.
“It’s also important to drink plenty of fluids, preferably two to three litres a day,” remarked Smetak, who suggested sodium-rich mineral water, herbal and fruit teas, and juices. The stimulating effect of coffee and black tea is only brief, he pointed out.
Smetak said low blood pressure was not dangerous in itself, but that affected people were more likely to faint and fall down.
“Typical symptoms of low blood pressure, or hypotension, are dizziness and light-headedness, especially when standing up, as well as throbbing headaches,” he said.
A rapid heartbeat can be a reaction of the body to low blood pressure, causing a person either to sweat or feel cold. Further symptoms of low blood pressure are lethargy, fatigue, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), cold hands and feet, and insomnia.
Hypotension is particularly common in adolescents, most often girls, and in young, slender women. It also occurs regularly during pregnancy, in women with eating disorders and in thin, older adults.
