What Is Hypotension?

Treatment Options

When treatment is required for hypotension, it often varies based on the underlying cause. For instance, if a particular medication is to blame, treatment typically means changing the dose of the medication or finding a different one that does not cause the same reaction. In general cases, two of the most common treatment recommendations are to drink more water and consume more salt. Drinking water increases an individual's blood volume and prevents dehydration, both of which play a significant role in hypotension, as hypotension can result from dehydration after spending too long in a hot bath. Since many recommend limiting salt as sodium increases blood pressure quite a bit, even those with hypotension should consult with their doctor on how they should approach this form of treatment safely. Other management techniques for hypotension include eating smaller and more regular meals, avoiding alcohol, and changing positions slowly.

Doctors often also recommend patients wear compression stockings, which help reduce blood pooling in an individual’s legs. Finally, in certain cases of hypotension, doctors may turn to medications to boost blood volume, such as fludrocortisone, and midodrine, which raises standing blood pressure by restricting the expansion of blood vessels.

Although hypotension can be a nuisance, treatment is noninvasive and is quite effective at alleviating the severity of symptoms, allowing patients to go about their lives as they would normally.