How to spot hypotensionnamely a drop in blood pressure? On the social network Instagram, Dr. Louis Ben Dayan, also known under the pseudonym @docteur_tiktok, published a video, presenting the main symptoms and factors of this voltage drop. The cardiologist is used to sharing health advice and explanations with his community of 144,000 people. Recently, he published a video to warn about the causes of dizziness when standing up. This time, he therefore presents the symptoms of hypotension and the correct reflexes to adopt.
Dizziness, shortness of breath… the main symptoms of hypotension
So how do you spot hypotension? In his video, Dr. Louis Ben Dayan lists: “The main symptoms are above all great fatigue, but above all dizziness or instability, especially when moving from a lying or sitting position to a standing position.” In this last case, we speak of orthostatic hypotension. Among the other symptoms linked to low blood pressure, the cardiologist adds that we “may also experience nausea, shortness of breath and difficulty concentrating.”
It should be noted that there are different types of hypotension. “When systolic blood pressure is less than 90 when measured in a calm sitting position: this is resting hypotension,” presents the Hypertension Foundation on its website. If the blood pressure is lower when standing compared to sitting or lying down, this is called orthostatic hypotension. Finally, “if the systolic tension does not present either of these two characteristics but the tension is lower at home than at the doctor: it is then probably a ‘white coat effect’”.
Hypotension: what to do to combat the symptoms?
In his video, Dr. Louis Ben Dayan emphasizes that certain habits can be adopted. The first concerns diet. Staying well hydrated and especially eating rather salty foods are the first tips. However, be careful of certain contraindications such as heart failure.
In addition, he advises not to get up abruptly. In practice, this is characterized by the fact of “sit on the edge of the bed for a few minutes before getting up”he illustrates.
Another axis, that of wearing support stockings, “especially in summer, when the veins are dilated by the heat,” he emphasizes. But the specialist warns that “That’s where it’s hardest to bear, but that’s where it’s most effective.” Finally, the last axis is that of medical treatment. “Medical treatment needs to be reviewed, particularly blood pressure medications, but also antidepressants, antipsychotics and antiparkinsonian drugs, which can all lower blood pressure,” he concludes.
Sources :
- Louis Ben Dayan / doctor_tiktok (Instagram) (08/07/2024)
- Hypotension, tension basse – Fondation Hypertension
