Low Blood Pressure, All Causes

Home care

Follow these guidelines when caring for yourself at home:

• Rest until your symptoms get better.

• Get up slowly after sitting or lying down.

• Drink more fluids to prevent dehydration.

• Do not drink alcohol

• Keep a record of your symptoms and what you were doing when they occurred. Bring the record with you to your next appointment.

• Be aware of how quickly your blood pressure drops when you become dehydrated, spend a lot of time in the sun, or have low blood sugar. Take measures to prevent blood pressure drops at these times.

• Follow the treatment and medicine plan prescribed by your health care provider. Contact your provider with any questions or concerns.

Follow-up care

Follow up with your health care provider as advised.

When to get medical advice

Contact your health care provider or get medical care right away if any of these occur:

• Mild dizziness or lightheadedness

• Small amount of black or red color, or blood, in your stools or vomit

• Mild abdominal pain

• Diarrhea or vomiting that doesn’t go away

• You aren’t able to eat or drink

• Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as advised by your provider

• Burning feeling when you pee

• Bad-smelling urine

• Palpitations, or feeling as if your heart is skipping a beat

Call 911

Call 911, or get immediate medical care at the nearest emergency department if any of the following occur:

• Fainting or severe dizziness or lightheadedness

• Large amount of black or red color, or blood, in your stools or vomit

• Abnormal pain in chest, shoulder, arm, neck, or upper back

• Abnormal shortness of breath or trouble breathing

• Severe abdominal pain

• Fast racing heartbeat

• Excessive sweating, or cold and clammy skin