Treatment Low blood pressure (hypotension) without symptoms or with mild symptoms rarely requires treatment. If low blood pressure causes symptoms, treatment depends on the cause. For example, if your medications are causing your low blood pressure, your doctor may recommend changing or stopping your medication or reducing your dosage. Do not change or discontinue medications without first talking to your doctor. If the cause of low blood pressure is not clear or there is no treatment, the goal is to raise blood pressure and reduce symptoms. Depending on your age, health and type of low blood pressure, there are several ways to achieve this: Use more salt. Experts usually recommend limiting salt (sodium) because it can raise blood pressure, sometimes dramatically. For people with low blood pressure, however, this can be a good thing. But too much sodium can lead to heart failure, especially in older adults. So it's important to check with your health care provider before increasing salt. Drink more water. Fluids increase blood volume and help prevent dehydration, both of which are important in treating hypotension. Wear compression stockings. Also known as support stockings, these elastic stockings are commonly used to relieve the pain and swelling of varicose veins. They improve blood flow from the legs to the heart. Some people tolerate elastic belly bands better than compression stockings. Medicines. Several drugs are available to treat low blood pressure that occurs when standing (orthostatic hypotension). For example, the drug fludrocortisone increases blood volume. It is often used to treat orthostatic hypotension. If a patient has long-term (chronic) orthostatic hypotension, midodrine (Orvaten) may be prescribed to raise blood pressure while standing. This drug reduces the ability of blood vessels to dilate, which raises blood pressure Lifestyle and home remedies Depending on the cause of low blood pressure, the following steps can help reduce or prevent symptoms. Drink more water, less alcohol. Alcohol is dehydrating and can lower blood pressure, even if you drink it in moderation. Water increases the amount of blood in the body and prevents dehydration. Pay attention to body positions. Gently move from lying flat or squatting to standing. Do not sit with your legs crossed. If low blood pressure symptoms start while standing, cross your thighs like scissors and squeeze. Or put one foot on a ledge or chair and lean forward as far as possible. These movements stimulate blood flow from the legs to the heart. Eat small, low-carbohydrate meals. To prevent a sharp drop in blood pressure after meals, eat small meals several times a day. Limit high-carbohydrate foods such as potatoes, rice, pasta and bread. Your healthcare provider may also recommend that you drink one or two cups of strong coffee or tea with caffeine at breakfast. However, caffeine can cause dehydration, so be sure to drink plenty of water and other non-caffeinated fluids. Exercise regularly. The general goal is to aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity each day. Avoid exercising in hot, humid conditions.   [cool_tag_cloud on_single_display="local"]