## Treatment of Low Diastolic Blood Pressure Treatment of low diastolic blood pressure depends on the primary cause of the hypotension. ### Treating Isolated Low Diastolic Blood Pressure If low diastolic blood pressure is caused by medication, your doctor may adjust your dosage or change your prescription. They will address any contributing lifestyle factors and also evaluate for serious underlying causes of your low blood pressure. Lifestyle changes can also help, including getting exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and refraining from smoking. ### Treating General Low Blood Pressure Low blood pressure that is mild and doesn’t cause symptoms often doesn’t need treatment. But for those with symptoms, treatment will be based on the cause if it’s identifiable. If you’re taking medication that’s causing low blood pressure, you may have to change medication or adjust dosage based on what your doctor determines. If the cause of low blood pressure is unclear and your doctor decides that raising your blood pressure should be your objective, then the following actions may help: - Adding more sodium to your diet: If you have persistently low blood pressure, then adding more salt to your diet may help. But it’s important to consult your doctor before increasing salt intake, since too much salt can cause serious medical issues, such as high blood pressure and heart failure. - Wearing compression socks or stockings: This can help improve circulation by reducing the pooling of blood in your legs. - Staying hydrated: Drinking enough water prevents dehydration, which reduces blood volume. Low blood volume leads to low blood pressure. - Exercise: Consult a medical professional about what type of physical activity can help lower blood pressure. ## Low Diastolic Blood Pressure Complications Low diastolic low blood pressure can lead to serious, sometimes life-threatening complications. - Falls Those with low diastolic pressure can experience symptoms of fatigue or dizziness. When this happens, it can lead to falls, which is especially dangerous for older people who may have brittle bones. - Heart problems Low diastolic blood pressure can cause the heart to become stiff, increasing risk for diastolic heart failure. If the heart is stiff and doesn’t relax enough, it won’t be able to fill up with enough blood when it pumps. It can also cause fluid to back up in the lungs. There are currently no medications for diastolic heart failure. ## When to See a Doctor for Low Diastolic Blood Pressure To help manage or prevent low blood pressure, you should routinely get your blood pressure checked, especially as you get older. If you have symptoms of low diastolic blood pressure, consult your doctor.