What is a dangerously low blood pressure? A sudden fall in blood pressure can be dangerous. A change of just 20 mm Hg — a drop from 110 mm Hg systolic to 90 mm Hg systolic, for example — can cause dizziness and fainting. And big drops, such as those caused by uncontrolled bleeding, severe infections or allergic reactions, can be life-threatening. What causes sudden low blood pressure? Sudden drops in blood pressure most commonly occur in someone who's rising from a lying down or sitting position to standing. This kind of low blood pressure is known as postural hypotension or orthostatic hypotension. Another type of low blood pressure can occur when someone stands for a long period of time. Symptoms of low blood pressure The symptoms of low blood pressure can include:

• blurred vision
• confusion
• depression
• dizziness
• fainting
• fatigue
• feeling cold
• feeling thirsty
• an inability to concentrate
• nausea
• rapid, shallow breathing
• sweating

How to raise low blood pressure If you’re dealing with hypotension, the first step is making an appointment with your doctor. After discussing your medical history, lifestyle, and other factors, your doctor may change your medication or suggest certain lifestyle changes to get to the root of the issue. It’s important not to stop taking any medications or change dosages without talking to a healthcare professional first. The same is true of dietary or other changes. 1. Drink plenty of water Dehydration can sometimes lead to low blood pressure. Some people may have hypotension even with mild dehydration. You can also get dehydrated by losing water too quickly. This can happen through vomiting, severe diarrhea, fever, strenuous exercise, and excess sweating. Medications such as diuretics may also cause dehydration. Drink more water by using a portable water bottle. Use an alarm or timer to remind you to take a sip. 2. Eat a balanced diet Low blood pressure and other side effects may occur if you’re not getting enough nutrients. Low levels of vitamin B12, folic acid, and iron can cause anemia. This condition happens when your body can’t make enough blood and can cause low blood pressure. Your doctor may recommend changes to your daily diet and taking supplements. 3. Eat smaller meals You can get low blood pressure after eating a big meal, although this is more common in older adults. This happens because blood flows to your digestive tract after you eat. Normally, your heart rate increases to help balance blood pressure. You can prevent low blood pressure by eating smaller meals. Also, limiting your carbs can help keep blood pressure more stable after eating. Here are more suggestions for foods you can eat and eating habits you can practice. 4. Limit or avoid alcohol Drinking alcohol can lead to dehydration. It can also interact with medications and cause low blood pressure. 5. Eat more salt Sodium helps to raise blood pressure. However, it can raise blood pressure too much. It can also lead to heart disease. Ask your doctor how much is right for you. Add table salt to whole, unprocessed foods. This helps to control how much salt you’re eating. Avoid refined and processed salty foods. 6. Check your blood sugar Diabetes and high blood sugar levels may lead to low blood pressure. Volume depletion can occur from the diuresis that follows high blood sugar levels. This is when your body tries to expel glucose via increased urination. Consider using a home monitor to check your blood sugar levels throughout the day. See your doctor to find out the best diet, exercise, and medication plan to help balance blood sugar levels. 7. Get your thyroid checked Thyroid conditions are common. Hypothyroidism occurs when you don’t produce enough thyroid hormones. This can lead to low blood pressure. A simple blood test can determine whether you have hypothyroidism. You may need medication and a new nutrition plan to help boost your thyroid function. 8. Wear compression stockings Elastic stockings or socks can help prevent blood from pooling in your legs. This helps to relieve orthostatic or postural hypotension which is low blood pressure due to standing, laying down, or sitting too much. People who are on bed rest may need compression braces to help pump blood from the legs. Orthostatic hypotension is more common in older adults. It happens to up to 11 percent of middle-aged people and 30 percent of older adults. 9. Take medications Your doctor may prescribe medications to help treat low blood pressure. These drugs help to treat orthostatic hypotension:

• fludrocortisone, which helps to raise blood volume
• midodrine (Orvaten), which helps to narrow blood vessels to raise blood pressure
• If someone’s BP is dangerously low from sepsis, other medications may be used to raise blood pressure. These include:
• alpha-adrenoceptor agonists
• epinephrine
• norepinephrine
• phenylephrine
• vasopressin analogs

10. Treat infections Some serious bacterial, viral, and fungal infections can cause low blood pressure. Your doctor can find out if you have an infection with a blood test. Treatment includes IV antibiotics and antiviral drugs.