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What is a Low Blood Pressure Headache?
A low blood pressure headache can occur when a person's blood pressure drops to extremely low levels. The pressure of blood is the force that the blood exerts upon the inner walls of the blood vessels. When the pressure is low, it deprives the brain and other vital organs of proper nutrients and oxygen. Deprivation of these vital nutrients and oxygen to the brain is what causes the headache to occur.
Low blood pressure is also known as hypotension. It is preferred over high blood pressure, because studies have shown that people who have lower blood pressure have a reduced risk of developing kidney or heart disease. When the pressure drops too low, however, it can cause serious and long-term damage to vital organs such as the brain, kidneys, heart, lung and liver. Some of the symptoms of a low blood pressure headache include a lightheaded feeling, fainting, dizziness, fatigue and weakness. These symptoms are often worse when a person changes positions, such as standing up from a sitting or lying position.
If the blood vessels open up too wide, it can result in low blood pressure. Other causes of low blood pressure include anemia, heart conditions, hormonal changes, dehydration and certain medications. In general, blood pressure is considered to be low when it drops below "90 over 60," or 90 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) when the heart beats and 60 mmHg between heartbeats. This number, however, does not determine whether one's pressure is too low, because some individuals might not experience any symptoms even at lower levels such, as 90/50 mmHg, and others might experience symptoms at higher levels, such as 100/60 mmHg. Therefore, low blood pressure is often determined by the signs and symptoms associated with it.
A headache might be caused by a number of things, such as toxins around the brain area, lack of oxygen or nutrients, stress or fatigue. Low blood pressure can deprive the brain of essential nutrients and oxygen, because the blood is the vehicle for the oxygen and nutrients to reach the brain. If the blood pressure is low, then not enough blood reaches the brain in time to wash away toxins and deliver nutrients to the cells. As a result, a low blood pressure headache occurs.
Treatment for this kind of headache largely depends on its cause and severity. If it is the result of dehydration, then fluids and electrolytes are often used as effective treatments. In cases of a low blood supply, intravenous fluids or blood transfusions are suitable treatment options. The risk of a low blood pressure headache can be reduced by drinking plenty of fluids, getting plenty of rest, eating small meals, avoiding alcohol and avoiding standing for long periods of time.
Discussion Comments
@heavanet- You are right, because staying well hydrated is part of the solution to having low blood pressure. Consuming drinks with electrolytes also help, as does eating juicy fruits such as melons and oranges.
I have a friend that has low blood pressure, and often gets headaches as a result. She has found that decreasing the amount of sugary drinks she consumes and replacing them with water has helped her significantly.
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