what helps low blood pressure

Low blood pressure often improves with simple steps like drinking more fluids, standing up slowly, eating smaller meals, and, if your clinician says it’s okay, increasing salt a bit. It can also help to avoid alcohol, move around regularly, and use compression stockings in some cases.

What helps

• Drink plenty of water or other fluids, since dehydration can make blood pressure drop.

• Get up slowly from bed or a chair to avoid dizziness.

• Eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of large meals.

• Stay active with light movement or short walks; long periods of sitting can worsen symptoms.

• Ask a clinician whether a little more salt is safe for you, because it is not right for everyone.

• If recommended, compression stockings may help keep blood circulating.

When it matters

Low blood pressure is not always a problem, but it can be concerning if it causes dizziness, fainting, weakness, or confusion. If symptoms are frequent, severe, or follow a new medicine change, medical advice is important because the cause may need treatment rather than just the numbers.

Get urgent help

Seek urgent care if low blood pressure comes with chest pain, trouble breathing, fainting, severe confusion, or signs of shock.