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Q: |
Is Low Blood Pressure Bad?
Dear Tony,
I recently went in to donate blood on behalf of a relative who was in a bad car accident. I’ve always known I have low blood pressure, but this time it was 98 over 52 and they refused to take my blood. I joked that I probably didn’t have enough pressure to even cause a spurt, but I left feeling a little concerned. I always thought low blood pressure was good?
Laura H., Los Angeles, CA |
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A: |
Dear Laura:
Low blood pressure is most often a good thing. Called hypotension, it is commonly defined as pressures less than 100/60 (pressure below 120/80 is considered optimal.) It is not a problem unless you have symptoms, such as dizziness, weakness, fatigue and palpitations. Studies show that the lower your blood pressure, the lower your risk of cardiovascular disease.
Many people with normal or even elevated blood pressure occasionally experience a form of low blood pressure called orthostatic hypotension, which is a temporary drop in blood pressure that occurs when you rise from a lying or seated position. You may feel momentarily faint, but this problem corrects itself.
If you have none of these symptoms and are generally in good health, I suggest that the next time you go to donate blood you use a few pressure-raising tips. Before going in, do some brisk marching in place, while raising your arms over your head. When in the office, flex your abdominal muscles or flex your feet to elevate blood from your legs. Your blood pressure should raise to the acceptable 100/60 point.
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Ask Tony articles are reprinted by permission of Ms. Fitness magazine at P.O. Box 2490, White City, OR 97503. Ms. Fitness® is a registered trademark of Wally Boyko Productions, Inc., in the USA, Canada, European Union and other countries. All rights reserved. Wally Boyko Productions, Inc. P.O. Box 2490 White City, OR 97503 USA 1.541.830.0400 |
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