Blood pressure is the pressure that blood flow exerts on artery walls during theheart’sbeating cycle.
Blood pressure that is too high or too low can cause symptoms likeheadaches.
This article discusses signs of low blood pressure, including headaches, and ways to prevent low blood pressure.
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The top number is called thesystolicreading and the bottom number is thediastolicreading.
They correspond to the different parts of the heart’s beating cycle.
Hypotension shows up when blood pressure is low and causes symptoms.This varies by individual.
Headaches can have a range ofcauses.
Low blood pressure is just one of many possibilities.
Sudden drops in blood pressure may be life-threatening, depending on the cause.
Orthostatic hypotensionis a common cause of sudden blood pressure drop that occurs with standing.
Nutrition
You may have heard thateating a lot of salt can cause high blood pressure.
In fact, the body needs salt to hold onto water.
Those who have low blood pressure may benefit from increasing the amount of salt in their diet.
Some people with orthostatic hypotension may be prescribed salt tablets for this reason.
There may be alternatives or dosing adjustments that can be prescribed.
Summary
Headaches can be caused both by very high blood pressure or low blood pressure.
One of the most common causes of blood pressure drops accompanied by symptoms is orthostatic hypotension.
Preventing headaches from low blood pressure includes adequate hydration, proper nutrition, lifestyle considerations, and some medications.
A Word From Verywell
Headaches can be uncomfortable and painful, especially when accompanied by other symptoms.
Severe dehydration can lead to hypotension.
This can occur with large fluid losses and insufficient repletion, such as in illnesses causing vomiting and diarrhea.
Certain nutritional deficiencies can contribute to low blood pressure.
For example, vitamin B12, folate, and iron deficiency can cause anemia.
When severe, deficiencies of these nutrients can lead to hypotension.
Those who experience chronic postural hypotension can benefit from compression stockings and leg exercises.
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