Does your elderly loved one have low blood pressure? Those with low blood pressure have blood pressure readings consistently below the lowest “normal” range. For most adults, normal blood pressure is usually less than 120/80 mm Hg. Those with low blood pressure have blood pressure lower than 90/60 mm Hg.
While some people have no symptoms of low blood pressure, it can cause some dangerous symptoms. Those symptoms can include fainting, falling, blurred vision, and/or extreme fatigue. When symptoms put your loved one at risk of harming themselves, it may be time to help manage them. Above all, getting some assistance from his physician, as well as some lifestyle changes he can make at home.
Here are some natural ways and lifestyle changes to raise low blood pressure.
Avoid abrupt position changes.
Standing up quickly can cause someone with low blood pressure to feel lightheaded, dizzy, or even faint. When your parent needs to change position (especially getting up into a raised position from sitting or laying), have his senior home care provider nearby to help him adjust to the new position. Usually going slower and waiting a bit before walking can help your parent’s body adjust.
Drink lots of fluids
Becoming dehydrated can worsen low blood pressure. The more water in the bloodstream, it helps the blood flow and keeps blood pressure up where it should be. If he is not accustomed to drinking water during the day, have him fill up a bottle each day. Then, that needs to be completely drunk several times a day. His senior home care provider can also help. Making lemonade or non-caffeinated iced tea for him to drink if he doesn’t like plain water will help.
Eat several small meals each day
Eating several small meals daily can prevent a drop in blood pressure that often occurs after eating a large, heavy meal. Having someone like a senior home care provider prep his weekly meals can ensure he has what he needs to eat healthy, small meals.
Wear compression socks
Compression socks help ensure the blood doesn’t pool in the legs and feet, by pushing it out to the rest of the body. This can keep his blood pressure at a higher level.
Eat more salt
If your loved one doesn’t have other health issues that require a cut back on salt, adding a bit of salt to his diet can be a benefit, by increasing his blood pressure.
Drink less alcohol
Alcohol can lower blood pressure, so your loved one should avoid drinking excessive amounts. He may not need to cut it out completely, but reducing how much alcohol he drinks can help increase his blood pressure.
If your loved one still struggles with the side effects of low blood pressure after making these changes, discussing a medication to help him manage his blood pressure with his doctor may be the next step.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Senior Home Care in Phoenix, AZ, please contact the caring staff at Home Care Resources at (602) 443-4700.
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