What is Hypotension

As your heart beats, it forces blood through your body. This force is called blood pressure. If you have hypotension, you have low blood pressure. When your blood pressure is too low, you may not get enough blood to your brain. You may feel weak, feel light-headed, have a fast heartbeat, or even pass out (faint).

Follow these instructions at home:

Eating and drinking

• Drink enough fluids to keep your pee (urine) clear or pale yellow.
• Eat a healthy diet, and follow instructions from your doctor about eating or drinking restrictions. A healthy diet includes:
  • Fresh fruits and vegetables.
  • Whole grains.
  • Low-fat (lean) meats.
  • Low-fat dairy products.
• Eat extra salt only as told. Do not add extra salt to your diet unless your doctor tells you to.
• Eat small meals often.
• Avoid standing up quickly after you eat.

Medicines

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your doctor.
  • Follow instructions from your doctor about changing how much you take (the dosage) of your medicines, if this applies.
  • Do not stop or change your medicine on your own.

General instructions

• Wear compression stockings as told by your doctor.
• Get up slowly from lying down or sitting.
• Avoid hot showers and a lot of heat as told by your doctor.
• Return to your normal activities as told by your doctor. Ask what activities are safe for you.
• Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco, such as cigarettes and e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your doctor.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your doctor. This is important.

Contact a doctor if:

• You throw up (vomit).
• You have watery poop (diarrhea).
• You have a fever for more than 2–3 days.
• You feel more thirsty than normal.
• You feel weak and tired.

Get help right away if:

• You have chest pain.
• You have a fast or irregular heartbeat.
• You lose feeling (get numbness) in any part of your body.
• You cannot move your arms or your legs.
• You have trouble talking.
• You get sweaty or feel light-headed.
• You faint.
• You have trouble breathing.
• You have trouble staying awake.
• You feel confused.