Five ways to manage low blood pressure

Politics Spice Special Features Education Sex & Relationship Interview Columns Opinion Advertise with us Five ways to manage low blood pressure Smart tips October 31, 2026 12:20 am 3D illustration of a doctor checking a patient’s blood pressure in a clinic

To a large extent, many people are familiar with high blood pressure (hypertension) – a chronic medical condition where blood pushes too forcefully against the artery walls.

But many seem unaware of how to manage another condition known as low blood pressure (hypotension).

Recently, a gospel singer, Olayemi Bolaji, popularly known as Toluwanisings, passed away after suffering a sudden medical emergency and slumping at his home in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Although there has been no official confirmation of the cause of death, online discussions and medical commentary linked his collapse to acute low blood pressure, cardiac arrest, or exhaustion following a performance.

A leading nonprofit academic medical centre in the United States, Mayo Clinic, defines low blood pressure as “a condition in which the force of the blood pushing against the artery walls is too low.”

Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury (mm Hg). In general, low blood pressure is a reading lower than 90/60 mm Hg.

In some cases, no specific benchmark exists. Healthcare providers point out that what is considered low blood pressure for one person might be okay for someone else.

The British Heart Foundation identifies dehydration as one of the causes of hypotension. Not having enough water or fluid volume in the body leads to less blood circulating. This can result from fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, or not drinking enough fluids.

Another cause could be medications. For instance, certain prescription drugs can trigger a drop in blood pressure.

These include high blood pressure medications, antidepressants, narcotics, erectile dysfunction drugs, and medications for Parkinson’s disease.

Additionally, issues affecting how the heart pumps or beats – such as a very slow heart rate, heart valve problems, or a heart attack – can cause blood pressure to fall.

Hypotension can also result from endocrine or hormonal issues. In these cases, conditions affecting hormone-producing glands, such as hypothyroidism, Addison’s disease, or diabetes, can disrupt blood pressure regulation.

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention also identifies nutritional factors as a trigger. A lack of essential vitamins, such as vitamin B12 or folic acid, can lead to anaemia, which is linked to low blood pressure.

The latent nature of low blood pressure has been a cause of concern. In some cases, it may show no noticeable symptoms, and in others, it might cause dizziness and fainting. It can also be life-threatening.

“Low blood pressure can be as dangerous as high blood pressure,” a pharmacist, James Ucheaga, said.

“Typical signs include fatigue, dizziness, sweating, and shaky hands (tremors). For some people, it may not result in a significant negative effect, because they naturally have low blood pressure.”

Ucheaga highlighted some other notable effects of hypotension, which include blurry vision, confusion, and excessive sweating.

“It can result in fainting (syncope). Low BP can reduce circulation to the brain and can cause fainting, falls and fractures.

“Prolonged low blood pressure can cause poor circulation to organs, leading to organ damage and even shock. Again, prolonged low blood pressure can result in poor perfusion to the kidney causing kidney injury,” he added.

These are ways a patient can manage low blood pressure at home:

In cases of low blood pressure worsened by gravity (orthostatic hypotension), where gravity pulls blood into your lower body when you stand, physical countermeasures can be used, such as postural adjustments to keep blood flowing toward your heart and brain.

“Lay down flat on your back, get a pillow or pillows and put your legs on them; alternatively, the patient can lie flat on the bed while placing the heel of both legs on the wall for a few minutes. The patient is advised not to walk around until he or she is no longer dizzy or feels better,” Ucheaga advised.

Oral rehydration salts are a sterile or clean mix of water, glucose, and electrolytes (sodium and potassium) used to prevent and treat dehydration caused by acute diarrhoea, vomiting, or fever.

“When it is confirmed that a person has low blood pressure. Oral sugar salt (sodium) solutions can be taken in moderate amounts to increase the blood pressure and also resolve some of the symptoms of hypotension such as fatigue and tremors,” Ucheaga advised.

Low blood pressure can be caused by dehydration. With less fluid pushing against your artery walls, your blood pressure can fall below normal levels.

Ucheaga advised, “Increasing water intake can significantly increase the fluid volume in the blood vessels and then cause an increase in blood pressure.”

A physician, Dr Samuel Iyke, noted that in postprandial hypotension, the blood pressure drops sharply within two hours after eating a meal.

This happens when blood pools in the digestive tract, and the heart and blood vessels fail to pump hard enough or narrow quickly enough to keep blood pressure steady in the rest of the body.

“In such cases, it’s advised that the individual sit still for a while when he or she experiences the symptoms of hypotension. Or the patient can eat in smaller portions rather than eating one large meal at once,” Iyke advised.

Iyke explained that alcohol can temporarily lower one’s blood pressure immediately after consumption through blood vessel dilation, which can lead to hypotension, dizziness, and an increased risk of falls.

“Individuals with a history of low blood pressure are advised to avoid alcohol. Instead, drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids to counter dehydration,” he advised.

Victor is a Senior Correspondent at Punch Newspapers’ Features Desk with over ten years of experience as a writer and blogger. He has reported on a wide range of topics, including Lagos State Government affairs and Lagos politics, blending in-depth research with engaging storytelling. Victor’s work demonstrates hands-on newsroom experience, editorial insight, and a dedication to clear, accurate, and compelling journalism.

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