Compression Stockings For Low Blood Pressure

Do people benefit from wearing compression stockings for low blood pressure? 

Before we delve into how wearing compression stockings can affect low blood pressure, we should first talk about what blood pressure means and the different types of blood pressure conditions.

Blood pressure implies the amount of blood your heart pumps and the force with which it flows through your arteries. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg).

A blood pressure reading had 2 numbers: 

Systolic or upper number: the pressure of blood in your arteries when the heart beats.

Diastolic or lower number: the blood pressure in your arteries in between heartbeats. 

There are two types of blood pressure conditions: Hypertension and Hypotension.

Hypertension (high blood pressure) occurs when blood pressure against the arterial walls becomes very high. The person is deemed to have hypertension when the reading is above 140 mmHg for the top number (systolic) and above 90mmHg for the bottom number (diastolic). 

A person is considered to have hypotension or low blood pressure when the blood pressure reading is below 90 mmHg for the systolic number or 60 mmHg for the diastolic number. 

Unlike high blood pressure, low blood pressure in a healthy individual is not a cause for concern and may not even require any treatment via medications. However, it is essential to consider if the low blood pressure signifies any underlying condition.   

What are the Causes of Low Blood Pressure?

• Dehydration
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Fall in blood volume
• Pregnancy
• Prolonged best rest
• Allergies
• Severe infections

Some of these are temporary causes, such as pregnancy, which resolve on their own with time. Others may require dietary and lifestyle changes.

If an underlying medical condition is diagnosed for your hypotension, follow your doctor’s advice and treatment plan to manage the condition and normalize the blood pressure. 

Low blood pressure is generally not dangerous or concerning. But certain symptoms can be alarming. 

Some of the Symptoms of Low blood pressure are: 

• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Fainting
• Fatigue

Some people may only have low blood pressure symptoms when they stand. This is called orthostatic hypotension. This is usually not harmful until changes in posture lead to a fast drop in blood pressure that might lead to fainting.

The most significant danger associated with low blood pressure is dizziness and fainting, as frequent falling might increase the risk of head injuries.

If you have one of the above symptoms, you can benefit from using compression socks for low blood pressure. Make sure you seek the guidance of a doctor. They will suggest an acceptable pressure/compression level for the compression socks based on your need and the severity of your condition. 

Advantages of compression stockings for low blood pressure

• Patients can benefit from wearing compression stockings for hypotension as it helps in improving blood circulation in veins.

• Compression stockings can considerably ease symptoms of hypotension by adding pressure to your legs. 

• Compression socks also help reduce leg swelling and remove excess fluid to improve your circulatory health.

• Better blood circulation results in healthier vessels and lower cardiac stress.

Besides wearing compression stockings for low blood pressure, there are other conservative ways to raise blood pressure to normal levels.

Hydration is Important

Drinking water will boost blood volume and thus relieve one of the potential causes of low blood pressure levels. It can also prevent dehydration. Dehydration can be a culprit behind any bouts of fainting. An increase in water intake and electrolyte-packed drinks like coconut water may help avoid symptoms of hypotension.

Eat Smaller, Regular Meals

Eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day may help maintain blood pressure. Also, adding healthy snacks between meals can be a great trick to prevent hypotension.

Avoid Sudden Posture Changes

For starters, orthostatic hypotension could cause dizziness, blurred vision, and lightheadedness when sitting or standing suddenly. Apart from wearing compression stockings for low blood pressure, one easy way to combat these symptoms is to refrain from moving too quickly. Instead, move slowly, stay in a position for 60 seconds, and let your body adjust. Slowly changing postures is an easy and effective home remedy that requires small lifestyle changes and patience. 

Increase Your Salt Intake Along With Wearing Compression Socks For Low Blood Pressure

To function effectively, your body needs adequate sodium or salt to balance fluids that will help raise the low blood pressure. However, that doesn’t imply you can eat super salty, highly processed meals like canned soups or potato wafers. 

Beware of Symptoms

Primary symptoms of low blood pressure can be very generic and easy to miss. We must recognize how our bodies react and what to look for when it starts to create difficulties.

Exercise Regularly

One of the keys to maintaining healthy blood pressure is incorporating a regular workout plan. To make it simpler to keep to your goals, choose activities you enjoy doing. Any activity that causes your heart to beat faster, such as dancing, hiking, or power yoga, can do the work.

Best Compression Stockings for Orthostatic Hypotension

You can contact the authorized Sigvaris dealer at novomedshop.com to learn about the best compression stockings for orthostatic hypotension. They offer various compression levels that can cater to your specific need. You can also use the website’s measuring guidelines to help you choose the correct size of the product you want to purchase.

Summary

Throughout the day, blood pressure naturally changes. The use of compression stockings for low blood pressure is entirely safe. The overall effect on your vascular health will be a positive one.

People with hypotension should be on the lookout for symptoms of low blood pressure and should contact their doctor if the symptoms are bothering them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any side effects of wearing compression stockings for low blood pressure?

Typically, there are no side effects of wearing compression stockings specifically for someone with low blood pressure. But there are some cautionary steps that anyone wearing these must take. Ill-fitting compression stockings can indeed lead to discomfort, skin irritation, and other issues. It’s crucial to follow your doctor’s advice and get the right compression level and size based on your specific needs and conditions.

It’s important to note that individual responses to compression stockings can vary. While compression stockings are generally considered safe, it’s always advisable to consult with a doctor before using them, especially if you have underlying health conditions.

Can compression stockings help with other conditions besides low blood pressure?

Compression stockings are commonly used to help manage conditions like venous insufficiency, deep vein thrombosis, and varicose veins. They work by applying graduated pressure to the legs, promoting better blood flow and reducing swelling.

When the BP drops, it is advisable to eat salty foods or drink black coffee to raise blood pressure. Also, get your blood pressure checked regularly if you encounter any of the symptoms.

Are there different types of compression stockings for low blood pressure?

There is no specific type of compression stockings made for low blood pressure. Graduated compression socks, used for the treatment of venous conditions such as varicose veins and DVT, can also be used for low blood pressure.

It is important to note that compression stockings are not typically prescribed as a primary treatment for low blood pressure. However, a doctor will recommend compression stockings for specific reasons related to low blood pressure symptoms or conditions.

Can compression stockings be worn with other medical conditions or medications?

While compression stockings are generally considered safe to use, there are some contraindications. You must consult your healthcare professional before wearing compression socks if you suffer from any serious medical condition such as arterial insufficiency, congestive heart failure, diabetes, or rheumatoid arthritis.

How Do You Treat Low Blood Pressure Immediately?

If you experience any of the symptoms of hypotension, especially dizziness, nausea, and sweating, please take a seat immediately. In addition, it is advisable to drink water or lime water with salt since salt helps to keep blood pressure in check.

What Should We Eat When BP Is Low?

Firstly, a person suffering from low blood pressure must inform a family member about the condition to seek immediate help.

When the BP drops, it is advisable to eat salty foods or drink black coffee to raise blood pressure. Also, get your blood pressure checked regularly if you encounter any of the symptoms.