How to safely increase blood pressure

[Ian@1904]

As my beloved as slightly high blood presure we have been using a BP monitor. My BP is regularly 100-120 over 60-70. This evening after a days diving my BP was 80/50.
Yesterday I had a cramp attack, and nearly fainted. Not the first time I have noticed this over the years.

We eat our 5 or more portions of fruit and veg most days, very little fried product-unless with olive oil, and do a decent amount of exercise. We don't add salt to cooking or to taste. Alcohol consumption is 20-25 units per week.

If I wanted to increase my BP and maintain a healthy lifestyle how should I do this? I am curious rather than concerned.

[Lou]

Originally Posted by Ian@1904

As my beloved as slightly high blood presure we have been using a BP monitor. My BP is regularly 100-120 over 60-70. This evening after a days diving my BP was 80/50.
Yesterday I had a cramp attack, and nearly fainted. Not the first time I have noticed this over the years.

We eat our 5 or more portions of fruit and veg most days, very little fried product-unless with olive oil, and do a decent amount of exercise. We don't add salt to cooking or to taste. Alcohol consumption is 20-25 units per week.

If I wanted to increase my BP and maintain a healthy lifestyle how should I do this? I am curious rather than concerned.

Your usual BP sounds about right. Same as mine approx. It will be low after diving surely, as your body doesn't need high blood pressure when you are supported by water? Plus you will be losing fluid

[David Pye]

Are you drinking plenty?

Failing that, it might be worth a quick chat with your doctor. I'd have thought 80/50 is pretty low and would definitely predispose you to fainting etc.

David

[Neil M]

NHS Direct - Health encyclopaedia -Blood pressure (low)
BBC - Health - Ask the doctor - Blood pressure - low

[Odin]

You need to eat more currys/chips/burgers
Drink more Guinness

Is it a wrist monitor?
If an arm monitor - do you measure your NIBP on the same arm each time?
It can make a difference.
Loss of fluid can cause a low pressure - dehydration? Nose bleed?

[dlegros]

How long after diving was it?

I could suggest mechanisms for a BP drop post dive, but 80 systolic is too low.

I recommend you get this investigated. You say this isn't the first time, you could have a heart rhythm irregularity you are unaware of. Investigations such as 24hr ECG and BP sound warranted.

HTH

[Sakara Drinker]

Is your monitor at the same level as your heart?

[Ian@1904]

Originally Posted by David Pye

Are you drinking plenty?

Yes thanks, plenty of water and orange sqush during the day and sports drinks when diving

Originally Posted by Odin

Is it a wrist monitor?
If an arm monitor - do you measure your NIBP on the same arm each time?
It can make a difference.
Loss of fluid can cause a low pressure - dehydration? Nose bleed?

Arm monitor, as used by our practise nurse/GP, used at arm level, same arm

Originally Posted by dlegros

How long after diving was it?

I could suggest mechanisms for a BP drop post dive, but 80 systolic is too low.

I recommend you get this investigated. You say this isn't the first time, you could have a heart rhythm irregularity you are unaware of. Investigations such as 24hr ECG and BP sound warranted.

HTH

We came out of the water about 2.30pm-two forty minute dives. Test was about 7pm.

I have an annual test with the GP and no comment has ever been made. The fainting is rare.

Originally Posted by Lou

Your usual BP sounds about right. Same as mine approx. It will be low after diving surely, as your body doesn't need high blood pressure when you are supported by water? Plus you will be losing fluid

That makes sense to me. Hot chocolate is a good fluid replacement solution? Since arriving home I have been topping up on fluids-Badger ale mostly.

[Ian@1904]

Now up to 107/60 might be safe to stand up again.

But the original question still stands aboout how to safely increase BP-Guiness not being my most favourite drink.

[dlegros]

Originally Posted by Ian@1904

Now up to 107/60 might be safe to stand up again.

But the original question still stands aboout how to safely increase BP-Guiness not being my most favourite drink.

Ian, I'm afraid my original answer still stands - go and see your GP and get this investigated.