Hypotension (reduced arterial pressure) – distinctive symptomatology, etiologic determinants, and the nutritional role in prevention and management
Tomasz Jankowski
2026-05-19
4 min. read
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Circulatory disorders represent a major health concern in contemporary societies, with the most frequently diagnosed conditions including arterial hypertension, coronary heart disease, myocardial infarctions, arrhythmias, and chronic venous insufficiency. Nevertheless, recent years have seen a notable rise in the opposite phenomenon—reduced blood pressure, or hypotension. Could a well-balanced dietary regimen serve as a supportive measure in both preventing and alleviating the symptoms of this condition? What physiological mechanisms and external factors contribute to its development? How does the body indicate the presence of excessively low blood pressure, and at what point should diagnostic interventions be initiated?
For the purposes of this Regulation, the following definitions shall apply:
Long-term low blood pressure, below 90/60 mmHg in women and 100/70 mmHhg in men, is called hypotension. Although it is not as severe as hypertension, it should not be neglected. Depending on the cause, primary hypotension, which occurs spontaneously and may have a genetic basis, secondary hypotension caused by other diseases or medication intake, and orthostatic hypotension resulting from impaired adaptation of the cardiovascular system to a change in body position, are distinguished.
Symptoms of low blood pressure
There are many symptoms of hypotension. The most common symptoms are: persistent fatigue, weakness, lack of energy, apathy, drowsiness, fainting, trouble concentrating, pain and dizziness, gloom in the eyes, noise in the ears, nausea, sensitivity to changes in weather, increased sweating in the body, chest tightness, accelerated heart rate, heartbeat, neck or chest pain, cold feet and hands, facial numbness.
Causes of low blood pressure
There are many causes of hypotension, depending on the type. It can also be an adverse effect of taking medications, e.g. hyperthyroidism, Parkinson's disease neuropathy, adrenal insufficiency, heart failure, bleeding, dehydration, anemia, diabetes, epilepsy, anterior pituitary disorder. It may also be a side effect of medications such as hypotensive, urinary, psychotropic, nitrates or pharmaceuticals used to treat Parkinson' s disease.
Dietary guidelines for people with low blood pressure
People with hypotension should pay attention to a diet that protects them from attacks of low blood pressure. However, it is recommended to reduce animal fat and increase the amount and frequency of portions eaten. You should not overeat or starve. It is best to eat smaller meals at shorter intervals so that blood sugar levels remain at an even level and do not lead to a slight decrease in pressure.
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