Low Blood Pressure High Sugar

Low Blood Pressure (hypotension)

A A A Low blood pressure is a difficult clinical finding for a healthcare professional to address. While high blood pressure is known as the "silent killer," because it is associated with few acute symptoms, hypotension (hypo=low + tension=pressure) may be normal for a patient if it is without symptoms, but can be of great importance if it is associated with abnormal body function. Sometimes low is good, a goal to be achieved in keeping blood pressure under control. Sometimes low is bad because there is not enough pressure to provide blood flow to the organs of the body. Blood pressure readings have two parts and are expressed as a ratio: "Normal" blood pressure, for example is 120/80 (120 over 80) and measures the pressure within the arteries of the body. Systolic pressure, the upper number, measures the pressure within the arteries when the heart is contracting (systole) to pump blood to the body. Diastole pressure, the lower number, measures resting pressures within the arteries, when the heart is at rest. You can think of the heart and the blood vessels (arteries and veins) as a system to pump blood, just like the oil pump in your car. Oil is pumped through rigid tubes. Pressure remains relatively constant throughout the pumping cycle unless the pump fails or there is an oil leak. Then oil pressure will fall. The body is similar, except that the tubes have pliable walls, meaning that the space within the arteries can get bigger or smaller. If the space gets bigger, there is effectively less fluid, and pressure falls. If the space gets smaller, pressure goes up. Arteries have layers of muscles within their walls that can contract and narrow the artery, making less space inside the vessels. Alternatively, the muscles can relax and dilate the artery, making more room. Continue reading >>

Lower Blood Pressure, Higher Glucose?

I've read that hydrochlorothiazide can raise blood sugar levels. Is this true? My doctor prescribed it for my high blood pressure, but why would he do that if he knew it could raise my glucose levels? — Connie, Ohio The jury is still out regarding the long-term effect of hydrochlorothiazide on blood glucose because the results from studies have been mixed. While some studies have shown that there is indeed a higher risk of elevated glucose, others have not confirmed this finding. Here's what we know: Individuals who are taking thiazide diuretics, of which hydrochlorothiazide is one, can develop a mild case of elevated glucose, usually if their potassium levels are also low. When the potassium level normalizes, the glucose level goes back to normal. Thiazide diuretics have proven beneficial to people with high blood pressure and are among the best, safest, and least expensive of blood pressure drugs. The use of beta-blockers (which are also prescribed to treat high blood pressure) along with thiazide diuretics can, however, increase blood glucose levels. It is possible that hydrochlorothiazide increases the production of glucose from the liver, and because beta-blockers limit the absorption of glucose into cells, the use of these medicines in tandem can raise glucose levels significantly enough to cause diabetes. My recommendation is this: Make sure your potassium level is normal or high-normal when taking hydrochlorothiazide. If your doctor tells you that your levels are low, eating bananas — which are rich in potassium — can help. And, unless absolutely necessary, avoid mixing beta-blockers with hydrochlorothiazide. Your best bet is to visit your doctor. Ask him to explain the benefits and risks of taking hydrocholorthiazide versus some other antihypertensive dru Continue reading >>

Blood Sugar And Blood Pressure Relationship

I was hypertensive quite for some time but I have always been on medication under supervision of medical doctor. About six month ago, new symptom of weekness came which was diagnosed as diabetic. Before detection of the BP problem, I have to critically rethink and compare my recent feeling in the chest region. Whenever I wake up to urinate in the night, I always observed palpitation in the chest which sometimes may or may not disbub my sleep again. After detection of diabetic,among the findings by a cardiologist, my doctor was that, my BMI rose to 27.5, I was then placed on some drug and strickly adviced to control my weight by limiting myself to some foods which are: whole beans, whole wheat products, complex cabohyrdates, a lot vegetable and high fiber vegetatble and limited amount of fatty foods which I did. Within the six months I lost about 8.5kg.During the treatment I was responding very well, the BP came down. But now the the sugar has reduced in the blood. My real problem is that it appears that whenever the blood sugar is below 6.4mmole, the blood pressure begings to rise accompanied with increase pulse rate followed by palpitation of the heart. At sugar below 5.8, I feel very week almost dizzy. If I take glucose to quickly safe situations, and it went up to 9.5mmol, the BP becomes unctrollable satisfatcorilly by my drugs. It appears that my best sugar range is within a very narrow range possibly between 6.2-7.0 mmol. (i) Does it mean that, my own sugar range is not within 4.1-6.1 mmol. (ii) could it have responsible for my risen blood pressure all the while. Continue reading >>

When Blood Pressure Is Too Low

Talk around blood pressure typically centers on what to do if blood pressure is too high. We know that high blood pressure is more common in people with diabetes than people without diabetes. We also know that uncontrolled high blood pressure is a risk factor for stroke, heart disease, and kidney disease. The American Diabetes Association recommends a blood pressure goal of less than 140/80 for most people with diabetes. But what if your blood pressure is too low? Is it cause for concern? And what do you do about it? Low blood pressure defined Low blood pressure is also known as “hypotension.” You might be thinking that low blood pressure is a good thing, especially if yours tends to run on the high side. But the reality is that low blood pressure can be a serious condition for some people. For people without diabetes, the American Heart Association recommends a blood pressure of less than 120 over 80 (written as 120/80). Low blood pressure is generally defined as a blood pressure of less than 90/60. If your blood pressure tends to hover in that area without any symptoms, then there’s likely no cause for concern. But if symptoms occur, that’s a signal that something is amiss. Symptoms of low blood pressure Low blood pressure may be a sign that there’s an underlying medical condition, especially if your blood pressure drops suddenly or if you have the following symptoms: • Dizziness or lightheadedness • Fainting • Fast or irregular heartbeat • Feeling weak • Feeling confused • Lack of concentration • Blurred vision • Cold, clammy skin • Nausea • Rapid, shallow breathing • Depression • Dehydration That’s quite a list. Some of the above symptoms can occur if you have, say, the flu, a stomach bug, or have been outside for a long time in h Continue reading >>

All About Hypoglycemia (low Blood Sugar)

Hypoglycemia refers to an abnormally low level of sugar, or glucose, in the blood. Hypoglycemia is not a disease in itself, it is a sign of a health problem. The brain uses a lot of energy and needs glucose to function. Because the brain cannot store or manufacture glucose, it needs a continuous supply. Signs of low blood sugar include hunger, trembling, heart racing, nausea, and sweating. Hypoglycemia is commonly linked with diabetes, but many other conditions can also cause low blood sugar. This article will discuss the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of hypoglycemia, and the difference between hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. We will also look at how to prevent it. Here are some key points about hypoglycemia. More detail is in the main article. Hypoglycemia is not a disease but a symptom of another condition. Early symptoms include hunger, sweating, and trembling. A common cause is diabetes. Alcohol abuse and kidney disorders can also lower blood sugar levels. What is hypoglycemia? Hypoglycemia is a condition where there is not enough glucose, or sugar, in the blood. Levels of blood sugar are below 4 mmol/L (72mg/dL). Adults and children with mild hypoglycemia may experience the following early symptoms: hunger tremor or trembling sweating irritability a pale face heart palpitations accelerated heart rate tingling lips dizziness weakness Severe hypoglycemia is sometimes called diabetic shock. It may involve: concentration problems confusion irrational and disorderly behavior, similar to intoxication inability to eat or drink Complications If a person does not take action when symptoms of hypoclycemia appear, it can lead to: A person who regularly experiences hypoglycemia may become unaware that it is happening. They will not notice the warning signs, and this can lea Continue reading >>

Diabetes And High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure (hypertension) can lead to many complications of diabetes, including diabetic eye disease and kidney disease, or make them worse. Most people with diabetes will eventually have high blood pressure, along with other heart and circulation problems. Diabetes damages arteries and makes them targets for hardening, called atherosclerosis. That can cause high blood pressure, which if not treated, can lead to trouble including blood vessel damage, heart attack, and kidney failure. Compared to those with normal blood pressure readings, people with hypertension more often have: Peripheral vascular disease, hardening of the arteries in the legs and feet Even blood pressure that's at the higher end of normal (120/80 to 129/80), called elevated, impacts your health. Studies show that you have a two to three times greater chance of getting heart disease over 10 years. Readings vary, but most people with diabetes should have a blood pressure of no more than 130/80. The first, or top, number is the "systolic pressure," or the pressure in your arteries when your heart squeezes and fills the vessels with blood. The second, or bottom, number is the "diastolic pressure," or the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats, filling itself with blood for the next contraction. When it comes to preventing diabetes complications, normal blood pressure is as important as good control of your blood sugar levels. Usually, high blood pressure has no symptoms. That's why you need to check your blood pressure regularly. Your doctor will probably measure it at every visit, and you may need to check it at home, too. Many of the things you do for your diabetes will also help with high blood pressure: Control your blood sugar. Don't drink a lot of alcohol. Limit how m Continue reading >>

When Is Blood Pressure Too Low

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 75 million adults in the U.S. have high blood pressure. That amounts to one in every three adults. And according to the American Diabetes Association, two out of three people who have diabetes also have high blood pressure. So, understandably, a lot of attention is focused on helping people lower their blood pressure to a safe level. But what if you have blood pressure that’s too low? What does it mean? And what should you do? Low blood pressure, defined We’ve all had our blood pressure checked at the doctor’s office numerous times. The nurse or medical assistant wraps a cuff around your upper arm, pumps it up, and, as it is deflating, listens with a stethoscope. What he or she is listening for is, first, the sound when blood starts flowing as the cuff is released — that’s the systolic, or top number — and then the last sound that’s heard before blood flow returns to normal — that’s the diastolic, or bottom number. An “ideal” blood pressure reading is under 120/80 mmHg. For most people who have diabetes, the goal is less than 140/90 mmHg. All well and good, but what about low blood pressure? Low blood pressure is also called “hypotension.” Hypotension, according to the National, Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, is “abnormally low blood pressure,” and, in general, is a blood pressure that is below 90/60 mm Hg. Why is low blood pressure a concern? With all the concern around high blood pressure, or hypertension, it almost seems like the lower your blood pressure, the better. After all, high blood pressure isn’t called the “silent killer” for nothing. It’s a leading risk factor for heart attack and stroke, and can also cause kidney disease, blindness, and dementia. Low Continue reading >>

Low Blood Sugar (hypoglycemia)

Low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia, can be a dangerous condition. Low blood sugar can happen in people with diabetes who take medicines that increase insulin levels in the body. Taking too much medication, skipping meals, eating less than normal, or exercising more than usual can lead to low blood sugar for these individuals. Blood sugar is also known as glucose. Glucose comes from food and serves as an important energy source for the body. Carbohydrates — foods such as rice, potatoes, bread, tortillas, cereal, fruit, vegetables, and milk — are the body’s main source of glucose. After you eat, glucose is absorbed into your bloodstream, where it travels to your body’s cells. A hormone called insulin, which is made in the pancreas, helps your cells use glucose for energy. If you eat more glucose than you need, your body will store it in your liver and muscles or change it into fat so it can be used for energy when it’s needed later. Without enough glucose, your body cannot perform its normal functions. In the short term, people who aren’t on medications that increase insulin have enough glucose to maintain blood sugar levels, and the liver can make glucose if needed. However, for those on these specific medications, a short-term reduction in blood sugar can cause a lot of problems. Your blood sugar is considered low when it drops below 70 mg/dL. Immediate treatment for low blood sugar levels is important to prevent more serious symptoms from developing. Explaining low blood sugar in layman's terms » Symptoms of low blood sugar can occur suddenly. They include: rapid heartbeat sudden nervousness headache hunger shaking sweating People with hypoglycemic unawareness do not know their blood sugar is dropping. If you have this condition, your blood sugar Continue reading >>

Lower Your Sugar Intake To Reduce High Blood Pressure

Research shows that cutting back on sugar helps to reduce high blood pressure. Learn how to modify your diet to avoid sugar and lower heart disease risk. There are now several studies confirming that too much sugar will put you at a greater risk for developing heart disease than too much cholesterol. Yet, while Americans are very aware of the dangers of high cholesterol, few people are educated about how harmful sugar can be. One of the biggest dangers is how it can be a cause for high blood pressure (hypertension). Research Shows Sugar is a Cause for High Blood Pressure Researchers at Louisiana State University analyzed the results of the 18-month PREMIER Study which was conducted on 810 people with prehypertension or stage I hypertension. Their goal was to evaluate how sugar sweetened beverages affected blood pressure. Get more of Dr. Sinatra's advice on Healthy Blood Pressure The results, which were published in the journal Circulation, found that cutting back on sugar will reduce blood pressure. In fact, they found that those who drank one less serving of sugary beverages per day had a measurable decline in blood pressure after 18 months. This is important because high blood pressure is a risk factor for both heart disease and stroke, and even moderate reductions in blood pressure readings can lower that risk. Tips for Avoiding Sugar to Reduce High Blood Pressure To lower your sugar intake and thereby reduce your high blood pressure, try these four simple steps: 1. Lower Your High Fructose Corn Syrup Intake Most of the sugar you eat is “hidden,” usually under the guise of high fructose corn syrup in processed foods. This corn-based sweetener is used in thousands of foods, from ketchup and tomato sauces to soft drinks and crackers. Research heavily suggests it is Continue reading >>

High And Low Blood Pressure Symptoms

Tweet Blood pressure control is important whether you have diabetes or not. However, having high blood pressure is a key risk factor in developing heart disease, stroke and other complications of diabetes. Diabetes and high blood pressure are often associated, and many people with diabetes take medication to lower their blood pressure. What is blood pressure? Blood pressure means the pressure of blood in your arteries as it is being pumped by the heart. Targets for people with type 1 diabetes The targets for people with type 1 diabetes is to have a resting blood pressure level below 135/85 mmHg. If you have signs of kidney disease or metabolic syndrome your blood pressure level should be below 130/80 mmHg. Targets for people with type 2 diabetes The target blood pressure targets for type 2 diabetes: Below 140/80 mmHg Or below 130/80 mmHg if you have kidney disease, retinopathy or have cerebrovascular disease (including stroke) What are the symptoms of high blood pressure? Most diabetics with high blood pressure have no symptoms. However, very high blood pressure or rapidly rising blood pressure can cause: Headaches Vision problems Nose bleeds Trouble breathing Fits Black-outs What are the symptoms of low blood pressure? Similar to high blood pressure, the symptoms of low pressure may not always be apparent. If you do get symptoms, they may be identified as any of the following: Feeling dizzy, light headed or fainting Blurred vision A rapid or irregular heartbeat Feeling nauseous Confusion What do blood pressure numbers mean? Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury, as two figures, for example 124/80 mmHg. The first number (124 in this case) is known as systolic pressure - pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts. The second number (80 here) is dias Continue reading >>

Does Hypoglycemia Cause High Blood Pressure?

Hypoglycemia occurs when the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood is too low. Normally, your body keeps your blood glucose within a concentration range of 4.0 mmol/L to 8.0 mmol/L (about 70 mg/dL to 140 mg/dL). In order to do this, the body has mechanisms that involve the hormone insulin, which is made by the pancreas, as well as several other hormones. When blood sugar levels rise, the pancreas responds by releasing insulin to encourage the movement of glucose from the bloodstream to the cells. Insulin lowers the amount of glucose in your blood by signalling the cells in the body to use the glucose as fuel. Your body uses glucose as its main fuel. The brain requires a constant supply of blood glucose and will signal the adrenal glands to release two hormones called adrenaline and cortisol whenever blood glucose levels are low. The adrenaline and cortisol then signal the liver to convert the carbohydrates it stores (from the foods we eat) into glucose and release it into the bloodstream. The pancreas is also involved in raising blood glucose levels if they fall too low. When blood sugar is low, the pancreas releases the hormone glucagon, which increases blood sugar by signalling the liver to convert stored carbohydrates into glucose and to create new glucose molecules from other substances (such as amino acids) in the liver. If these mechanisms don’t work properly, the blood glucose remains too low and the brain won’t be able to function normally. Hypoglycemia can also be caused by a problem with the pituitary or adrenal glands, the pancreas, the kidneys, or the liver. The pituitary gland controls the body’s production of some of the hormones needed to raise the body’s blood sugar levels if they fall too low. These hormones include cortisol, which is released f Continue reading >>

Low Blood Pressure (hypotension)

Print Overview Low blood pressure might seem desirable, and for some people, it causes no problems. However, for many people, abnormally low blood pressure (hypotension) can cause dizziness and fainting. In severe cases, low blood pressure can be life-threatening. A blood pressure reading lower than 90 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) for the top number (systolic) or 60 mm Hg for the bottom number (diastolic) is generally considered low blood pressure. The causes of low blood pressure can range from dehydration to serious medical or surgical disorders. It's important to find out what's causing your low blood pressure so that it can be treated. Symptoms For some people, low blood pressure signals an underlying problem, especially when it drops suddenly or is accompanied by signs and symptoms such as: Dizziness or lightheadedness Fainting (syncope) Blurred vision Nausea Fatigue Lack of concentration Shock Extreme hypotension can result in this life-threatening condition. Signs and symptoms include: Confusion, especially in older people Cold, clammy, pale skin Rapid, shallow breathing Weak and rapid pulse When to see a doctor If you have indications of shock, seek emergency medical help. If you have consistently low blood pressure readings but feel fine, your doctor is likely just to monitor you during routine exams. Even occasional dizziness or lightheadedness may be a relatively minor problem — the result of mild dehydration from too much time in the sun or a hot tub, for example. Still, it's important to see your doctor if you have signs or symptoms of hypotension because they can point to more-serious problems. It can be helpful to keep a record of your symptoms, when they occur and what you're doing at the time. Causes Blood pressure is a measurement of the pressure i Continue reading >>

6 Best Tips To Lower Blood Pressure When You Have Diabetes

If you have diabetes , youve probably already startedcounting carbs and exercising more to keep your blood sugar stable. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy But you may be neglecting another, often silent problem that can go hand-in-hand with diabetes: high blood pressure. Also known as hypertension , the condition occurs in as many as two-thirds of people with diabetes. If you have both conditions and either is out of control, your risk of blood vessel damage increases, heightening the likelihood of complications like heart attack, stroke or kidney failure. If both conditions are unmanaged, the risk is even greater. Here are sixsuggestions to help keep your blood pressure in check. RELATED: Have Diabetes? Why You Need to Know Your Blood Pressure Numbers Exercise is an important part of any healthy lifestyle. It strengthens the heart and makes it pump more efficiently, so it is particularly critical if you have hypertension. To improve cardiovascular health and maintain your weight, try to get 150 minutes each week of aerobic activity. You want to spread this over at least three days, with no more than two consecutive days without exercise. This can include walking, cycling and swimming. If you find yourself struggling to figure out which foods in the grocery aisles have too much sodium, heres a good tip to follow: Food in its natural state is best. Skip over processed foods and opt for fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean meats. RELATED: 3 Natural Ways to Control Your High Blood Pressure If you are planning to start a low-sodium diet (no more than 1,500 mg per day), the first step is to get rid of the salt shaker. I Continue reading >>

Low Blood Pressure - When Blood Pressure Is Too Low

Within certain limits, the lower your blood pressure reading is, the better. There is also no specific number at which day-to-day blood pressure is considered too low, as long as none of the symptoms of trouble are present. Symptoms of low blood pressure Most doctors will only consider chronically low blood pressure as dangerous if it causes noticeable signs and symptoms, such as: Dizziness or lightheadedness Nausea Dehydration and unusual thirst Dehydration can sometimes cause blood pressure to drop. However, dehydration does not always cause low blood pressure. Fever, vomiting, severe diarrhea, overuse of diuretics and strenuous exercise can all lead to dehydration, a potentially serious condition in which your body loses more water than you take in. Even mild dehydration (a loss of as little as 1 percent to 2 percent of body weight) can cause weakness, dizziness and fatigue. Lack of concentration Blurred vision Cold, clammy, pale skin Rapid, shallow breathing Fatigue Depression Underlying causes of low blood pressure Low blood pressure can occur with: Prolonged bed rest Pregnancy During the first 24 weeks of pregnancy, it’s common for blood pressure to drop. Decreases in blood volume A decrease in blood volume can also cause blood pressure to drop. A significant loss of blood from major trauma, dehydration or severe internal bleeding reduces blood volume, leading to a severe drop in blood pressure. Certain medications A number of drugs can cause low blood pressure, including diuretics and other drugs that treat hypertension; heart medications such as beta blockers; drugs for Parkinson’s disease; tricyclic antidepressants; erectile dysfunction drugs, particularly in combination with nitroglycerine; narcotics and alcohol. Other prescription and over-the-counter dru Continue reading >>

Low Blood Pressure Symptoms: Six Signs You Could Have Hypotension - And How To Treat It

Low blood pressure symptoms: Six signs you could have hypotension - and how to treat it Low blood pressure symptoms: Six signs you could have hypotension - and how to treat it LOW BLOOD pressure is generally a good thing, indicating youre fit and healthy, but if it becomes lower than whats considered normal it can cause problems. There are six symptoms you should watch out for that could prompt you to seek treatment from your GP. Blood pressure is recorded with two numbers - the systolic pressure (the higher number) and the diastolic pressure (the lower number). The systolic pressure is the force at which your heart pumps blood around your body, whereas the diastolic pressure is the resistance to the blood flow in the blood vessels. Low blood pressure, known as hypotension, is a reading of 90/60mmHg or less. It doesnt always cause symptoms, but you may need treatment if it does. Low pressure symptoms: There are six signs you could have hypotension Low blood pressure, known as hypotension, is a reading of 90/60mmHg or less The NHS advises to get your blood pressure checked if you keep getting Low pressure symptoms: Lightheadedness or dizziness is one of the signs Low pressure symptoms: Blurred vision can also be an indicator The health body urges people that if you have low blood pressure and keep getting symptoms such as dizziness to see your GP. While medication can be used to treat low blood pressure, this is actually rarely needed because simple lifestyle measures or treating the underlying cause is usually effective. The NHS lists a number of ways to ease low blood pressure symptoms yourself: Take care when getting out of bed - move slowly from lying to sitting to standing Raise the head of your bed by about 15cm with bricks or heavy books Eat small, frequent meals Continue reading >>