Prevention/illnesses | 9.4.2026
Whilst low blood pressure is usually harmless, it can cause dizziness, fatigue or concentration problems, and does carry a risk of fainting and falls. Dr Gözde Polat, specialist in general internal medicine at Ärztezentrum Liestal, explains how to recognise the warning signs and restabilise your circulation.
In general, low blood pressure is a reading of below 100/60 mmHg in women and below 110/70 mmHg in men. The first number (systolic) measures the pressure your blood is pushing against your artery walls when the heart beats, while the second number (diastolic) measures the pressure your blood is pushing against your artery walls while the heart muscle rests between beats.
A single reading does not tell you very much. For a more reliable picture, it is better to take the average of a series of home blood pressure readings at the same time over several days.
“Low blood pressure is not usually problematic in young, healthy people,” says Dr Gözde Polat. This is not the case with high blood pressure, where it is important to take measures to lower your blood pressure. “It is not the readings alone that make the difference, but the impact on your health. Symptoms such as severe dizziness, repeated fainting or issues that impact your daily life should be taken seriously. And anyone experiencing chest pains, shortness of breath or palpitations should seek immediate medical attention.”
Typical symptoms include:
Low blood pressure temporarily reduces the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain, heart and other organs. The body will then supply the vital organs first, resulting in colder extremities.
Women tend to be more affected by low blood pressure symptoms, which is most likely due to hormonal differences, especially the influence of oestrogen and progesterone. Circulatory problems tend to occur more often in certain phases of life:
During pregnancy: stay hydrated (drink at least 2 to 2.5 litres a day, more in the heat), eat a balanced diet with normal salt intake, do gentle exercise, such as walking, swimming or low-impact yoga. Avoid standing for long periods, elevate your legs from time to time and, if medically recommended, wear support socks or compression stockings.
During your cycle and heavy periods: make sure you are getting plenty of iron and B vitamins. See a doctor if you are experiencing severe fatigue or dizziness. Strength training is good for stabilising the circulation, as is getting plenty of sleep and taking steps to reduce stress, for example through breathing exercises.
During menopause: in addition to general measures, herbal supplements such as isoflavones, red clover or black cohosh can help you through this period.
Low blood pressure has many causes and can be broken down into three types:
Measure your blood pressure over several days, preferably at the same time of day. Do not drink coffee, smoke or exercise in the 30 minutes beforehand. Take measurements on your arm at heart level after sitting down resting for a few minutes. Your back should be supported and your feet flat.
In case of uncertainty, 24-hour blood pressure monitoring is recommended.
To determine if the blood pressure drops sharply when moving into standing position, an orthostasis test is performed: this involves taking an initial reading when lying down, followed by a reading one minute after standing and another three minutes after. A significant decrease indicates orthostatic hypotension.
In addition, laboratory testing can reveal possible causes such as anaemia or a hormonal disorder.
A simple but effective measure to combat low blood pressure is to stay hydrated. According to Dr Gözde Polat, “Drinking at least 2 to 2.5 litres of water a day, or more in warm conditions or during exercise, helps to maintain a stable blood volume”.
A balanced diet is just as important. Nutrients such as iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid are crucial for blood formation. Magnesium and potassium support heart and muscle activity. And vitamin C improves iron absorption. Provided you don’t have heart or kidney disease, increasing your salt intake, with a seasoned broth, salted nuts or olives for example, can help increase your blood pressure.
These exercises aid venous return and can help to quickly stabilise blood pressure.
If you are fainting, experiencing regular dizzy spells or falls or have any new circulation-related symptoms, such as palpitations, shortness of breath or chest pain, you should seek medical assistance.
The first point of call should be your family doctor (GP), who will try to determine the underlying problem and refer you to a specialist if necessary – for example, to a cardiologist for heart problems or a neurologist if you have a suspected nervous system disorder such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s.
According to Dr Gözde Polat, “There’s plenty you can do in your daily life to support your circulation”. Regular exercise is key: walks, moderate endurance activities such as cycling or swimming as well as light strength training strengthen muscles and circulation and promote blood vessel elasticity.
In addition to exercise, regular meals with sufficient protein and complex carbohydrates help to avoid fluctuating blood sugar levels. Reducing stress through breathing exercises, yoga or conscious relaxation also contribute to circulatory stability.
Dr Gözde Polat is an FMH-certified specialist in general internal medicine at Ärztezentrum Liestal.
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