Discharge Instructions for Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)

You have been diagnosed with low blood pressure or hypotension. When you have hypotension, your blood pressure is lower than normal. Low blood pressure can make you feel dizzy or faint. Hypotension has many possible causes.  It is sometimes a side effect of taking certain medicines, including medicines for high blood pressure (hypertension). It can also result from medical conditions such as dehydration. Sometimes the cause is unknown, and you will need follow-up visits and tests.

Home care

These steps can help manage your condition:

• Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and go to all your follow-up appointments.
• Rest in bed and ask for help with daily activities until you feel better. You may need to slowly increase the amount of time you spend sitting or doing light activity.
• Do not drive while your blood pressure is not controlled.
• Be careful when you get up from sitting or lying down:
  • Take your time. Sudden movements can cause dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting.
  • When you first sit up after lying down, be sure to sit in bed for 30 seconds or longer before getting up to walk. This gives your body time to adjust to changes in position.
• Tell your health care provider about the medicines you are taking. Many kinds of medicines trigger low blood pressure.
• Limit your alcohol intake to no more than 2 drinks a day for men and 1 drink a day for women. Alcohol can dehydrate you even further. It can also interfere with the effectiveness of medicines.
• Prevent dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids, unless otherwise instructed by your health care provider.
• Ask your healthcare provider if you should wear compression stockings, support pantyhose, or an abdominal binder. These can sometimes help relieve symptoms of hypotension.
• You may be given medicine to manage your low blood pressure. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for taking hypotension medicines.
• Learn to take your own blood pressure. Keep a record of your results. Ask your healthcare provider at what blood pressure readings you need to seek medical attention.
• Tell your family members to call an ambulance if you become unconscious. Ask them to learn CPR.

Follow-up care

Make a follow-up appointment as directed.  

© 2000-2019 The StayWell Company, LLC. 800 Township Line Road, Yardley, PA 19067. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions. This information has been modified by your health care provider with permission from the publisher.