Blood Pressure 118/50

A blood pressure reading of 118/50 indicates Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure).

View the full blood pressure chart to learn more about blood pressure readings.

What does a blood pressure reading of 118/50 mean?

Readings where the systolic pressure is normal (between 91 and 119) but diastolic pressure is between 50 and 60 indicate low blood pressure or what is called Hypotension. This is because the worse reading is used when systolic and diastolic pressure fall into different ranges.

What this means is the blood pressure in your arteries is lower than what is considered normal.

However, there’s usually no need to be concerned about low blood pressure unless you’re experiencing dizziness, fainting, nausea or fatigue. Hypotension may not even be diagnosed unless you’re experiencing these symptoms.

What to do if your blood pressure reading is 118/50

The first thing to do is to check your pulse. If your pulse is over 90 your heart may be compensating for the low blood pressure. Call the doctor for advice if you’re pulse is high and your experiencing any unusual symptoms.

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You don’t need to do anything if your pulse is normal and you’re not experiencing any symptoms.

Medications with Blood Pressure of 118/50

You may get low blood pressure as a side effect of certain medications. Already on blood pressure medication? If so it may be working too well and should be adjusted.

Talk to your doctor about adjusting your blood pressure medication dosage.

If lifestyle changes don’t work to raise your blood pressure your doctor might prescribe medicines such as Fludrocortisone, which promotes sodium retention, or Midodrine, which activates receptors in arteries to promote blood pressure.

Lifestyle Changes with Blood Pressure of 118/50

Your doctor may suggest a few lifestyle modifications for those with a blood pressure of 118/50. This will depend on the severity of your low blood pressure in combination with your other health history.

• Increase Salt Intake
  Most of the time doctors want you to limit sodium since it can increase your blood pressure. In this instance, that’s just what the doctor ordered!
• Drink More Water
  Fluids increase blood volume, which can help increase your blood pressure.
• Wear Compression Stockings
  In more extreme cases your doctor may want you to wear compression stockings that will limit the blood flow to your legs and keep more blood in your upper body.

Remember that what is low blood pressure for one person could be normal for another. Don’t get so hung up on the number and instead listen to your body.