Low Blood Pressure
Arterial hypotension
What it is
Low blood pressure is when the blood is pushing too weakly against the walls of the blood vessels. As a result, blood does not circulate as well through the body. This can cause dizziness or a feeling of weakness.
What you can do at home
What to do
- Raise your legs higher than your heart. For example, place a cushion under the legs, or sit down and lower the head below the knees.
- Get up slowly after sitting or lying down.
- Drink enough fluids every day, unless a healthcare professional advises otherwise.
- In the morning or with meals, have a drink containing caffeine, such as coffee or tea, unless a healthcare professional advises otherwise.
À éviter
- Avoid drinking alcohol.
- Avoid very hot showers and baths.
- Avoid hot tubs and saunas.
- Avoid staying still for long periods of time.
- Avoid crossing your legs while sitting.
When to seek medical attention
Feeling faint with at least 1 of the following symptoms:
- paleness
- sweating
- weakness
- nausea
- blurred vision
- noise in the ears, such as whistling or buzzing (ringing)
Need help?
Call Info-Santé at 811, Option 1, to speak with a nurse at any time.
Go to the pharmacy for advice on medications or treatment.
Make an appointment at your medical clinic or CLSC.
If you do not have a family doctor, go to gap.soinsvirtuels or call 811, Option 3.
When to go to the hospital right away
Confusion, agitation, or unusual behaviour
Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not real)
Unusual tiredness (drowsiness) or difficulty staying awake
New chest or stomach pain
Dizziness or severe weakness that does not go away, even after following this advice
Loss of consciousness (fainting)
Severe difficulty breathing, especially with:
- shortness of breath that keeps getting worse, even at rest
- a high-pitched or whistling sound when breathing (stridor)
- the chest or abdomen pulling inward with each breath (retractions)