Discharge Instructions for Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)

Home care

These steps can help manage your condition:

• Follow your health care provider’s instructions. 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.

• Don’t 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 or fainting.

  • When you first sit up after lying down, be sure to sit up for at least 30 seconds or so before getting up to walk.

  • Place your feet on the floor before standing.

• Tell your provider about the medicines you are taking. Many kinds of medicines set off 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 how well medicines work.

• You can prevent dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids unless instructed otherwise by your provider.

• Learn to take your own blood pressure. Keep a record of your results. Ask your provider which readings mean that you need 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, or as advised.

Call 911

Call 911 right away if you have:

• Chest pain.

• Shortness of breath.

When to get medical advice

Contact your health care provider right away if you have any of the following:

• Dizziness or fainting spells

• Black, maroon, or tarry stools

• Irregular heartbeat

• Neck pain or stiffness

• Severe upper back pain

• Diarrhea or vomiting that doesn’t go away

• Inability to eat or drink

• Burning sensation when you pee

• Urine with a strong, unpleasant odor

• Fainting with exercise