Low blood pressure: Warning signs and possible causes

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Jan , 22. 12. 2025

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Low blood pressure (hypotension) is often an underestimated problem, even though it can signal serious illnesses. If you suffer from frequent dizziness, fatigue, or weakness, these may be the first warning signs. Cardiologist Assoc. Prof. MD Ivana Petrović warns that it is important to distinguish harmless low blood pressure from secondary hypotension, which is associated with disease of vital organs.

How does low blood pressure affect health?

According to experts, blood pressure is influenced by various factors, including temperature fluctuations, atmospheric pressure, air humidity and lifestyle. If you wake up in the morning feeling tired, have trouble concentrating and suffer from dizziness, low blood pressure may be to blame.

The cardiologist explains that there are four main types of hypotension:

1. Primary hypotension

This type occurs in healthy people without an obvious cause. Symptoms usually last only a few days and resolve on their own. It often appears in young women or individuals with a genetic predisposition to low blood pressure.

2. Secondary hypotension

This type is more serious, because it is associated with diseases of various organs. The main causes include:

  • Diabetes – damage to the nerves affecting blood pressure regulation.

  • Thyroid disease – hormonal imbalance can cause a drop in pressure.

  • Anemia – a lack of red blood cells reduces oxygen delivery to tissues.

  • Dehydration and blood loss – reduced blood volume leads to a drop in pressure.

3. Postural (orthostatic) hypotension

It occurs when standing up abruptly, which causes a sudden drop in pressure and dizziness. This type is common in older people or in individuals taking medications for high blood pressure.

4. Postprandial hypotension

It is a drop in blood pressure after a large meal. It more often affects seniors and people with metabolic disorders.

How to properly treat low blood pressure?

Treatment depends on the type of hypotension. For primary hypotension, lifestyle modifications help:

  • Increased intake of mineral waters containing sodium.

  • Adequate sleep and a regular routine.

  • Physical activity to improve circulation.

  • A nutritious breakfast that stabilizes blood pressure.

Secondary hypotension must be addressed by treating the underlying disease. If you experience recurrent problems with low blood pressure, it is advisable to consult a doctor.

When to see a doctor?

If, in addition to low blood pressure, the following occur:

  • Repeated fainting spells or severe dizziness

  • Unusual fatigue and weakness

  • Cold and pale skin

  • Palpitations and shortness of breath

it may be a serious health problem that requires medical evaluation.

Cholesterol and sugar: what really raises LDL and how to protect the liver

Eggs, liver and bacon are often labeled as the main culprits of high cholesterol. The reality is more complex. For most people, dietary cholesterol has only a limited effect on blood cholesterol levels. Much more important is the overall diet, the proportion of saturated and trans fatty acids, intake of added sugars, body weight, genetics and lifestyle. Below you will find a balanced overview of what the facts say – without myths and shortcuts.

What cholesterol is and why the body needs it

Cholesterol is a fatty substance essential for building cell membranes, producing hormones and vitamin D. In the blood it is carried in the form of lipoproteins. LDL ("bad") carries cholesterol to tissues, HDL ("good") takes it back to the liver. The goal is to keep LDL low and HDL in an appropriate range.

Dietary cholesterol vs. saturated fats and trans fats

In most healthy people, dietary cholesterol (e.g., from eggs) has only a small effect on LDL. A much stronger factor is saturated fats (fatty processed meats, high-fat cheeses, large amounts of butter) and trans fats (industrially hydrogenated fats), which raise LDL and can lower HDL. Eggs are also a source of nutrients (e.g., choline), so for most people they can be part of a balanced diet.

How added sugars and refined carbohydrates worsen the blood lipid profile

High intake of added sugars and refined carbohydrates (sweetened drinks, sweets, white bread) raises triglycerides and promotes the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The liver then more often releases VLDL/LDL particles and the overall lipid profile worsens. The liver is particularly harmed by excess fructose from sweetened drinks and syrups.

The role of choline and "healthy" fats

Choline (eggs, lean meat, legumes) helps form and export fat particles from the liver, thereby supporting its normal function. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (olive oil, nuts, seeds, fish) can lower LDL and some fractions of inflammatory lipids, if you also limit saturated fats and added sugars.

When eggs can be a problem

For a portion of the population with a genetic burden (e.g., familial hypercholesterolemia) or for people with very high LDL, even dietary cholesterol can play a larger role. In such cases, individual recommendations from a physician and a nutrition therapist are decisive.

Practical meal plan for healthy lipids and liver

  • Limit added sugars: sweetened drinks, confectionery, excess white-flour baked goods.
  • Prefer unsaturated fats: olive oil, rapeseed oil, nuts, seeds, avocado, fatty sea fish twice a week.
  • Reduce saturated fats and avoid trans fats: processed meats, fast food, toppings made from partially hydrogenated fats.
  • Eat enough protein: fish, poultry, eggs, legumes, fermented dairy products – they support satiety and muscle maintenance.
  • Fiber: vegetables, fruit, whole grains, legumes – soluble fiber helps lower LDL.
  • Alcohol in moderation: excess increases triglycerides and burdens the liver.
  • Hydration and exercise: 150–300 minutes of moderate activity per week (brisk walking, cycling), strength training twice weekly.
  • Body weight: even a 5–10% weight reduction can noticeably improve triglycerides and LDL.

Key takeaway: it's not "forbidden eggs", but the overall dietary pattern

For most people, eggs or liver alone do not "cause" high cholesterol. The key is the combination of fewer saturated fats, less added sugar and more unsaturated fats, fiber and exercise. If you have high LDL, a family history or liver disease, discuss a specific eating plan with your doctor – sometimes pharmacotherapy (e.g., statins) is also necessary.

18. 12. 2025 Jan
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