Low Blood Pressure
Blood pressure measures the force that the heart pumps blood through the body. The vagus nerve sends signals from the brain to the heart that slow down the heart rate.
Vagus nerve damage can cause low blood pressure in two ways: by preventing entrainment and the release of oxytocin and vasopressin. When the vagus nerve is damaged, it can’t send signals from the brain to slow down the heart rate effectively. This can lead to low blood pressure because the body isn’t getting the signal to slow down its heartbeat.
In addition, when the vagus nerve is damaged, it cannot release oxytocin and vasopressin effectively, leading to low blood pressure because these hormones help regulate cardiovascular function and fluid balance in the body.
One of the best ways to manage low blood pressure caused by vagus nerve damage is to adjust the diet. Eating small meals more frequently throughout the day can help keep the blood sugar levels stable, which can, in turn, help regulate blood pressure. In addition, avoiding triggers such as caffeine and alcohol can help prevent episodes of low blood pressure.
