What is Low Blood Pressure?
Low blood pressure, also known as hypotension, is a condition in which the force of the blood pushing against artery walls is lower than normal. Low blood pressure is characterized by a systolic (upper) blood pressure reading under 90 mmHg and/or a diastolic (lower) reading under 60 mmHg.
In many cases, mild hypotension without any accompanying health impairments can be considered normal and does not require immediate medical attention.
In this article, we will discuss the types, symptoms, causes, medications, complications, and risk factors of low blood pressure.
Examples of Hypotension
- Blood pressure 80/40 mm Hg
- Blood pressure 85/70 mm Hg
- Blood pressure 100/59 mm Hg
- Blood pressure 110/40 mm Hg
- Blood pressure 125/50 mm Hg
Types of Low Blood Pressure
There are three main types of hypotension:
- Orthostatic (Postural) Hypotension: This type of low blood pressure occurs when there is a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up from a sitting or lying position. This type of hypotension can be caused by dehydration, prolonged bed rest, and certain medications.
- Neurally Mediated Hypotension: This type of hypotension occurs when the blood pressure drops after standing for a long time. It can also occur after eating, and is more common in people with certain medical conditions.
- Severe Hypotension: This is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. It can be caused by blood loss, severe infection, or anaphylaxis.
By the way, if you wish to explore other blood pressure categories, you can check out the blood pressure chart.
Symptoms of Low Blood Pressure
The symptoms of low BP can include:
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Blurred vision
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Rapid or shallow breathing
Causes of Low Blood Pressure
Low blood pressure can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Dehydration
- Blood loss
- Heart problems
- Endocrine disorders
- Certain medications, such as diuretics and beta blockers
- Infection
Medications Used to Treat Low Blood Pressure
There are several medications that can be used to treat low blood pressure, including:
- Fludrocortisone: This medication can increase blood volume and raise blood pressure.
- Midodrine: This medication can constrict blood vessels and raise blood pressure.
- Pyridostigmine: This medication can increase the activity of the autonomic nervous system and raise blood pressure.
Always consult with a healthcare professional prior starting any medical treatment.
Complications of Low BP
If left untreated, low blood pressure can lead to serious complications, such as:
- Falls and injuries
- Shock
- Stroke
Risk Factors for Hypotension
There are several risk factors for low blood pressure, including:
- Age: Low blood pressure is more common in older adults.
- Certain medical conditions: diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and heart conditions.
- Certain medications: Some medications can cause low blood pressure.
- Genetics: Some people may be genetically predisposed to low blood pressure.
Prevention and Treatment
If your BP is too low, there are several ways of raising your blood pressure. In brief:
- Increase your fluid intake by drinking plenty of water or other fluids
- Increase your salt intake, as sodium helps to retain fluid in the body
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day
- Avoid standing or sitting for long periods of time without moving
If your blood pressure remains low, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.
Conclusion
Low blood pressure can be a serious health issue that requires prompt treatment. If you experience symptoms of low blood pressure, such as dizziness, fainting, or blurred vision, it is important to seek medical attention.
Finally, remember that a single reading of blood pressure should not be used as a definitive reference for a person’s overall health status. This is because there may be issues while measuring , such as incorrect positioning or equipment error, that could lead to an inaccurate reading. Here you can read in more details about how to measure you blood pressure correctly.
In addition, don’t forget when measuring blood pressure that you should also take into account various factors such as age, gender, stress level, medical conditions or even the time at which you take the reading as all of these can affect your blood pressure and its interpretation. To learn more about this topic you can read an article on blood pressure risk factors.
Only constant monitoring of blood pressure over time can provide a more accurate reflection of an individual’s overall state of health. For this purpose either use an app to track blood pressure or a printable blood pressure log sheet.
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