What is Low Blood Pressure?
A blood pressure reading appears as two numbers. The top number measures systolic pressure, or the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats and fills them with blood. The bottom number measures diastolic pressure, the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats. The optimal blood pressure level is less than 120/80. (You may also see it written as 120/80 mmHg.)
Types of Low Blood Pressure
- Orthostatic Hypotension is a sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing that can lead to dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting. It is often triggered by dehydration, prolonged bed rest, or certain medications.
- Neurally Mediated Hypotension: Temporary blood pressure drop during prolonged standing or emotional stress, resulting from autonomic nervous system malfunction and causing symptoms like fainting, fatigue, and nausea.
- Postprandial Hypotension: Blood pressure decreases after meals due to increased blood flow to the stomach and intestines, leading to symptoms such as dizziness, weakness, and fainting shortly after eating.
- Severe Hypotension: A life-threatening drop in blood pressure compromising vital organ function, caused by massive blood loss, severe infection (septic shock), or severe allergic reaction (anaphylactic shock), requiring prompt medical intervention to prevent organ damage.
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Get A Second OpinionWhat are the Symptoms of Low Blood Pressure
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fainting or near-fainting (syncope)
- Blurred vision
- Fatigue or weakness
- Nausea
- Headache
- Difficulty concentrating
- Cold, clammy skin
- Rapid or shallow breathing
What causes low blood pressure?
- Dehydration
- Medications
- Heart conditions
- Endocrine problems
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Blood loss
- Severe infection (septicemia)
- Allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)
- Pregnancy
- Prolonged bed rest
- Neurological disorders
- Age
How is low blood pressure treated?
- Increasing salt and fluid intake to expand blood volume.
- Wearing compression stockings to improve circulation.
- Gradual changes in posture to prevent sudden drops in blood pressure.
- Adjusting medications that contribute to hypotension.
- Addressing underlying medical conditions, such as heart problems or hormonal imbalances.
- In severe cases, intravenous fluids or medications to raise blood pressure may be necessary.
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Book an AppointmentWhen to visit a Doctor?
If you have hypertension, you must keep your blood pressure levels in check and see the doctor for routine checkups every six months. In case of any symptoms of severe hypertension, immediate medical assistance is recommended. For secondary hypertension, you will be prescribed regular medication to keep your BP levels in control.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the common symptoms of low blood pressure?
Common symptoms include dizziness, fainting, fatigue, blurred vision, nausea, and difficulty concentrating.
What can cause low blood pressure?
Causes can range from dehydration, blood loss, heart problems, and endocrine disorders, to certain medications like diuretics and beta-blockers.
Is low blood pressure dangerous?
While mild cases may not be harmful, severe low blood pressure can lead to organ damage or shock if left untreated. It's essential to monitor and manage it, especially if symptomatic.
How can I raise my low blood pressure quickly?
Increase salt intake, hydrate with fluids, elevate legs, and consume small, frequent meals.
How does low blood pressure affect the body?
Low blood pressure can lead to symptoms like dizziness, fainting, fatigue, blurred vision, nausea, and difficulty concentrating. In severe cases, it can cause shock, which is a life-threatening condition where vital organs don’t receive enough blood flow.
