Low Blood Pressure (Low BP): Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment
Low blood pressure (Low bp), also known as hypotension, Hypotension is the term used in medicine to describe low blood pressure. Hypotension is a condition characterized by a blood pressure range reading below 90 mmHg systolic or 60 mmHg diastolic. It can be a symptom of various underlying conditions, including dehydration, blood loss, or certain medications. Monitoring blood pressure regularly is crucial for both patients and healthcare providers to manage and treat hypotension effectively.
Types of Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)
There are several types of hypotension:
- Postural Hypotension: A sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up from a sitting or lying position.
- Neurally Mediated Hypotension: A drop in blood pressure after standing for long periods, commonly affecting younger people.
- Severe Hypotension (Shock): A sudden and severe drop in blood pressure, often caused by a medical emergency such as blood loss, infection, or heart failure.
- Chronic Low Blood Pressure: Ongoing low blood pressure that may cause dizziness or fainting, but not typically dangerous.
- Postprandial Hypotension: A drop in blood pressure after eating, often affecting older adults.
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Get A Second OpinionLow Blood Pressure Symptoms
Low bp symptoms include:
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Fainting
- Nausea
- Dehydration
- Trouble concentrating
- Blurred vision
- Cold, clammy skin
- Depression
- Rapid, shallow breathing
- Rapid heart rate
- Headache
What Causes Low BP ( Low Blood Pressure)?
- Orthostatic Hypotension: Drop in blood pressure when standing up from sitting or lying down.
- Neurogenic Hypotension: Drop in blood pressure due to nervous system malfunction.
- Hypovolemia: Blood or fluid loss causing reduced blood volume.
- Severe Infection (Sepsis): Infection in the bloodstream leading to low blood pressure.
- Pregnancy: Lowered blood pressure during pregnancy, especially in early stages.
- Endocrine Issues: Disorders like adrenal insufficiency or hypothyroidism.
Conditions that Can Cause Low Blood Pressure
- Heart-related issues: Heart attack, heart failure, slow heart rate (bradycardia), or heart valve problems.
- Endocrine problems: Hypothyroidism, Addison’s disease, or low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
- Dehydration: Caused by illness such as diarrhea, vomiting, or fever.
- Severe blood loss: Resulting from injury or internal bleeding.
- Infections (Sepsis): Severe infections causing widespread inflammation and low blood pressure.
- Nutritional deficiencies: Lack of B12 or folate affecting red blood cell production.
Medications that Can Cause Low Blood Pressure
- Diuretics: Furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide used for fluid retention and high blood pressure.
- Beta-blockers: Metoprolol, atenolol, used for heart conditions, reducing heart rate and blood pressure.
- Alpha-blockers: Prazosin, doxazosin, used for prostate issues or high blood pressure.
- Antidepressants: Tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline or SSRIs.
- Vasodilators: Best medicine for low bp, like nitroglycerin, used for chest pain, lowering blood pressure.
- Opioids: Pain medications such as morphine or oxycodone.
Low Blood Pressure Diagnosis and Tests
Here are common diagnosis and tests for low blood pressure:
- Physical Exam: Check pulse, heart rate, and blood pressure while changing positions.
- Blood Tests: To identify conditions like anemia or dehydration.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): Records heart activity to detect arrhythmias or heart issues.
- Echocardiogram: Ultrasound to check heart valve problems or damage.
- Stress Test: Monitors heart while exercising to detect heart-related causes.
- Tilt Table Test: Evaluates how blood pressure changes with position.
- 24-hour Blood Pressure Monitoring: Tracks blood pressure throughout the day and night.
Low Blood Pressure Treatment(Hypotension)
- 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.
Medical Treatment for Low Blood Pressure
- Fludrocortisone: A medicine for low blood pressure that helps increase blood volume and raise blood pressure.
- Midodrine: Helps constrict blood vessels to raise blood pressure.
- Erythropoietin: A hormone therapy to increase red blood cell production in cases of anemia causing low blood pressure.
- Droxidopa: Used to treat low blood pressure caused by neurogenic orthostatic hypotension.
These medications are prescribed by a healthcare professional based on the underlying cause of low blood pressure.
When 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.
Risk Factors for Low Blood Pressure
- Age: Older adults are more susceptible.
- Heart Conditions: Heart problems can cause low blood pressure.
- Dehydration: Loss of fluids reduces blood volume.
- Blood Loss: Significant bleeding leads to low blood pressure.
- Hormonal Issues: Problems like thyroid or adrenal issues.
- Medications: Some drugs can lower blood pressure.
- Postural Changes: Sudden standing can cause a drop in blood pressure.
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Book an AppointmentComplications of Low Blood Pressure
- Fainting: Increased risk of falls.
- Shock: Extremely low blood pressure can lead to shock.
- Organ Damage: Prolonged low pressure may harm organs.
- Chronic Fatigue: Persistent weakness and tiredness.
Home Remedies for Low Blood Pressure(Hypotension):
- Drink More Water: Staying hydrated helps maintain blood volume and prevent dehydration.
- Consume Salt: A small increase in salt intake can help raise blood pressure, but consult your doctor first.
- Caffeine: A cup of coffee or tea can temporarily boost blood pressure.
- Eat Small Meals: Large meals can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure. Try smaller, more frequent meals.
- Wear Compression Stockings: These can help reduce blood pooling in your legs and alleviate symptoms of low blood pressure.
- Elevate Your Legs: Lying down with your legs raised can help increase blood flow to the heart.
- Regular Exercise: Exercises for low blood pressure improves circulation and helps regulate blood pressure.
