When is Low Blood Pressure Too Low? Understanding Hypotension and More
Low blood pressure, or hypotension, can sometimes indicate good health and a reduced risk of heart disease. However, this is always the case.
At times, persistently low blood pressure or a sudden drop in blood pressure can lead to concerning symptoms and may occur due to serious health problems, such as blood loss, dehydration, diabetes, and various heart issues. Pregnancy can also cause hypotension, as well as certain medications for other conditions.
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Understanding Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure)
A blood pressure measurement consists of two values: syst pressure and diastolic pressure.
Syst pressure, the top or first number in a blood pressure reading, indicates the pressure within the arteries when the heart pumps out blood. Diastolic, the bottom number, shows the pressure in the arteries while the heart is filling with blood.
A blood pressure reading of 120/80 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) or lower is considered normal by healthcare professionals. Typically, a below 90/60 mmHg is regarded as abnormally low.
This is referred to as hypotension by medical professionals.
Some adults consistently have pressure in the hypotensive range without exhibiting symptoms and may not require treatment. However, in severe cases, low blood pressure can lead to a decreased supply oxygen and nutrients to the and other vital organs, potentially resulting in life-threatening shock.
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While hypotension can affect anyone, certain groups of people are more susceptible to experiencing it.
According to the Mayo Clinic, are various types of low blood.
For example, orthostatic (itional hypotension occurs one stands after sitting or lying down It is more prevalent among older.
Typically, “your body has certain compensatory mechanisms to prevent your blood pressure from falling you stand up,” explains Willie E Lawrence, MD, a cardiologist with the Lakeland Care Network in St. Joseph, Michigan. However, he adds, “orthostatic hypotension is a for some people because these reflexes that should occur don’t occur.” Dehydration or blood loss can also cause orthostatic hypotension.
Symptoms of Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure)
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), most doctors do not consider hypotension to be a problem unless it is accompanied by certain signs and symptoms.
[4] Some symptoms to watch for include:
- Confusion or problems concentrating
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Fatigue
- Neck or back pain
- Blurry vision
- Nausea
- Heart palpitations
- Shortness of breath
What Is a Dangerously Low Blood Pressure Number?
According the AHA, there is no specific number that indicates day-to-day blood pressure is too low. However, any reading 9060 mmHg fits the clinical definition of hypotension
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When any of the aforementioned dangerous symptoms accompany a blood pressure reading indicative of hypotension, it is imperative to seek medical attention.
Can Low Blood Pressure Make You Tired?
Low blood pressure result in and fatigue, characterized by an overwhelming sense of tiredness and lack of energy.
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Research has identified a link between low blood pressure and chronic fatigue syndrome, a condition characterized by persistent, severe that is not alleviated by sleep, sleep disturbances, exacerbation symptoms by physical exertion, and.
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Potential Causes of Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure)
Some individuals have naturally low blood pressure and not experience any. However, for those accustomed to normal or blood pressure, a sudden decrease can indicate a problem cause symptoms.
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Per the AHA, an episode of hypotension is more likely to occur under these conditions:
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- Resuming an upright posture after bed rest for a long period of time
- Being in the first 24 weeks of pregnancy
- Loss of a large amount of blood
- Dehydration
- Certain medications, such as blood-pressure-lowering medications, heart medications, Parkinson’s disease medications, tricyclic antidepressants, or medications to treat erectile dysfunction
- A heart problem, such as a very slow heartbeat, heart valve problems, heart attack, or heart failure
- An endocrine problem, such as hypothyroidism, parathyroid disease, Addison’s disease (an adrenal gland disorder), low blood sugar, or diabetes
- A severe infection that enters your bloodstream
- Experiencing anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction
- A neural disorder that affects your blood pressure
- A nutrient deficiency, such as low vitamin B12 and folic acid levels
When to See a Doctor
If your blood pressure tends to consistently low and you do not exhibit any dangerous symptoms, there is generally no cause for concern.
[4] Similarly, if you have an isolated at blood pressure reading that is abnormally without any accompanying symptoms, it is likely unnecessary to consult your doctor.
It is normal for blood pressure to fluctuate time, the body regulates blood pressure back to normal levels.
However, Dr. Lawrence advises that, “if you notice a recurring issue or there no explanation for what has occurred, you should seek medical advice.”
If your blood pressure drops suddenly and you experience symptoms such as dizziness, you should your healthcare. They can assess your condition and rule out underlying issues such as internal bleeding, serious infection, an allergic reaction.
Treatment for hypotension depends on the underlying cause of the low blood pressure. According to the Mayo, steps may include the following:
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- Wear compression stockings
- Drink more water
- Avoid low blood pressure triggers like prolonged standing and other positional changes
After evaluation, a doctor may make these recommendations:
- Avoid alcohol
- Adjust your diet
- Adjust your medications (possibly lowering dosages of blood-pressure-lowering drugs)
- Take blood-pressure-raising medications, such as fludrocortisone (Florinef) and midodrine (ProAmatine)
Individuals who experience due toension require emergency treatment to restore blood flow to their organs and elevate blood pressure to normal levels.
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Determining whether your low pressure is a primary or problem is crucial, notes Lawrence. A primary problem indicates that body’s reflexes are not functioning properly. Secondary causes suggest that blood pressure results from other health issues such dehydration or effects of certain medications.
“Some antihypertensive are more likely to causeension than others, much of it is dose-dependent,” says Lawrence. “In most cases, there will be an easily identifiable secondary cause or a simple solution to what may even be a chronic problem with no secondary cause. That why it’s crucial see your doctor, they can make an appropriate assessment.”
It is important to monitor your blood pressure readings regularly, even if do not have any health issues, understand your normal range. If you have medical reasons to your blood pressure, consult your doctor to determine the best for you.