As blood is pumped by the heart around the body, the pressure with which it pushes against the walls of blood vessels changes. Show
When the heart is squeezing blood into the arteries, the pressure is high. When the heart is relaxed, the pressure is lower. Your blood pressure is a measurement taken of the highest reading and the lowest reading. It is given as 2 figures — highest over lowest. Blood pressure is measured in ‘mmHg’, which refers to millimetres of mercury. What is low blood pressure?Low blood pressure is also known as hypotension. Most doctors would say that you have low blood pressure if it is below 90/60 mmHg. Your doctor will refer to this as ‘90 over 60’. Is low blood pressure a problem?For some people, low blood pressure is a sign of good health. These are generally people who are very fit and who have a slow pulse. For other people, low blood pressure is a problem. Often, people with low blood pressure can be expected to lead longer lives. However, people who experience continuing symptoms of low blood pressure should see a doctor. Sudden, severe low blood pressure (shock) can be associated with serious medical conditions. What are the signs and symptoms of low blood pressure?The symptoms of low blood pressure may include:
These symptoms can occur when doing nothing. They are more likely to occur when changing position, such as standing up or when straining on the toilet. However, often there are no symptoms and low blood pressure is often only identified as a result of a routine medical examination or during the course of an investigation for some other condition or underling illness. Low blood pressure may be more serious in elderly people who may have an underlying illness or who may be at risk of a fall. Check your symptoms with healthdirect’s Symptom Checker to get advice on when to seek medical attention. What causes low blood pressure?Apart from being very fit, people can have low blood pressure if they:
People can also have low blood pressure due to medical conditions, such as if they:
There is also a particular type of low blood pressure called ‘postural hypotension’ or ‘orthostatic hypotension’. In this condition, a person’s blood pressure is normal when they are sitting or lying down, but it drops suddenly when they stand, making them feel dizzy or lightheaded. This can also occur when standing too long without moving. Postural hypotension is fairly common, particularly in older people. It can be caused by one of the situations or conditions listed above. If it happens often, or if it causes problems, you should see your doctor about it. When should I see a doctor?If you think you might have symptoms of low blood pressure listed above, it’s best to see your doctor. How is low blood pressure treated?If there is an underlying cause for your low blood pressure, and it is giving you problems, you may need treatment for that underlying cause. But if it isn’t causing you problems, treatment won’t be needed. Your doctor may advise you to take precautions to prevent episodes of low blood pressure, such as avoiding dehydration, hot showers or standing up too quickly.
Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as the heart pumps blood. It is usually described as two numbers: systolic and diastolic. The numbers record blood pressure in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg), with systolic listed above diastolic. For most adults, a normal blood pressure is usually less than 120/80 mm Hg. Low blood pressure is blood pressure that is lower than 90/60 mm Hg. Some people have low blood pressure all the time, and it is normal for them. Other people experience a sudden drop in blood pressure or have low blood pressure that may be linked to a health problem. This can be dangerous, as it could mean your heart, brain, or other vital organs are not getting enough blood flow and you are at risk for a heart attack or stroke. What causes low blood pressure?Many systems of the body, including organs, hormones, and nerves, regulate blood pressure. For example, the autonomic nervous system sends the “fight-or-flight” signal that, depending on the situation, tells the heart and other systems in the body to increase or decrease blood pressure. Problems with the autonomic nervous system, such as in Parkinson’s disease, can cause low blood pressure. Other causes of low blood pressure include:
Older adults also have a higher risk for symptoms of low blood pressure, such as falling, fainting, or dizziness upon standing up or after a meal. Older adults are more likely to develop low blood pressure as a side effect of medicines taken to control high blood pressure. What are the symptoms?For many people, low blood pressure goes unnoticed. Others may feel symptoms such as:
What should you do if you have symptoms?Sitting down may relieve the symptoms. If your blood pressure drops too low, your body’s vital organs do not get enough oxygen and nutrients. When this happens, low blood pressure can lead to shock, which requires immediate medical attention. Signs of shock include cold and sweaty skin, rapid breathing, a blue skin tone, or a weak and rapid pulse. Call 9-1-1 if you notice signs of shock in yourself or someone else. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms. Your doctor will use a blood pressure test to diagnose low blood pressure. Other tests may include blood, urine, or imaging tests and a tilt table test if you faint often. How is it treated?You may not need treatment for low blood pressure. Depending on your symptoms, treatment may include drinking more fluids to prevent dehydration, taking medicines to raise your blood pressure, or adjusting medicines that cause low blood pressure. Your doctor may talk to you about lifestyle changes, including changing what and how you eat and how you sit and stand up. Your doctor may also recommend compression stockings if you stand for long periods. Learn more about Low Blood Pressure from the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Is fainting high or low blood pressure?Syncope is a temporary loss of consciousness usually related to insufficient blood flow to the brain. It's also called fainting or "passing out." It most often occurs when blood pressure is too low (hypotension) and the heart doesn't pump enough oxygen to the brain.
What are the symptoms of low blood pressure?Symptoms of low blood pressure. Dizziness or lightheadedness.. Nausea.. Fainting (syncope). Dehydration and unusual thirst.. Dehydration can sometimes cause blood pressure to drop. However, dehydration does not always cause low blood pressure. ... . Lack of concentration.. Blurred vision.. Cold, clammy, pale skin.. What causes sudden drop in blood pressure?Sudden drops in blood pressure most commonly occur in someone who's rising from a lying down or sitting position to standing. This kind of low blood pressure is known as postural hypotension or orthostatic hypotension. Another type of low blood pressure can occur when someone stands for a long period of time.
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