Low blood pressure, or hypotension, is a serious condition that affects blood flow and the delivery of oxygen to your organs. Normally, blood pressure should be around 120/80 mmHg, but it’s considered low if it drops below 90/60 mmHg.
While not everyone with low blood pressure has symptoms, some might feel dizzy, nauseous, or could faint. These symptoms can disrupt your daily activities and might lead to falls or injuries. Several factors can cause low blood pressure, like certain medications, underlying health issues, or infections. Fortunately, there are treatments available to help raise your blood pressure to a normal level, often by targeting the root cause.
If you suspect you have low blood pressure or notice symptoms, it’s wise to visit your healthcare provider for testing. Early diagnosis can help you start treatment sooner, improving your quality of life.
Sometimes, low blood pressure doesn’t show any noticeable symptoms. However, if symptoms do occur, they might include dizziness, fainting, or nausea. Severe symptoms should be addressed immediately by seeking medical help. In cases of critically low blood pressure or shock, it’s important to call 911 for urgent care.
Low blood pressure can result from rapid or long-term medical conditions, dehydration, or medications you’re taking. If your blood pressure seems low during a routine check-up, your doctor may investigate various factors contributing to this condition.
Doctors diagnose low blood pressure by checking it with a blood pressure machine, using a cuff on your arm or, in cases of severe low blood pressure, an arterial line placed in your wrist.
Blood pressure readings consist of two numbers. A typical reading is below 120/80 mmHg. If it’s under 90/60 mmHg, that’s a sign of low blood pressure. If your reading raises concerns for your doctor, they might ask about symptoms, health problems, or recent lifestyle changes warranting further testing.
Depending on your symptoms, your doctor might request blood tests or an ECG to look for conditions like anemia, diabetes, or heart disease. Treatment focuses on raising your pressure to normal and addressing any underlying causes of hypotension.
Sometimes low blood pressure results from a chronic condition like diabetes or heart disease, and treatment will depend on the condition itself. Emergency situations like trauma or blood loss can also cause low blood pressure, which can’t always be prevented, but managing an underlying condition may reduce frequent episodes. Steps to mitigate these episodes include making lifestyle adjustments, which your doctor can help identify.
If low blood pressure is frequent or affects your daily life, consult your healthcare provider for advice. They can suggest lifestyle changes or order more tests to determine the cause. Living with hypotension can be frustrating, and how it progresses depends on its initial cause.
Emergencies like shock, severe infections, or severe blood loss from trauma require immediate medical attention. Your recovery and treatment plan will depend on how quickly you get treated after such events. Other causes of low blood pressure may be resolved by drinking more fluids, adjusting medications, or receiving treatment for other health issues, which can help restore normal blood pressure levels.
Always be cautious and seek help from your healthcare provider if you experience symptoms or feel unwell. It’s better to address even mild symptoms early to avoid possible complications.
