Low blood pressure is a reading of less than 90/60mmHg. It does not always cause symptoms, but you may need treatment if it does. Get your blood pressure checked if you keep getting symptoms like: This might mean your blood pressure is too low. If you get symptoms when you stand up or suddenly change position, you may have postural hypotension. You can check your blood
pressure: Low blood pressure is a measurement
of less than 90/60mmHg. Regular blood pressure checkIf you're 40 to 74 years old, you should have your blood pressure checked at least once every 5 years as part of the NHS Health Check. Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:
Treatment for low blood pressure depends on the causeIf a cause can be found, a GP will be able to recommend treatment to ease your symptoms. For example, they may suggest:
Medicine to increase blood pressure is rarely needed because simple lifestyle measures or treating the underlying cause is usually effective. How to ease low blood pressure symptoms yourselfDo
Don’t
Causes of low blood pressureYour blood pressure can vary depending on the time of day. It gradually increases throughout the day. What you're doing and how you're feeling can also affect it. There are many possible causes of low blood pressure. It may be low because you're fit and healthy, or you may have inherited it from your parents. Some people develop low blood pressure as they get older. It can also be caused by:
Page last reviewed: 09 September 2020 Low blood pressure, also known as hypotension, is when you have a blood pressure level that is below the normal range.If your blood pressure is naturally low, this probably won’t cause you any problems and won’t need treating. In fact, the lower your blood pressure, the lower your risk of heart disease and stroke. Low blood pressure can sometimes be caused by medications or can be a sign of another health problem. This can sometimes cause problems such as falls, fainting and feeling dizzy, so it might need looking into and treating. Speak to your doctor or nurse if you’re worried about low blood pressure. Plus, take a look at the animation below on how to manage low blood pressure when you stand up. What are the symptoms of low blood pressure?Low blood pressure often has no symptoms, but can sometimes mean that not enough blood is flowing to your brain or organs. This can cause symptoms such as:
If you have these symptoms, stop what you’re doing and sit down or lie down in case you fall, and drink some water. Speak to your doctor or nurse if you experience these symptoms. As well as being unpleasant, they could mean you’re at risk of having a fall. They could also be a sign of another health problem. Low blood pressure when you stand upSometimes, changes in your posture can cause your blood pressure to drop, for example, going from sitting or lying down to standing up. You might feel the symptoms listed above when you stand up, such as feeling dizzy or faint. They will pass quickly as your body adjusts, but can put you at risk of falls. This is called postural hypotension or orthostatic hypotension. It’s caused by changes to your arteries which happen as you get older and if you’re taking medications to lower your blood pressure. The animation below provides information on the causes, symptoms and potential interventions related to orthostatic hypotension. This film was produced by Newcastle University for work completed by Dr James Frith, supported by the NIHR Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre. What causes low blood pressure?Some people have a blood pressure level that is naturally low. That is, there is no specific cause or reason why. It can be the result of a healthy lifestyle and being fit and active, and your genes may play a role. Your blood pressure varies throughout the day. It might drop when you’ve just eaten while your blood is carried to your gut, if you’ve been standing up for a long time, if you’re dehydrated, and if the temperature is warm. There are a number of other possible causes of low blood pressure: Medications Health problems
How is low blood pressure diagnosed?
If you feel dizzy or faint when you stand up, you might need to have your blood pressure measured when you’re lying down and again while you are standing up. You might be offered a tilt table test. This is where you lie on a table that starts in a horizontal position, then slowly tilts so that you’re in an almost upright position – as if you were standing. You will have your blood pressure and pulse monitored, and any symptoms you feel will be recorded. You might also have a blood test to check the levels of certain hormones. What is a low blood pressure reading?A blood pressure reading below 90/60mmHg is considered low blood pressure. Only one of the numbers needs to be at this level or lower to count as low blood pressure. Read more about what the numbers mean. How is low blood pressure treated?If your blood pressure is naturally low and isn’t causing you any problems it probably won’t need any treatment. If you have symptoms and your doctor or nurse feels that you would benefit from treatment, they will try to find the cause of your low blood pressure so that they can find the best way to treat it. The treatments will vary depending on the cause.
What can I do for myself?There are other things you can do for yourself to help with your symptoms.
Read more What is a dangerously low blood pressure?A sudden fall in blood pressure can be dangerous. A change of just 20 mm Hg — a drop from 110 mm Hg systolic to 90 mm Hg systolic, for example — can cause dizziness and fainting. And big drops, such as those caused by uncontrolled bleeding, severe infections or allergic reactions, can be life-threatening.
What are the 10 signs of low blood pressure?Low Blood Pressure - When Blood Pressure Is Too Low. 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.. When should I go to the ER for low blood pressure?In rare cases, low blood pressure can become a medical emergency. If you are experiencing mental confusion, blue or pale skin, loss of consciousness, difficulty breathing, low pulse, or other severe symptoms, call 9-1-1 or go to your nearest emergency room for immediate medical attention.
What blood pressure is too low for adults?Low blood pressure is also known as hypotension. People with a reading of around 90/60, or less, are commonly regarded as having low blood pressure. Some people who have low blood pressure experience symptoms as a result of it. There may be an underlying cause that could need treatment.
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