Having low blood pressure doesn’t necessarily mean there is a problem, but it could be the result of another illness or condition. Low blood pressure, medically known as hypotension, is when your blood pressure is below 90/60mmHg. This does not necessarily mean that there is a problem. In fact, people with low blood pressure tend to live longer than those with high, or even normal, blood pressure. When you
have your blood pressure measured, your blood pressure reading is written as two numbers. The first is when the pressure is at its highest (or systolic pressure), and the second at its lowest (or diastolic pressure). Systolic pressure: This is the highest level of your blood pressure – when your heart beats and contracts to pump blood through your arteries. Diastolic pressure: This is the lowest level of your blood pressure – when your heart relaxes between beats. Low
Blood Pressure
What are the signs and symptoms of low blood pressure?Low blood pressure is sometimes found during a routine check-up. Most people with low blood pressure don’t have any noticeable symptoms. However, it can cause dizziness or even fainting. What causes low blood pressure?Sometimes low blood pressure can be the result of another illness or condition. So, if you are having symptoms such as dizziness or fainting, it is important that you see your doctor. If your blood pressure is unusually low, your doctor should check to make sure there is not a medical cause. Low blood pressure can sometimes be a side effect of medicines taken for high blood pressure, heart disease or depression. If this happens to you, your doctor may need to adjust the dose of the medicines you are taking, or give you a different medicine. Low blood pressure can also be caused by some over-the-counter and herbal medicines. Want to find out more?
Hypotension is the medical term for low blood pressure (less than 90/60). A blood
pressure reading appears as two numbers. The first and higher of the two is a measure of systolic pressure, or the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats and fills them with
blood. The second number measures diastolic pressure, or the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats. Optimal blood pressure is less than 120/80 (systolic/diastolic). In healthy people, low blood pressure without any symptoms is not usually a
concern and does not need to be treated. But low blood pressure can be a sign of an underlying problem -- especially in the elderly -- where it may cause inadequate blood flow to the heart, brain, and other vital organs. Postural hypotension is considered a failure of the cardiovascular system or nervous system to react appropriately to sudden changes. Normally, when you stand up, some blood pools in your lower extremities. Uncorrected, this would cause your blood pressure to fall. But your body normally compensates by sending messages to your heart to beat faster and to your blood vessels to constrict. This offsets the drop in blood pressure. If this does not happen, or happens too slowly, postural hypotension results and can lead to fainting. The risk of both low and high blood pressure normally increases with age due in part to normal changes during aging. In addition, blood flow to the heart muscle and the brain declines with age, often as a result of plaque buildup in blood vessels. An estimated 10% to 20% of people over age 65 have postural hypotension. The cause of low blood pressure isn't always clear. It may be associated with the following:
What Causes a Sudden Drop in Blood Pressure? Sudden drops in blood pressure can be life-threatening. Causes of this type of hypotension include:
Who Gets Postural Hypotension? Postural hypotension, which is low blood pressure when standing up suddenly, can happen to anyone for a variety of reasons, such as dehydration, lack of food, or being overly fatigued. It can also be influenced by genetic make-up, aging, medication, dietary and psychological factors, and acute triggers, such as infection and allergy. Postural hypotension occurs most frequently in people who are taking drugs to control high blood pressure (hypertension). It can also be related to pregnancy, strong emotions, hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), or diabetes. The elderly are particularly affected, especially those who have high blood pressure or autonomic nervous system dysfunction. Hypotension after meals is a common cause of dizziness and falls after eating. This is most common after large meals containing a lot of carbohydrates. It’s believed to be caused by blood pooling into the vessels of the stomach and intestines. Several drugs are commonly associated with postural hypotension. These medications can be divided into two major categories:
Common causes of naturally occurring postural hypotension include:
Certain diseases can also cause postural hypotension. These include:
Is 80 40 blood pressure too low?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.
When should you 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.
Is 90 over 60 a good blood pressure?Normal blood pressure in adults is less than 120/80 mmHg. Low blood pressure is a reading below 90/60 mmHg. Most forms of hypotension happen because your body can't bring blood pressure back to normal or can't do it fast enough.
What should I do if my blood pressure is too low?Treatment. Use more salt. Experts usually recommend limiting salt (sodium) because it can raise blood pressure, sometimes dramatically. ... . Drink more water. Fluids increase blood volume and help prevent dehydration, both of which are important in treating hypotension.. Wear compression stockings. ... . Medications.. |
What is considered dangerously low blood pressure
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