Blood pressure varies naturally throughout the day. Clinically low blood pressure may result from a temporary issue, such as dehydration, or a more long-term one, such as a heart condition. Show Low blood pressure may be genetic or occur as a result of aging. In some cases, a temporary factor, such as pregnancy or dehydration, is responsible. In others, low blood pressure results from an underlying disease or a severe reaction. Changing dietary habits may be enough to treat temporary causes of low blood pressure. Alternatively, a doctor may prescribe medication or change an existing treatment plan if it is likely responsible for this symptom. Anyone with symptoms of low blood pressure, such as dizziness and fatigue, should receive medical attention. Below, learn what counts as low blood pressure, what underlying factors may be at play, and what the treatments involve. The heart pumps blood around the body, continuously delivering oxygen and other nutrients. Blood pressure refers to the force of bloodpushing against the artery walls as the heart pumps. In a person with low blood pressure, blood flows through the veins and arteries with too little force. Doctors use two figures to denote blood pressure. The first refers to systolic blood pressure, which is the force of the blood against artery walls when the heart beats. The second refers to diastolic blood pressure, which is the force of the blood when the heart rests between beats. Healthcare professionals measure blood pressure readings in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). A normal reading is less than 120 mm Hg systolic and 80 mm Hg diastolic, which doctors write as “less than 120/80 mm Hg.” The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute define low blood pressure as under 90/60 mm Hg. It is possible to have low blood pressure without any symptoms. However, some people with this issue may experience:
Many factors affect blood pressure, including the time of day and a person’s physical activity levels and diet. Blood pressure also declines with age, and some people have naturally low blood pressure due to genetic factors. Temporary causesA person’s blood pressure may be lower than usual due to:
Some temporary causes, such as pregnancy, resolve on their own. Others may require dietary changes and other care or management strategies. More serious or lasting causesSome potentially more severe health issues can also cause low blood pressure, including:
In addition, loss of blood due to an injury can lead to low blood pressure. Drug-based causesLow blood pressure may sometimes result from alcohol use or the use of certain medications, such as:
To address low blood pressure, a doctor may adjust the dosage of an existing drug or recommend medications to increase blood pressure. Medications that they may prescribe include fludrocortisone and midodrine. Also, a person may benefit from:
Learn about the low blood pressure diet here. Low blood pressure symptoms can disrupt daily life, and they generally become more serious with age. It is important to contact a doctor if any of these symptoms, such as dizziness and fatigue, occur. A doctor can identify the cause and recommend the best treatment approach. People experiencing any specific signs of anaphylactic or septic shock require emergency care. Signs of anaphylactic shock include:
Some signs of septic shock include:
Low blood pressure refers to the blood circulating with a low level of force. It can cause a range of symptoms, including dizziness and nausea. Blood pressure naturally fluctuates throughout the day, and it declines with age. Longer lasting low blood pressure may result from a temporary issue, a chronic illness, or an emergency, such as septic shock. Anyone who has persistent symptoms of low blood pressure should consult a doctor. Anyone experiencing a sudden, significant drop in blood pressure should receive urgent care. What are symptoms of blood pressure dropping suddenly?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 should you do if your blood pressure suddenly drops?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.. Can sitting cause blood pressure to drop?Orthostatic hypotension — also called postural hypotension — is a form of low blood pressure that happens when standing after sitting or lying down. Orthostatic hypotension can cause dizziness or lightheadedness and possibly fainting. Orthostatic hypotension can be mild. Episodes might be brief.
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