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. 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 happens when you faint because of low blood pressure?Fainting usually is caused by a temporary drop in blood pressure. During that brief drop, the brain does not get the blood flow that it needs—and you lose consciousness.
What to do if someone has low blood pressure and passes out?The heart can pump blood to the brain when both are at the same level. Therefore, it is essential to lay down the 'fainted' person in a sleeping position. One may raise their legs to increase the blood flow to the brain. A person may regain consciousness within a minute or in 20 seconds.
Can low blood pressure cause a blackout?Blackouts are often due to low blood pressure, a condition called vasovagal syncope, which is where your blood pressure drops and not enough blood gets to your head and you pass out.
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.. |