What is a too low blood pressure number

If you feel dizzy and light-headed when moving from lying to sitting or sitting to standing, you could be suffering from postural hypotension.

What is Hypotension?

Blood pressure is the pressure exerted by the blood on the walls of blood vessels. It varies between a minimum (diastolic) and maximum (systolic) pressure. A blood pressure of 100mmHg (systolic) over 60mmHg (diastolic) and lower is classified as hypotension. This means a blood pressure range that is lower than normal, and may cause symptoms such as dizziness.

What is Postural Hypotension? 

Postural hypotension is a drop in blood pressure of more than 20mmHg systolic and 10mmHg diastolic when changing into an upright position, e.g. moving from lying to sitting or sitting to standing.

Causes of Postural Hypotension 

•Dehydration

•Atherosclerosis

•Parkinson’s disease

•Cardiac impairment

•Certain medications (such as antihypertensives) 

Postural Hypotension Symptoms 

The signs and symptoms generally occur after a change in position. Symptoms vary from person to person. People may experience any combination of these symptoms:

•Dizziness

•Palpitations

•Light-headedness

•Nausea

•Blurred vision

•Syncope (fainting)

•Pain or pressure along the neck and shoulders

•Weakness

Risk Factors

•Incidence increases in the elderly

•Diabetes mellitus

•After prolonged bed rest

Postural Hypotension Treatment 

Advice and Education

Management of patients with postural hypotension is focused on advice and education, to help decrease the risk factors associated with this condition.

Medication

There are some medications which can help control postural hypotension.

Lifestyle Changes

There are lifestyle changes that can be made to help manage postural hypotension:

•Sleep with your head elevated 20 to 30 degrees.

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•Avoid sudden postural change. Try to change position slowly, and in stages. Sit on the edge of the bed for a few minutes before standing.

•Sit back down if you feel unwell after changing position.

•Do simple lower limb exercises, such as moving your ankle up and down before and after changing position.

•Avoid bending down to pick things up.

•Avoid eating large meals.

•Avoid hot baths or showers.

•If possible, sit down to wash, shower and get dressed.

•Make sure you get enough to drink.

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This article was last reviewed on Thursday, April 18, 2019

How low is too low for blood pressure?

Within certain limits, the lower your blood pressure reading is, the better. There is also no specific number at which day-to-day blood pressure is considered too low, as long as none of the symptoms of trouble are present.

Symptoms of low blood pressure

Most doctors will only consider chronically low blood pressure as dangerous if it causes noticeable signs and symptoms, such as:

• 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. Fever, vomiting, severe diarrhea, overuse of diuretics and strenuous exercise can all lead to dehydration, a potentially serious condition in which your body loses more water than you take in. Even mild dehydration (a loss of as little as 1 percent to 2 percent of body weight) can cause weakness, dizziness and fatigue.
• Lack of concentration
• Blurred vision
• Cold, clammy, pale skin
• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Fatigue
• Depression

Underlying causes of low blood pressure

Low blood pressure can occur with:

• Prolonged bed rest
• Pregnancy: During the first 24 weeks of pregnancy, it’s common for blood pressure to drop.
• Decreases in blood volume: A decrease in blood volume can also cause blood pressure to drop. A significant loss of blood from major trauma, dehydration or severe internal bleeding reduces blood volume, leading to a severe drop in blood pressure.
• Certain medications: A number of drugs can cause low blood pressure, including diuretics and other drugs that treat hypertension; heart medications such as beta blockers; drugs for Parkinson’s disease; tricyclic antidepressants; erectile dysfunction drugs, particularly in combination with nitroglycerine; narcotics and alcohol. Other prescription and over-the-counter drugs may cause low blood pressure when taken in combination with high blood pressure medications.
• Heart problems: Among the heart conditions that can lead to low blood pressure are an abnormally low heart rate (bradycardia), problems with heart valves, heart attack and heart failure. Your heart may not be able to circulate enough blood to meet your body’s needs.
• Endocrine problems: Such problems include complications with hormone-producing glands in the body’s endocrine systems; specifically, an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), parathyroid disease, adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease), low blood sugar and, in some cases, diabetes.
• Severe infection (septic shock): Septic shock can occur when bacteria leave the original site of an infection (most often in the lungs, abdomen or urinary tract) and enter the bloodstream. The bacteria then produce toxins that affect blood vessels, leading to a profound and life-threatening decline in blood pressure.
• Allergic reaction (anaphylaxis): Anaphylactic shock is a sometimes-fatal allergic reaction that can occur in people who are highly sensitive to drugs such as penicillin, to certain foods such as peanuts or to bee or wasp stings. This type of shock is characterized by breathing problems, hives, itching, a swollen throat and a sudden, dramatic fall in blood pressure.
• Neurally mediated hypotension: Unlike orthostatic hypotension, this disorder causes blood pressure to drop after standing for long periods, leading to symptoms such as dizziness, nausea and fainting. This condition primarily affects young people and occurs because of a miscommunication between the heart and the brain.
• Nutritional deficiencies: A lack of the essential vitamins B-12 and folic acid can cause anemia, which in turn can lead to low blood pressure.

If you notice a sudden decline in blood pressure

A single lower-than-normal reading is not cause for alarm, unless you are experiencing any other symptoms or problems. If you experience any dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea or other symptoms, it’s a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider. To help with your diagnosis, keep a record of your symptoms and activities at the time they occurred.

Is low blood pressure related to low heart rate? Find out.

Written by American Heart Association editorial staff and reviewed by science and medicine advisers. See our editorial policies and staff.

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