When blood pressure is much lower than usual, low blood pressure results. This indicates that the body’s heart, brain, and other organs are not receiving enough blood. Typically, the normal blood pressure ranges from 90/60 mmHg to 120/80 mmHg.
Hypotension is the medical term for low blood pressure.
Different Names
Low blood pressure, postprandial hypotension, orthostatic hypotension, neurologically mediated hypotension, and NMH all refer to hypertension.
Causes
Each individual has a different heart pressure level. For some persons, a dip of only 20 mmHg might be problematic. Hypotension may have a variety of forms and reasons.
Sudden blood loss (shock), serious infections, heart attacks, and severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) may all result in severe hypotension.
Unexpected changes in body posture might result in orthostatic hypotension. The most frequent time for this to happen is when you get up from laying down. The typical duration of this kind of low blood pressure is a few seconds or minutes. Postprandial orthostatic hypotension is the term used when this kind of low blood pressure happens after eating. Older persons, those with high heart pressure, and those who have Parkinson’s disease are the most often impacted by this kind.
Young adults and children are most often afflicted with neurally mediated hypotension (NMH). When someone has been standing for a long period, it may happen. This kind of hypotension is often outgrown in children.
Hypotension may be caused by certain medications and substances, including:
- Alcohol
- medication to reduce anxiety
- certain antidepressants
- Diuretics
- cardiac medications, such as those used to treat coronary heart disease and excessive heart pressure
- drugs used during surgery
- Painkillers
Low blood pressure may also result from:
- diabetic nerve damage
- heart rhythm deviations (arrhythmias)
- Dehydration results from inadequate hydration
- heart attack
Symptoms
Hypotension symptoms might include:
- hazy vision
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- dropping out (syncope)
- Lightheadedness
- nausea or diarrhoea
- Sleepiness
- Weakness
Tests and Exams
Your medical professional will evaluate you to see what is causing your low blood pressure. Your temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and heart pressure will all be monitored often. You may have to spend some time in the hospital.
The provider will enquire about things like:
- How high should your blood pressure be?
- Which medications are you taking?
- Have you been consuming food and liquids as usual?
- Have you recently had any sickness, injuries, or accidents?
- What further signs do you have?
- Did you lose consciousness or lose focus?
- Do you experience lightheadedness or vertigo after getting up from a lying-down position?
Tests like the ones below are possible:
- basic metabolic panel
- Using blood cultures to detect infections
- CBC, blood differential, and complete blood count
- ECG: electrocardiogram
- Urinalysis
- abdomen-related X-ray
- chest radiograph
Treatment
Treatment is often not necessary if a healthy individual has blood pressure that is lower than normal and does not exhibit any symptoms. Otherwise, your low blood pressure’s origin and symptoms will determine your course of therapy.
As soon as you experience signs of a blood pressure decrease, sit or lay down. Next, put your feet up higher than your heart.
An urgent medical situation is shock-induced severe hypotension. You could receive:
- Getting blood via an IV
- drugs to raise heart pressure and strengthen the heart
- other drugs, such antibiotics
After rising up too rapidly, there are many treatments for low blood pressure:
If medication is to blame, your doctor could adjust the dose or switch you to a different medication. Before speaking with your practitioner, do not stop taking any medications.
To manage dehydration, your doctor could advise you to consume extra liquids.
Blood clots in the legs may be prevented by wearing compression stockings. More blood is kept in the upper body as a result.
People who have NMH should stay away from triggers including prolonged standing. Other treatments include increasing your salt intake and consuming more water. Prior to attempting these procedures, speak with your physician. Medicines may be given in extreme circumstances.
Perspective (Prognosis)
Treatment for low blood pressure is often effective.
Issues that might arise
An older adult’s fractured hip or low back might result from a fall brought on by low blood pressure. A person’s health and mobility may suffer from these wounds.
Your body becomes oxygen-starved as a result of abrupt, substantial reductions in blood pressure. Damage to the heart, brain, and other organs may result from this. If this kind of low blood pressure is not treated straight away, it might be fatal.
When to Consult a Medical Expert
Seek immediate medical attention if low blood pressure causes someone to faint out or lose consciousness. Or dial the local emergency number or 911. Start CPR if the individual is not breathing or has no pulse.
Immediately contact your doctor if you experience any of the following signs:
- Maroon or black stools
- chest discomfort
- unsteadiness and faintness
- Fainting
- more than 101°F (38.3°C) fever
- abnormal heartbeat
- breathing difficulty
Prevention
Your healthcare practitioner can advise taking the following actions to lessen or avoid your symptoms:
- Consuming extra liquids
- Getting up slowly after laying down or seated
- Abstaining from booze
- Avoiding prolonged standing if you have NMH
- Utilizing compression stockings to prevent blood from clotting in the legs