Low Blood Pressure: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Verified by: Dr. Shreyas Cadabam
Hypotension, also known as low blood pressure, is the condition where the pressure in your body's blood vessels drops too low. Symptoms can include Dizziness, fainting, and fatigue.
Although often innocuous, untreated severe chronic hypotension may signal health concerns that need expert attention.
What Is Low Blood Pressure?
Low blood pressure refers to a condition in which the force of the blood against the wall of the artery is lower than the normal range. Usually, it isn't symptomatic, but drastic drops in blood pressure can potentially be catastrophic to the organs.
Definition and Normal Range
A complete blood pressure figure consists of systolic blood pressure (SBP) over diastolic blood pressure (DBP) from a manometer expressed in millimetres of mercury (mmHg). For most people, a reading below 90/60 mmHg is considered low. The numbers are not low for some people because they are used to them.
When Is Blood Pressure Considered Low?
A blood pressure reading is said to be low when it is under 90/60 mmHg. Depending on the underlying cause, it may be acute or chronic. While some people may have low numbers with no issues, others can be symptomatic and require further assessment.
Types of Low Blood Pressure
There are several forms of hypotension;
- Orthostatic (Postural) Hypotension: Abrupt BP drop upon standing.
- Postprandial Hypotension: Decrease in BP because of eating.
- Neurally Mediated Hypotension (NMH): Brought on by standing for prolonged or emotional stress.
- Severe Hypotension (Shock): Life-threatening drop in BP.
Symptoms of Low Blood Pressure
Signs of hypotension vary from person to person but commonly include Dizziness, fainting, feeling sick, and tiredness. In more serious situations, it can lead to a state of
shock, disorientation, or trouble breathing. Early identification can avoid complications that require medical help.
Common Symptoms
- Dizziness or a feeling of light-headedness
- Syncope / Fainting
- Vision Obstruction (blurred or tunnel)
- Vomiting and/or nausea
- Weakness and/or fatigue
- Concentration issues
- Pale, clammy skin
- Breathing that is rapid and shallow
- Taking a weak, rapid pulse
When to Seek Medical Attention
- Regular occurrence of fainting spells, light-headedness, and confusion
- Difficulty focusing or concentrating
- Vision problems such as blurred or persistent blurred
- Strong feelings of nausea or vomiting
- Weak or rapid pulse
- Cold, clammy skin with shock-like symptoms
- Chest pains or Difficulty breathing
Causes of Low Blood Pressure
There are conditions with low/non-existent blood pressure that stem from the following: dehydration, issues with heart functions, endocrine medicine, the intake of drugs and alcohol, pregnancy, and the use of drugs and alcohol. Components of this condition are important to identify for remedy aid.
Dehydration and Blood Volume Loss
Hypotension may develop due to reduced bodily fluids due to excessive sweating or blood loss due to bleeding, vomiting, or diarrhoea. Severe dehydration will lead to needing strong medical assistance, otherwise becoming dizzy, collapsing, and shock.
Heart Conditions
Heart failure, arrhythmias, and valve disorders can lead to low blood pressure due to ineffective blood circulation by the heart. Effective diagnosis and treatment are critical to avoid further complications.
Endocrine Problems
Blood pressure control may also be disturbed by some hormonal disorders like diabetes, adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease), or disorders of the thyroid gland. These require long-term treatment to be manageable.
Medications and Other Factors
Hypotension and its signs can result from prolonged medications in high blood pressure, depression, and Parkinson's medication, along with prolonged bed rest, infections, or nutritional deficiencies. These require careful assessment and management.
Pregnancy
Women experience low blood pressure during pregnancy because of hormonal factors and the widening of blood vessels. Though mostly temporary, consistent monitoring is critically important for the mother and foetus throughout pregnancy.
Alcohol or recreational drugs
Substance abuse, particularly drugs and excessive alcohol depress the nervous system and produce sharp drops in blood pressure. Long-term cardiovascular complications may need medical intervention and changes to lifestyle.
Diagnosing Low Blood Pressure
Hypotension can be diagnosed using an individual’s clinical history, the accompanying physical exam, and tests that include blood pressure checks, blood examinations, and imaging. Knowing the reason helps determine the right treatment to avoid complications and manage symptoms efficiently.
Medical History and Physical Examination
The physician evaluates the symptoms with regard to their personal lifestyle and medical history to narrow down the possible reasons for hypotension. The physical exam includes measuring vital signs like heart rate with blood pressure in the standing position along with other signs of underlying conditions.
Blood Tests and Imaging
Blood examinations can also aid in identifying anaemia, hormonal changes, or infections that are underlying contributors to low blood pressure. ECG, echocardiogram, or even MRI studies help evaluate the functioning of the heart and any structural changes that may impair circulation. Diagnosis is essential in management.
Treatment Options for Low Blood Pressure
Management depends on the cause. In this case, it ranges from lifestyle practices like drinking enough fluids, diet, and medications to more severe which might require admission to the hospital for intravenous fluids to raise blood pressure
Lifestyle Modifications
Managing hypotension may be possible with simple strategies like increasing sodium intake (with doctor guidance), hydration, using compression stockings, and avoiding rapid body movements. Other strategies include participating in regular physical activities and eating a healthy diet to promote cardiovascular health and stable blood pressure.
Medications
Medications to manage chronic hypotension may include fludrocortisone, which increases blood volume, or midodrine, which constricts blood vessels. Such medications tend to be prescribed in cases of severe or persistent hypotension not responsive to lifestyle changes. Regular follow-up visits allow safe and effective treatment.
When to Seek Emergency Care
Emergency medical attention is needed if low blood pressure results in shock or loss of consciousness, chest pain or difficulty breathing, or exhibits stroke-like signs. Timely treatment could avert dangerous complications and improve outcomes, mainly when associated with heart problems or severe dehydration.
Preventing Low Blood Pressure
Regular health monitoring, along with a proper diet and drinking enough fluids, helps maintain ideal blood pressure. Managing pre-existing conditions and identifying potential health issues further reduces the risk of sudden drops in blood pressure.
Staying Hydrated and Balanced Diet
Consuming adequate fluids, partitioning food into smaller meals, and supplementing with salt (if necessary) helps stabilise blood pressure. Moderation of alcohol intake and cutting back on caffeine consumption also protect the individual's cardiovascular system.
Regular Monitoring and Medical Check-ups
Regular check-ups are vital in detecting new developments in blood pressure. Individuals struggling from chronic illnesses need to monitor their blood pressure closely to avoid complications. Acting early in life improves a person’s health in the long run.
Managing Underlying Health Conditions
Preventing low blood pressure entails effectively managing heart disease, diabetes, or endocrine disorders. Using recommended medications, living a healthy life, and regularly visiting a health professional are critical when trying to reduce risk factors.
Complications of Low Blood Pressure
Without adequate management, low blood pressure can lead to shock or organ damage alongside a myriad of injuries from Dizziness. Chronic hypotension is likely to develop without ongoing monitoring and management, which could cause severe long-term problems, limiting an individual’s overall health.
Managing Low Blood Pressure with Cadabam's Diagnostics: A Holistic Approach to Well-being
At Cadabam’s Diagnostics, we offer complete evaluations for effectively managing low blood pressure. We help individuals attain optimal cardiovascular health through expert guidance, advanced diagnostic tools, and personalised care. If you or someone you care about struggles with persistent hypotension, do not delay seeking expert advice. It is time to build a healthier tomorrow today.