Navigating Low Blood Pressure: Understanding
Causes, Symptoms, and Management
1. Introduction
Blood pressure refers to the pressure
of blood flowing in the circulatory blood of the body on the arteries of the
body which are the large arteries in the body. Although the health issue of
high blood pressure (hypertension) is familiar, its opposite, the low blood
pressure also referred to as hypotension, should be given the same
consideration. The first step to managing the condition is to gain an
understanding of what low blood pressure entails and its impact on the body.
What is Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)?
Most people describe low blood
pressure as anything that is a reading that is less than 90 millimeters of
mercury (mm Hg) on the top (systolic) and 60 mm Hg on the bottom (diastolic). Low
blood pressure without any symptoms is something that many people do not take
seriously and even indicate good cardiovascular condition. Nevertheless, a
sudden decrease in blood pressure or its symptoms combined with visible
symptoms may signal that an insufficient amount of blood is being distributed
to the brain and other vital organs, which may cause problems.
Why Understanding It Matters
An abrupt fall in blood pressure may
lead to dizziness and fainting and lead to more falls and injuries. In more
severe cases, it may result in shock which is a life-threatening condition. Thus,
it is vital to be aware of the warning signs, be knowledgeable about the
possible reasons and be able to know when to get help, particularly when a
person is more vulnerable.
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2. Types of Low Blood Pressure
Low blood pressure is not a universal
phenomenon. It could be divided into various types and each of them has
different characteristics.
· Chronic vs. Acute Hypotension: There are people who have low blood pressure
which is chronic and asymptomatic and is perceived by them to be normal. Acute
hypotension, in contrast, is defined as the rapid decrease in blood pressure,
which may be a medical crisis, caused by such aspects as severe bleeding or a
systemic infection.
· Orthostatic (Postural) Hypotension: It is one of the most widespread ones. It is
experienced when an individual rises too fast out of a seated or lying posture.
The problem of gravity makes the blood in the legs pool together that causes
the blood pressure to temporarily decrease and a short-term decrease in blood
flow to the brain. This may leave a person lightheaded or dizzy.
· Postprandial Hypotension: It is a form of drop in blood pressure that
follows the intake of food one to two hours later. It is mainly seen in the
older population particularly those with poor blood pressure or autonomic
nervous system disorders such as Parkinsonism. Following a meal, the
circulation of blood is accelerated to the digestive system, and it may reduce
the blood pressure in other regions of the body.
· Neurally Mediated Hypotension (NMH): It is characterized by the distortion of the
communication between the brain and the heart. It is common in young adults and
children and may be precipitated by the prolonged standing. The brain wrongly
sends a signal that the blood pressure is excessively high, and this will cause
the heart rate to slow and the blood pressure to further decrease to a point
that faints or makes one feel dizzy.
3. Causes of Low Blood Pressure
Low blood pressure may be caused by a
number of factors and underlying health conditions. Management is a critical
aspect in the identification of the root cause.
· Dehydration:
It is a condition that occurs when the body loses more water than it absorbs
leading to weakness, dizziness and fatigue. Even slight dehydration may serve
as a precipitant. Fever, vomiting, severe diarrhea, excessive use of diuretics
or intense exercise may cause dehydration.
· Blood Loss:
when one loses large quantities of blood due to a major insult or bleeding in
the body, the quantity of blood in the body is reduced and the blood pressure
significantly drops.
· Heart Problems: Extremely slow heart rate (bradycardia),
heart valve defects, heart attack, and heart failure are some of the heart
conditions that may cause low blood pressure. These ailments can make the heart
insufficient to pump enough blood in the body.
· Endocrine Disorders: These include Thyroid disorders (both
underactive and overactive thyroid), the condition of adrenal insufficiency
(Addison disease), low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), and to some extent,
diabetes.
· Severe Infection (Septic Shock): When a infection in the body overcomes the
bloodstream, the result is a life-threatening fall in blood pressure termed as
septic shock.
· Pregnancy:
During pregnancy the downward pressure of blood normally decreases due to the
changes in the circulatory system. This is commonly normal and it goes back to
the pre-pregnancy levels post partum.
· Nutritional Deficiencies: The body needs enough vitamins B-12 and
folate to produce enough red blood cells (anemia), which, due to the lack of
these two vitamins, can result into low blood pressure.
· Medications:
There are various medications which have low blood pressure as a side effect
such as:
o
Diuretics (water
pills)
o
Alpha and beta
blockers
o
Parkinson disease
drugs.
o
There are some
kinds of antidepressants.
o
Drugs that treat
erectile dysfunction, especially those used along with nitrates to treat heart
disease.
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4. Symptoms of Low Blood Pressure
Low blood pressure is not experienced.
In other people, it may cause various symptoms that are indicative of
insufficient blood supply to the brain and other organs.
· Dizziness and Fainting (Syncope): This is one of the most typical ones. The
result of a sudden decrease in blood pressure becomes lightheadedness or
temporary unconsciousness.
· Reduced Blood flow to the Eyes: This may lead to the vision being dim,
blurred or tunnel-like as a result of reduced blood flow to the eyes.
· Fatigue:
Chronic low blood pressure may be related to one of the most common is fatigue.
· Nausea:
An unpleasant sensation of the stomach or a rapid fall in blood pressure can
result in nausea.
· Cold, Clammy Skin: This condition is an indicator of shock
especially when it is accompanied by other symptoms that show that there is a
redistribution of blood towards some body systems at the expense of the skin.
· Shallow Rapid Breathing: The body can attempt to wear up the shortage
of oxygen by raising breathing speed.
· Weakness of the Concentration: Due to the decreased blood circulation to the
brain, one may find it very hard to concentrate and think properly.
5. Risk Factors
Some may predispose a person to
developing low blood pressure.
· Age:
The postural hypotension or postprandial hypotension is mainly observed in
adults above the age of 65. Hypotension mediated by the neurons is more
prevalent in younger adults and children.
· Specific Medical Conditions: Parkinson disease, diabetes, and some heart
disorders are some conditions that commonly cause the risk of low blood
pressure.
· Long-term Bed Rest: When long-bedridden people attempt to stand,
there is a possibility of a decrease in blood pressure.
· Heat Exposure: When spending time in a hot and humid
environment, one may become dehydrated which will result in a subsequent drop
in blood pressure.
6. Diagnosis
When you are having low blood pressure
symptoms, a medical practitioner will assist you in establishing the cause. Diagnostic
process usually goes through a number of stages.
· Blood Pressure Measurement: It is the basic test. It can be performed in
the arms as well as in various positions (lying down, sitting, and standing) to
diagnose orthostatic hypotension.
· Medical History: It is important to discuss your symptoms,
family history, diet, lifestyle and medications that you take in detail.
· Blood Tests:
These may assist in the detection of underlying disorders either in anemia, low
blood sugar, hormonal disequilibria or deficiencies in nutrients.
· ECG (Electrocardiogram) or Echocardiogram: These are non-invasive exams, which are used
to check abnormality in the heart that might be causing low blood pressure
through understanding the electrical activity and structure of the heart.
· Tilt-Table Test: In case you pass out easily, the test can be
prescribed. It consists of lying on a table which is tilted such that it seems
to be moving in a lying down position to a standing up position whilst you are
being monitored with heart rate and blood pressure.
7. Prevention Tips
Simple lifestyle changes would ensure
that many of us manage the low blood pressure.
· Hydrate:
Take a lot of fluids during the day. Water is the best and during a hot season
or when one is sick, it is vital to consume more water.
· Do Not sit and lie up suddenly: Get yourself up gradually out of a sitting or
lying position. Upon getting up, spend one minute in bed sitting on the edge
before getting up.
· Balanced Diet with Enough Salt: Although too much salt is not recommended in
the diet of a patient with high blood pressure, a patient with low blood
pressure can be encouraged by the doctor to add extra salt into the diet to a
certain degree. You should not take any drastic decisions regarding the salt
level without consulting a medical practitioner.
· Small, Frequent Meals: To prevent postprandial hypotension, it is
recommended to eat smaller meals with low-carbohydrate content more often
throughout the day rather than three big meals.
· Compression Stockings: These are tightened stockings usually worn to
ease the pains and swellings of varicose veins and may help to decrease the
amount of blood stagnating in your leg.
· Regular Exercise: This involves regular physical activities
that facilitate the general cardiovascular fitness and may regulate blood
pressure.
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8. Treatment Options
Low blood pressure treatment is aimed
at managing the cause. In case of no apparent cause or is a chronic problem,
the aim is to elevate blood pressure and lower the signs and symptoms.
· Dealing with Underlying Causes: This is the most objective method. Therapy
can be the modification of diabetes control, a heart disease, or a condition of
the adrenal glands.
· Medication Adjustments: In case a medication is diagnosed to be the
cause, a physician may alter the dosage or may replace a medication.
· Increasing Fluid and Salt Intake: As a prophylaxis measure, a physician can
prescribe an increase in water intake per day and in specific situations, the
dietary amount of salt can be added under control.
· Drugs:
Drugs are sometimes prescribed in situations where hypotension is chronic,
serious, and it fails to respond to changes in lifestyle. They may involve the
administration of fludrocortisone (that assists in the enhancement of blood
volume) or midodrine (that functions by narrowing blood vessels, thereby
elevating blood pressure). They are utilized only in case of close medical
control.
9. When to See a Doctor
Lightheadedness is not an issue to be panic inducing, however, sometimes, this condition may be minor and can be
triggered by certain factors. Nevertheless, a medical professional should be
approached in case of troubling or constant symptoms.
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
· Abrupt decrease in blood pressure.
· Passing out or having a fainting-fit.
· Lightheadedness or dizziness, feeling pains in
the chest, out of breath, irregular heartbeat, or severe headache.
· Black or bloody stools that may result as a
symptom of internal bleeding.
· Symptoms of shock (shaky, sweaty skin,
breathless, bluish color of skin, weak and fast-paced pulse).
It is always better to see a doctor
and have a proper examination even in case of frequent dizziness or fainting
spins even without emergency symptoms.
10. Conclusion
Low blood pressure is an issue that
has a continuum. It may not be a problem to everyone, but it may severely
affect the lives of others and indicate a severe health condition. The
management of hypotension is tied to the understanding of its types,
identification of its symptoms, and possible causes. Through effective
prevention routines such as maintaining hydration, slow movement, and having a
balanced diet, a number of people would be able to control their symptoms. Above
all, any chronic or acute symptoms should be the reason to discuss them with a
medical worker and to be able to make a proper diagnosis and an individualized
and safe treatment strategy.
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11. FAQs
Q1. What is the
dangerously low reading of blood pressure?
Reading lower than 90 /60 mm Hg is
generally considered as low blood pressure. But dangerous is a relative concept
to the individual. It is more alarming when an individual experiences a sudden
reduction to 90/60 which leads to fainting and difficulty in breathing as
opposed to a steady level of 85/55 in an individual who does not complain of
anything being wrong.
Q2. Does low
blood pressure make one feel fatigued? Y
es, one of the typical symptoms is
fatigue. In case, blood pressure is too low, it might appear that the
sufficient supply of oxygen and nutrients is not delivered to the cells of the
body, and it may cause some feeling of fatigue and laziness.
Q3. Is there any
particular food that can be used to raise the low blood pressure?
The most direct dietary therapy is an
increase in fluid intake. Slight salt consumption by consuming salted foods
such as salted nuts, broth, or crackers can help especially when it has been
prescribed by a doctor. The post-meal decrease in blood pressure can also be
prevented by small, frequent meals with a smaller amount of carbohydrates in
them.
Q4. What is the
difference between low blood pressure and high blood pressure?
High blood pressure (hypertension) is
a disease in which there is consistently excessive pressure of blood on the
walls of the arteries and that after some time, it causes damage to the
arteries and heart disease, stroke and other issues. Low blood pressure
(hypotension) is described as the condition that results in inadequate levels
of pressure to supply the organs with blood. Both may lead to health problems,
yet the causes and ways of coping with them are different.
Q5. Is it
possible that anxiety is the cause of low blood pressure?
Although anxiety is more often related
with acute rises in blood pressure, it may sometimes cause a decrease,
especially in case of a vasovaginal reaction (that may be induced by fear or
emotional trauma), resulting in fainting. A chronic stress and anxiety can also
influence the autonomic nervous system which is involved in the regulation of
blood pressure.
Disclaimer: The article has purely informational
purposes, and it does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, and
treatment. You should also consult your physician or other qualified health
provider always in case of any questions you might have on a medical condition.
Professional medical advice should never be ignored or put off in the name of
something that you have found in this article.
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