While low blood pressure (hypotension) is not as prevalent in Americans as high blood pressure, it can still be a serious health condition and can be a sign of life-threatening conditions. It is important to understand the symptoms of low blood pressure so a doctor can be consulted and the cause of the low blood pressure can be determined and treated.
What is Considered Low Blood Pressure?
A normal blood pressure reading is considered to be 120/80 or lower. However, when the systolic blood pressure number (top number) is at 90 or lower and the diastolic blood pressure number (lower number) is at 60 or lower, then this is considered to be low blood pressure. Both numbers do not have to be extremely low to be considered low blood pressure. If the top number or the bottom number is extremely low, it is considered low blood pressure.
A low blood pressure reading doesn’t necessarily mean there is a health problem if the person isn’t experiencing any symptoms or health problems. Many people have very low blood pressure and feel fine. However, if symptoms occur along with the low blood pressure, then it is time to seek medical attention.
Symptoms of Low Blood Pressure
Chronic low blood pressure can be a symptom of another underlying medical condition or a sudden drop in blood pressure may occur due to a serious health problem. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms that occur when blood pressure drops too low include:
- dizziness
- lightheadedness
- fainting
- loss of concentration
- fatigue
- depression
- nausea
- blurred vision
- rapid breathing
- cold, clammy skin
- pale skin
- thirst
If a person has low blood pressure and occasionally experiences one or two of these symptoms, such as lightheadedness or fatigue, it may not be a serious problem. However, if these symptoms persist over time, a doctor should be consulted to check if there are any serious medical conditions that are causing the low blood pressure.
Causes of Low Blood Pressure
For many people, low blood pressure may be normal for them and will not cause any concerns but if blood pressure is chronically low and other symptoms persist, there may be an underlying medical problem that is causing the low blood pressure. Doctors generally do not treat low blood pressure until they determine its cause. Some conditions that cause low blood pressure include:
- Heart problems – Heart problems such as an extremely low heart rate, heart valve problems, heart attack or heart failure can cause low blood pressure.
- Pregnancy – Pregnancy can cause blood pressure to lower during the first 24 weeks, but blood pressure will generally go back to normal after the baby is born.
- Dehydration – Dehydration is a common cause of low blood pressure. Loss of fluids in the body causes the volume of blood to lower and results in low blood pressure. Dehydration can also cause fatigue, dizziness, vomiting, fever and weakness. If dehydration is severe, it can cause hypovolemic shock which can be life-threatening.
- Loss of blood – Blood loss due to an injury or internal bleeding can cause blood pressure to drop quickly.
- Nutrient deficiency – A diet lacking in vitamin B12 and folic acid lower the amount of red blood cells which can result in low blood pressure.
- Certain medical conditions – The thyroid conditions hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause low blood pressure. Other conditions that may cause low blood pressure include Addison’s disease, low blood sugar and diabetes.
- Infection – A severe infection that enters the bloodstream can cause blood pressure to drop drastically and is life-threatening.
- Medications – Many medications can cause a drop in blood pressure. Some of these are diuretics, Parkinson’s disease drugs, some antidepressants, alpha blockers and beta blockers and erectile dysfunction medications.
It is important to see a doctor if symptoms of low blood pressure occur on a regular basis to find out what the cause is so it can be treated. If there is no serious underlying cause, treatment can be as simple as drinking more water or making small changes to the diet; however, medication is also available to raise blood pressure.
Sources:
Mayo Clinic Website, “Low blood pressure (hypotension)” Retrieved June 2, 2010.
American Heart Association, “Low Blood Pressure ” Retrieved June 2, 2010.
Deanna Lynn Sletten - Deanna Lynn Sletten has been a freelance writer for newspapers, regional magazines and websites for 20 years. She specializes in the ...
