Low blood pressure, also known as hypotension, happens when the blood pressure in your arteries drops below what’s normal. For most folks, regular blood pressure hangs around 120/80 mmHg. Hypotension usually means having a blood pressure lower than 90/60 mmHg. It might not be as worrisome as high blood pressure, but if it sticks around, it can bring on some major health issues that need to be taken care of.
Reason for Low Blood Pressure:
- Lots of different things can lead to low blood pressure, like, Getting Dehydrated: If your body loses more water than it gets, you might feel weak, dizzy, or have low blood pressure. This could happen because you’re not drinking enough fluids or maybe you’re sweating a lot, dealing with diarrhea or throwing up.
- Heart Troubles: Some heart probs–like having an extra slow heartbeat (bradycardia), issues with your heart valves, a heart attack or heart failure–can keep your body from pumping enough blood around and cause low blood pressure.
- Endocrine Woes: When hormones are out of whack because of stuff like Addison’s disease (not making enough hormone from your adrenal glands), diabetes, or thyroid problems — well that can lead to low blood pressure.
- Heavy Infections (Septicemia): If an infection gets into your bloodstream and causes your BP to drop super fast–that’s what folks call septic shock–and it’s really serious!
- Losing Blood: If you lose lots of blood from a bad injury or maybe internal bleeding happens inside you somewhere, then there isn’t as much blood left in your body and that brings down your BP big time.
- Not Enough Nutrients: Not getting enough vitamin B-12 and folate makes it tough for your bod to make red blood cells which leads to low BP.
- Meds: Some medicines can lower your BP like diuretics (make you pee lots), beta-blockers (slow down heartbeat), alpha-blockers (relax arteries), antidepressants & drugs used for Parkinson’s disease.
- Stand Up Sudden Drop: Sometimes when you stand up quick from sitting or lying down, there’s a sudden fall in BP. Lots of people go through this briefly and it’s called postural orthostatic hypotension!
- Baby on Board: While pregnant & due to the fast-growing circulatory system during pregnancy – BP might dip. Totally normal though and usually fixes itself after giving birth!
Symptoms of Hypotension:
Low blood pressure symptoms can be different for each person and the root cause. Signs may include feeling dizzy or light-headed, especially when getting up. Blurry or vanishing sight is also possible with low BP. If you’re unusually tired, weak, or have a sick stomach, it could be due to hypotension. Finding it hard to focus or think clearly? That might be a symptom too. Cool, damp skin that’s pale could indicate decreased blood circulation. Quick, shallow breathing is a common companion of blood pressure as well. And out for fainting losing consciousness suddenly because of a drop in blood pressure.
Treatment of Hypotension:
To help with low blood pressure, there are a few things can do depending on what’s causing it and how severe it is. Let’s look at some common ways to treat hypotension:
- Drink More Fluids: Having more water can boost your blood volume and raise your blood pressure. Electrolyte solutions are helpful too, especially when you’re dehydrated2. Eat Small Meals Often: Big meals can make your blood pressure drop suddenly, especially for older folks. Eating small meals throughout the day can keep things steady.
- Add More Salt to Your Diet: Unlike high blood pressure, hypotension might benefit from more salt. But be careful and get medical advice to avoid going overboard.
- Take Medications: Doctors might give you meds like fludrocortisone or midodrine to help increase your blood pressure.
- Wear Compression Stockings: These socks can stop your blood from building up in your legs and ease symptoms of orthostatic hypotension.
- Stay Active: Avoid long periods in bed and keep moving around to prevent a drop in blood pressure.
- Get Up Slowly: Don’t stand up too quickly – take it easy by sitting up slowly before standing to avoid orthostatic hypotension.
- Eat Well: Make sure you’re getting enough B-12 and folate for a balanced diet that keeps your blood pressure stable.
- Treat Underlying Issues: If heart problems, hormonal imbalances, or infections are causing low blood pressure, deal with those first.
- Watch Out for Triggers: Know what makes your hypotension worse – whether it’s standing for too long, hot showers, or drinking alcohol – so you can avoid them smartly!
When to See a Doctor:
Hey there! Feeling dizzy or tired? It might be a good sign of health, especially if you’re active. But, best to see a doctor if you have low pressure symptoms like dizziness fainting, or fatigue that won’t quit. These signs could mean something bigger going on and need medical help. And remember, if your blood pressure suddenly takes a dive or you show signs of shock (like confusion, cold skin, or fast breathing), get help right away! Stay healthy!
Conclusion:
Hypotension, or low blood pressure, can arise from a variety of causes, including dehydration, heart problems, endocrine disorders, and certain medications. While it is often not as immediately dangerous as hypertension, hypotension can lead to symptoms like dizziness, fainting, and fatigue, which can significantly impact daily life. Effective treatment and management involve addressing the underlying cause, making lifestyle adjustments, and possibly using medications under a doctor’s guidance. Understanding and managing hypotension is essential for maintaining overall health and well-being.