Low blood pressure is a common and widespread condition, and it could sometimes lead to serious complications if it isn’t managed.

Low blood pressure

Hypotension is the drop in the pressure to less than 60/90 mm Hg, while the normal number of blood pressure is around 80/120 mm Hg.

The pressure consists of two numbers:

• The top number is the systolic blood pressure, and it measures the blood pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts to beat.
• The bottom number is the diastolic blood pressure, and it measures the blood pressure in the arteries when the heart relaxes between contractions.

Low blood pressure could be a health condition or a symptom for another one.

Causes of low blood pressure

• Orthostatic (postural) hypotension, which occurs when you stand up after sitting or lying down and stay low for longer than 3 minutes.
• Some central nervous system conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease.
• Some heart and lung conditions.
• Low blood volume, such as in cases of heavy bleeding and dehydration.
• Life-threatening conditions, such as heart attacks, lung collapse, pulmonary embolism, arrhythmias, sepsis, and anaphylaxes.
• Alcohol and recreational drugs.
• Pregnancy.
• Low nutrients, such as iron, vitamin B12, and folate.
• Some medications, such as hypertension drugs, heart failure, depression, erectile dysfunction, and others.
• Very low or very high temperature.

Symptoms of low blood pressure

Hypotension might not cause any symptoms, and it also might cause the following symptoms:

• Rapid and shallow breath.
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Weakness, tiredness, and exhaustion.
• Blurred or distorted vision.
• Confusion and difficulty concentrating.
• Rapid heartbeat.
• The skin becomes cold and lighter.
• Weird behavior changes.

Complications of low blood pressure

If hypotension isn’t managed, the following complications might occur:

• Falling as a result of fainting and fall-related injuries.
• Heart problems or stroke.
• Shock.

Diagnosis of low blood pressure

• Taking the blood pressure.
• Blood and imaging tests to find out if there are other conditions.

Treatment of low blood pressure

• Treating low blood pressure is done depending on the cause.
• If there isn’t any reason behind hypotension, the pressure is raised by having more salt, drinking enough water, wearing compression stockings, and taking specific medications to raise the low blood pressure.