Blood pressure reflects the force of blood pushing against artery walls as your heart circulates blood. When this force drops below typical levels, it is medically termed hypotension.
Understanding Blood Pressure Readings
Blood pressure readings consist of two numbers, expressed in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). The first number, known as systolic pressure, measures the force when your heart beats and pushes blood into the arteries. The second number, diastolic pressure, represents the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats. For most adults, a normal blood pressure reading is generally below 120/80 mmHg.
A blood pressure reading is generally considered low if it falls below 90/60 mmHg. What is considered “too low” can vary among individuals, as some naturally have lower blood pressure without issues. However, a sudden or significant drop can indicate an underlying health concern.
Recognizing the Indicators
When blood pressure drops too low, the body’s organs, particularly the brain, may not receive enough blood flow. Common indicators include feelings of dizziness or lightheadedness, which can sometimes lead to fainting.
Other signs might involve blurred or distorted vision, nausea, or fatigue and weakness. Some individuals may also experience confusion or difficulty concentrating. These symptoms arise because the reduced blood pressure means less oxygen and nutrients are delivered to the brain and other tissues.
Factors Contributing to Low Blood Pressure
Various factors can contribute to low blood pressure. Dehydration is a common cause, as a decrease in body fluid volume directly reduces blood volume, leading to a drop in pressure. Conditions that cause significant fluid loss, such as severe vomiting, diarrhea, or fever, can result in dehydration.
Certain medications can lower blood pressure, including diuretics, beta-blockers, and drugs used to treat high blood pressure, depression, or Parkinson’s disease. Underlying medical conditions, such as heart problems (e.g., heart failure, irregular heart rhythms, heart attack), endocrine issues like Addison’s disease, or severe infections like sepsis, can lead to hypotension. Nutritional deficiencies, particularly a lack of vitamin B12 or folic acid, can cause anemia, which may result in low blood pressure. Additionally, prolonged periods of bed rest can sometimes contribute to lower blood pressure.
When Low Blood Pressure Becomes a Concern
While some individuals naturally have low blood pressure without issues, certain scenarios indicate a need for medical attention. If low blood pressure is accompanied by persistent symptoms that affect daily life, consult a healthcare provider. Symptoms like frequent dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting episodes warrant professional evaluation.
Sudden and severe drops in blood pressure, especially those causing fainting with injury, are concerning. Signs of shock, such as cold and clammy skin, rapid and shallow breathing, a weak and rapid pulse, or a bluish tint to the skin, require immediate emergency medical care. These severe symptoms suggest that organs are not receiving adequate blood flow, which can be life-threatening.
Approaches to Managing Low Blood Pressure
Managing low blood pressure involves lifestyle adjustments and, when necessary, medical interventions. Increasing fluid intake is a common recommendation, as it helps boost blood volume and prevent dehydration. In some cases, increasing salt intake can also be beneficial, but this requires careful monitoring.
Making gradual movements, such as slowly rising from a sitting or lying position, can help prevent sudden drops in blood pressure. Eating smaller, more frequent meals, particularly those lower in carbohydrates, can also alleviate symptoms of post-meal blood pressure drops. For some individuals, wearing compression stockings can help improve circulation and increase blood pressure by preventing blood from pooling in the legs. If an underlying medical condition or medication is identified as the cause, treating that condition or adjusting the medication dosage is key. Medications like fludrocortisone or midodrine may be prescribed to help increase blood volume or constrict blood vessels.