Blood pressure refers to the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps. While high blood pressure often receives considerable attention, blood pressure that drops too low, known as hypotension, can also be a concern. Hypotension is generally defined as a reading below 90/60 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). This article provides guidance on immediate actions to take and outlines when professional medical attention is necessary.
Recognizing the Signs of Low Blood Pressure
When blood pressure drops, the body may not receive sufficient blood flow to its organs, leading to various symptoms. Common indicators include feelings of dizziness or lightheadedness, which can occur suddenly. Some individuals might experience blurred or fading vision, along with a general sense of weakness and fatigue. Nausea, confusion, or difficulty concentrating are also possible signs. In more pronounced cases, a person might faint or pass out.
Immediate Steps to Take
If you or someone else experiences symptoms of low blood pressure, prompt action can often help alleviate discomfort. One effective step is to lie down immediately, if possible, and elevate the feet above the level of the heart. This position uses gravity to help return blood from the legs back to the heart and then to the brain, improving circulation to vital organs.
Drinking fluids, particularly water, can also be beneficial, especially if dehydration is a contributing factor. Electrolyte-rich beverages can assist in restoring fluid balance and supporting proper nerve and muscle function, which are important for maintaining stable blood pressure. For some individuals, consuming a small, salty snack can help raise blood pressure, but this should be done cautiously and ideally after consulting a healthcare professional. Avoiding sudden movements is also important; instead, rise slowly from lying or sitting positions. If symptoms begin while standing, crossing the thighs and squeezing, or placing one foot on a chair and leaning forward, can encourage blood flow back to the heart.
When to Seek Professional Medical Attention
While mild symptoms of low blood pressure can often be managed with immediate self-care, certain signs indicate a need for urgent professional medical attention. Call emergency services if someone experiencing low blood pressure shows signs of shock. These include sudden loss of consciousness, severe confusion, cold and clammy skin, or a rapid but weak pulse. Rapid, shallow breathing, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or a bluish tint to the skin are also serious emergency indicators.
Even without emergency symptoms, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for recurrent episodes of low blood pressure. You should also seek medical advice if low blood pressure is accompanied by new or worsening symptoms. This is particularly important if the low blood pressure appears to be a side effect of a medication. A doctor can evaluate the situation, determine the underlying cause, and recommend appropriate management strategies or adjustments to medication.
Understanding Potential Causes
Low blood pressure can stem from various factors, some of which are relatively common and less severe. Dehydration is a frequent cause, as insufficient fluid intake reduces blood volume, leading to a drop in pressure. Orthostatic hypotension, a sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing up from a sitting or lying position, is another common occurrence. This often happens because the body’s systems do not adjust quickly enough to the change in posture.
Certain medications can also contribute to low blood pressure. These include drugs prescribed for high blood pressure, heart conditions, depression, or Parkinson’s disease. For some, prolonged standing can lead to neurally mediated hypotension.
Less common but more serious causes include underlying health conditions such as heart problems like heart attacks, heart failure, or irregular heart rhythms. Endocrine issues, severe infections like sepsis, or significant blood loss from injury or internal bleeding can also lead to dangerously low blood pressure. Pregnancy can also cause a drop in blood pressure, typically in the first and second trimesters, as blood vessels expand rapidly.