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Hypotension (also known as low blood pressure) is very common. Low blood pressure might seem desirable for some people if it causes no problems. However, abnormally low blood pressure can cause dizziness and fainting, in severe cases, it can be life-threatening. Healthy Matters will provide you with all the information about the causes, symptoms and treatment of low blood pressure.
Low blood pressure is defined as a systolic blood pressure reading lower than 90 millimetres of mercury (mmHg) or diastolic blood pressure of 60 mmHg (i.e. less than 90/60 mmHg). The normal range of blood pressure for an adult is between 90/60 mmHg to 120/80 mmHg. For some people, low blood pressure may not cause any symptoms, however, abnormally low blood pressure usually signals an underlying problem that leads to a lowering of blood pressure.
Low blood pressure (hypotension) can be further classified into different types:
Medical conditions that can cause low blood pressure include:
Some medications can also lead to low blood pressure, including:
Low blood pressure (hypotension) can be normal in a fit and healthy person, what is considered low blood pressure for you may be normal for someone else. Therefore in most cases, blood pressure is only considered too low and requires treatment if it causes symptoms.
Common symptoms of low blood pressure include:
If you have any of the above symptoms, you should visit your doctor to get your blood pressure checked. You can also measure your blood pressure at home if you have a blood pressure monitor.
Blood pressure is considered low with a blood pressure reading of less than 90/60 mmHg. Besides measuring your blood pressure, asking about your symptoms, reviewing your medications and doing a physical examination, your doctor may recommend doing more tests to find out the underlying cause of hypotension. Examples include:
Low blood pressure (hypotension) is not a serious problem unless it causes symptoms and complications. If you experience symptoms of low blood pressure, the treatment depends on the underlying cause and other contributing factors.
Depending on the variety of causes and factors, your doctor may recommend one or more of the following pieces of advice, namely dietary and lifestyle changes and/ or medications to manage the symptoms of low blood pressure.
Low blood pressure is usually not a serious medical condition, however, if left untreated it can lead to complications such as:
Low blood pressure can be caused by a variety of medical conditions including dehydration, pregnancy, heart conditions (bradycardia and heart valve problems), endocrine disorders (e.g. Addison’s disease, hypothyroid disease and diabetes), septicemia and severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). Many medications can also lead to low blood pressure, examples include diuretics, alpha-blockers, beta-blockers and Parkinson's disease medication.
Low blood pressure is defined as an abnormally low blood pressure of 90/60 mmHg or below. The normal range of blood pressure for an adult is between 90/60 mmHg to 120/80 mmHg.
For some people, low blood pressure may not cause any symptoms. However, some may experience symptoms such as feeling tired or generally weak, lightheadedness, dizziness, blurred vision and fainting.
This article was independently written by Healthy Matters and is not sponsored. It is informative only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be relied upon for specific medical advice.
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