Hypotension – symptoms, causes and treatment

Low blood pressure, also known as hypotension, is a relatively harmless condition that often goes unnoticed because it usually does not cause any symptoms. It only becomes a concern when the pressure is not enough to supply vital organs with oxygenated blood.

Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps it. It is typically expressed as two numbers: systolic and diastolic. The measurements are recorded in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg), with the systolic number listed above the diastolic number.

For most adults, normal blood pressure is typically less than 120/80 mm Hg. Low blood pressure is considered to be lower than 90/60 mm Hg.

Is low blood pressure dangerous?

In many healthy individuals, low blood pressure is generally not a cause for concern and does not require treatment. However, it can significantly impact a person’s quality of life as it is often accompanied by fatigue and feelings of weakness. A more serious issue arises when there are sudden drops in blood pressure, leading to inadequate blood supply to the brain. Additionally, in some cases, low blood pressure may be indicative of a more serious underlying condition, warranting closer attention.

What are the symptoms?

Low blood pressure often goes unnoticed by many people. However, some may experience symptoms such as confusion, dizziness or lightheadedness, fainting, feeling tired or weak, blurred vision, headache, neck or back pain, nausea, palpitations, or a feeling that your heart skips a beat, flutters, or beats too hard or too fast. These symptoms can occur even when you are at rest, but they are more likely to occur when changing position, such as standing up or straining on the toilet.

Types of low blood pressure

There are several types of low blood pressure:

Postural hypotension – a sudden drop in blood pressure when changing from a sitting or lying position to standing. It is also called orthostatic hypotension. This happens when your cardiovascular or nervous system does not respond properly to sudden changes in position.

Neurally mediated hypotension – it is believed that prolonged standing may lead to this condition, potentially stemming from a communication issue between the brain and the heart. It is more prevalent among young individuals.

Postprandial hypotension – drop in blood pressure after a meal. It is thought to be caused by the accumulation of blood in the vessels of the stomach and intestines and is more common in the elderly.

Causes of low blood pressure

The cause of low blood pressure is not always clear. It can be related to pregnancy, hormonal problems such as hypothyroidism, diabetes, hypoglycemia, some medications, cardiac arrest, cardiac arrhythmias, and many others.

Treatment

For most people, chronic low blood pressure can be effectively treated with diet and lifestyle changes. Others need medication to manage symptoms.

Depending on the cause of your symptoms, here are some tips your doctor can give you to manage low blood pressure:

• increasing salt intake
• drinking more fluids and limiting alcohol consumption
• regular exercise to improve blood circulation
• check if the individual is taking any medications that could cause low blood pressure
• caution when standing up and changing position
• smaller but more frequent meals
• compression socks that cover the lower leg and thigh (restricting the flow of blood in the legs, keeping more blood in the upper part of the body)

Low blood pressure is not typically associated with as many health issues as high blood pressure, and it is not generally considered to be dangerous. However, it can significantly impact quality of life and the ability to perform daily activities. It is important for individuals with low blood pressure to investigate possible causes, as there is still a chance that there may be a more serious underlying issue.