Hypotension, also known as Low blood pressure, occurs when blood pressure drops below normal levels. While high blood pressure is a well-known health concern, low blood pressure can also cause health problems and should not be ignored.
Causes of Low hypotension
Low blood pressure, or hypotension, can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Dehydration: When the body loses too much fluid, blood pressure can drop.
- Blood loss: Loss of blood through injury, surgery, or other medical conditions can cause a drop in blood pressure.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as those for high blood pressure, heart conditions, or depression, can cause low blood pressure as a side effect.
- Heart problems: Heart conditions that affect the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively, such as heart failure or heart attack, can cause low blood pressure.
- Endocrine problems: Disorders of the adrenal glands or thyroid gland can cause low blood pressure.
- Pregnancy: Blood pressure can drop during pregnancy, particularly in the first 24 weeks.
- Nutritional deficiencies: A lack of certain nutrients, such as vitamin B12, can cause anemia, which can lead to low blood pressure.
Symptoms of hypotension
Low blood pressure, or hypotension, can cause a range of symptoms, including:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness: This is one of the most common symptoms of low blood pressure. People may feel as though they are about to faint or lose their balance.
- Fatigue: Low blood pressure can cause feelings of weakness or tiredness.
- Blurred vision: Blood pressure that is too low can cause vision problems, such as blurred or tunnel vision.
- Nausea: Low blood pressure can cause feelings of nausea or vomiting.
- Confusion: In severe cases, low blood pressure can cause confusion or difficulty concentrating.
- Rapid, shallow breathing: Low blood pressure can cause rapid breathing or shortness of breath.
- Cold, clammy skin: People with low blood pressure may have cool, clammy skin, particularly in the hands and feet.
Complications of hypotension
Low blood pressure, or hypotension, can lead to various complications, including:
- Fainting: A sudden drop in blood pressure can cause a person to faint, which can lead to injuries from falling.
- Shock: In severe cases, low blood pressure can cause shock, which is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body is not getting enough blood flow.
- Stroke: Low blood pressure can reduce blood flow to the brain, which can increase the risk of stroke.
- Kidney damage: Low blood pressure can reduce blood flow to the kidneys, which can damage these vital organs over time.
- Heart damage: If the heart is not getting enough blood flow due to low blood pressure, it can lead to heart damage or failure.
- Vision loss: Prolonged low blood pressure can cause damage to the optic nerve, which can lead to vision loss.
- Mental confusion: Low blood pressure can cause confusion, difficulty concentrating, and other cognitive problems.
Diagnosis of hypotension
Diagnosing low blood pressure, or hypotension, involves measuring blood pressure levels and identifying any underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to low blood pressure.
A healthcare provider will typically use a blood pressure cuff and a stethoscope to measure blood pressure. A reading below 90/60 mm Hg is considered low blood pressure. However, if a person’s blood pressure is normally low and they are not experiencing any symptoms, this may not necessarily be a cause for concern.
To diagnose the underlying cause of low blood pressure, a healthcare provider may perform additional tests, such as blood tests, electrocardiograms (ECGs), echocardiograms, or stress tests. They may also ask about a person’s medical history, including any medications they are taking, recent illnesses or injuries, or any family history of low blood pressure.
Treatment of hypotension
The treatment for low blood pressure, or hypotension, depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. In some cases, no treatment may be necessary if a person is not experiencing any symptoms or complications.
If treatment is needed, healthcare providers may recommend the following:
- Lifestyle modifications: Increasing salt and water intake, wearing compression stockings, and changing position slowly when standing up can help raise blood pressure.
- Medications: In severe cases, medications such as fludrocortisone, midodrine, or pyridostigmine may be prescribed to help raise blood pressure.
- Treatment of underlying conditions: If low blood pressure is caused by an underlying medical condition, such as anemia or diabetes, treating the underlying condition can help improve blood pressure levels.
- Intravenous fluids: In cases of severe hypotension, intravenous fluids may be given to help increase blood volume and blood pressure.