Hypotension, also commonly known as low blood pressure is a condition in which blood pressure in the arteries gets abnormally low. In some cases, the blood pressure gets so low that it fails to reach all the body organs, resulting in light headedness, dizziness, and even fainting.
The ideal reading level for blood pressure is more than 120 over 80 but less than 140 over 90 (120/80-140/90).
The higher of the two is the measure of systolic pressure, which means the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats and fills them with blood. The second number measures diastolic pressure, which means the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests
between beats. If either number is below the ideal reading level, your pressure is lower than normal.
Usually, in healthy people, low blood pressure without any symptoms means negligible health concerns. But if it shows symptoms, it is an indication of inadequate blood flow to the heart, brain, and other vital organs, which needs to be treated as soon as possible.
Chronic low blood pressure which shows no symptoms is not considered as a serious health concern. But there are possibilities that sudden drop in blood pressure may develop several health issues. Mostly, sudden fall in blood pressure occurs while getting up from a lying position or suddenly standing from a sitting position. This kind of low blood pressure is also referred to as postural hypotension or orthostatic hypotension.
Postural hypotension happens when there is failure of the cardiovascular system or nervous system to react appropriately to sudden changes. Our body normally compensates by sending messages to the heart to beat faster and to the blood vessels to constrict. But if this does not happen, or happens too slowly, it causes postural hypotension and can lead to fainting.
Low blood pressure may also occur when a person is standing for a longer duration. This type of low blood pressure is referred to as neurally mediated hypotension.
It should be noted that with age, the risk of both low and high blood pressure normally increases. This is due to the reason that blood flow to the heart muscle and the brain declines with age, often as a result of plaque build-up in blood vessels.
Some more common causes of low blood pressure are:
1. Dehydration: Inadequate water in the body can cause weakness, fatigue and dizziness and thus, can lead to a drop in the blood pressure level.
2. Cardiovascular problems: A few heart conditions can also lead to low blood pressure. In some scenarios, the condition can get worse and cause low heart rate (bradycardia), heart valve problems, heart attack and even heart failure.
3. Pregnancy: Pregnancy may also lead to drop blood pressure level. Due to the internal bodily changes during pregnancy, blood pressure is likely to decline. But this condition is usually considered normal. After the child birth, blood pressure again goes to normal.
4. Loss of blood: In case of a major injury which causes blood loss or internal bleeding, one may experience low blood pressure.
5. Endocrine problems: Thyroid conditions, low blood sugar levels and, in some cases, diabetes are responsible for triggering low blood pressure.
6. Infection: This usually happens in case of serious infection like septicaemia and can lead to a life-threatening condition which is also referred to as septic shock.
7. Nutrient deficiency: Lack of Vitamin B-12 and folate can cause low blood pressure. This is due to the reason that these nutrients are essential to produce red blood cells and their deficiency can lead to drop in blood pressure levels.
8. Allergic reaction:Serious allergic reactions like anaphylaxis can trigger health conditions such as breathing problems, hives, itching and a swollen throat. This can also lead to low blood pressure.
9. Low salt intake: Sodium is an essential electrolyte that helps in maintaining water in and around the cells. Insufficient consumption of sodium may lead to low blood pressure as this may disrupt the blood pressure levels. But before increasing salt quantity in your food, consult your doctor.
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