Low Blood Pressure

Also called: Hypotension, LBP

You've probably heard that high blood pressure is a problem. Sometimes blood pressure that is too low can also cause problems.

Blood pressure is the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. Each time your heart beats, it pumps out blood into the arteries. Your blood pressure is highest when your heart beats, pumping the blood. This is called systolic pressure. When your heart is at rest, between beats, your blood pressure falls. This is the diastolic pressure. Your blood pressure reading uses these two numbers. Usually they're written one above or before the other, such as 120/80. If your blood pressure reading is 90/60 or lower, you have low blood pressure.

Some people have low blood pressure all the time. They have no symptoms and their low readings are normal for them. In other people, blood pressure drops below normal because of a medical condition or certain medicines. Some people may have symptoms of low blood pressure when standing up too quickly. Low blood pressure is a problem only if it causes dizziness, fainting or in extreme cases, shock.

NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Symptoms of Low Blood Pressure

The following features are indicative of Low Blood Pressure:
  • dizziness
  • fainting
  • blurred vision
  • nausea
  • fatigue
  • lack of concentration
  • cold, clammy, pale skin
  • confusion
  • rapid, shallow breathing
  • weak and rapid pulse
It is possible that Low Blood Pressure shows no physical symptoms and still is present in a patient.

Get TabletWise Pro

Thousands of Classes to Help You Become a Better You.

Common Causes of Low Blood Pressure

The following are the most common causes of Low Blood Pressure:
  • dehydration
  • severe allergic reaction
  • pregnancy
  • low heart rate (bradycardia)
  • heart valve problems
  • heart attack
  • heart failure
  • endocrine problems such as parathyroid disease, adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease), low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
  • blood loss

Other Causes of Low Blood Pressure

The following are the less common causes of Low Blood Pressure:
  • severe infection such as septicemia
  • lack of nutrients in your diet
  • medications such as diuretics, alpha blockers, Beta blockers

Risk Factors for Low Blood Pressure

The following factors may increase the likelihood of Low Blood Pressure:
  • children and younger adults
  • high blood pressure medications such as alpha blockers
  • Parkinson's disease
  • diabetes
  • some heart conditions

Prevention of Low Blood Pressure

Yes, it may be possible to prevent Low Blood Pressure. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
  • drinking more water and less alcohol
  • eating a healthy diet
  • pay attention to your body positions
  • eat small and low-carb meals

Occurrence of Low Blood Pressure

Number of Cases

The following are the number of Low Blood Pressure cases seen each year worldwide:
  • Very common > 10 Million cases

Common Age Group

Low Blood Pressure most commonly occurs in the following age group:
  • Aged between 15-60 years

Common Gender

Low Blood Pressure can occur in any gender.

Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Low Blood Pressure

The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Low Blood Pressure:
  • Blood tests: Gives information about your overall health as well as about any disorder which can cause lower than normal blood pressure
  • Electrocardiogram: To assess the irregularities in your heart rhythm and structural abnormalities in your heart
  • Echocardiogram: To view the detailed images of your heart's structure and function
  • Stress test: To diagnose heart problems
  • Valsalva maneuver: To evaluate the functioning of your autonomic nervous system
  • Tilt table test: To determine how your body reacts to changes in position

Doctor for Diagnosis of Low Blood Pressure

Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Low Blood Pressure:
  • Cardiologist
  • Nephrologists
  • Surgeon
  • Neurologists

Complications of Low Blood Pressure if untreated

Yes, Low Blood Pressure causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Low Blood Pressure is left untreated:
  • heart damage
  • brain damage

Procedures for Treatment of Low Blood Pressure

The following procedures are used to treat Low Blood Pressure:
  • Hypotensive shock treatment: Relieve the symptoms of hypotension and treating the hypotension

Self-care for Low Blood Pressure

The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Low Blood Pressure:
  • Control blood sugar: By controlling blood sugar reduces the chances of having disease
  • Take nutritious food: By proper nutrition intake keep the blood pressure under control
  • Keep the body hydrated: Helps in keeping the body healthy

Alternative Medicine for Treatment of Low Blood Pressure

The following alternate medicine and therapies are known to help in the treatment or management of Low Blood Pressure:
  • Wear compression stockings: Lowers the pain and swelling of varicose veins which can help in reducing the pooling of blood in your legs

Patient Support for Treatment of Low Blood Pressure

The following actions may help Low Blood Pressure patients:
  • Family caregiving: Provides safety issue, guidance and protection about the disease

Last updated date

This page was last updated on 2/04/2019.
This page provides information for Low Blood Pressure.
Autonomic Nervous System Disorders
High Blood Pressure