Blood pressure varies naturally throughout the day. Clinically low blood pressure may result from a temporary issue, such as dehydration, or a more long-term one, such as a heart condition.
Low blood pressure may be genetic or occur as a result of
Changing dietary habits may be enough to treat temporary causes of low blood pressure. Alternatively, a doctor may prescribe medication or change an existing treatment plan if it is likely responsible for this symptom.
Anyone with symptoms of low blood pressure, such as dizziness and fatigue, should receive medical attention.
Below, learn what counts as low blood pressure, what underlying factors may be at play, and what the treatments involve.
The heart pumps blood around the body, continuously delivering oxygen and other nutrients. Blood pressure refers to the
In a person with low blood pressure, blood flows through the veins and arteries with too little force.
Doctors use two figures to denote blood pressure. The first refers to systolic blood pressure, which is the force of the blood against artery walls when the heart beats. The second refers to diastolic blood pressure, which is the force of the blood when the heart rests between beats.
Healthcare professionals measure blood pressure readings in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). A normal reading is less than 120 mm Hg systolic and 80 mm Hg diastolic, which doctors write as “less than
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute define low blood pressure as under
It is possible to have low blood pressure without any symptoms. However, some people with this issue
Many factors affect blood pressure, including the time of day and a person’s physical activity levels and diet. Blood pressure also declines with age, and some people have naturally low blood pressure due to genetic factors.
A person’s blood pressure may be lower than usual
Some temporary causes, such as pregnancy, resolve on their own. Others may require dietary changes and other care or management strategies.
Some potentially more severe health issues can also cause low blood pressure,
In addition, loss of blood due to an injury can lead to low blood pressure.
Low blood pressure may sometimes result from alcohol use or the use of certain medications,
To address low blood pressure, a doctor may adjust the dosage of an existing drug or recommend medications to increase blood pressure. Medications that they may prescribe include fludrocortisone and midodrine.
Also, a person may benefit from:
Learn about the low blood pressure diet here.
Low blood pressure symptoms can disrupt daily life, and they generally become
It is important to contact a doctor if any of these symptoms, such as dizziness and fatigue, occur. A doctor can identify the cause and recommend the best treatment approach.
People experiencing any specific signs of anaphylactic or septic shock require emergency care.
Signs of anaphylactic shock include:
Some signs of septic shock include:
Low blood pressure refers to the blood circulating with a low level of force. It can cause a range of symptoms, including dizziness and nausea.
Blood pressure naturally fluctuates throughout the day, and it declines with age. Longer lasting low blood pressure may result from a temporary issue, a chronic illness, or an emergency, such as septic shock.
Anyone who has persistent symptoms of low blood pressure should consult a doctor. Anyone experiencing a sudden, significant drop in blood pressure should receive urgent care.
Last medically reviewed on January 12, 2021
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