We’ve all heard of the risks associated with high blood pressure, or hypertension, but what if your blood pressure is too low? In this short article, the causes and symptoms of low blood pressure (also known as hypotension) will be discussed, and measures that can be taken to keep blood pressure under control will also be provided.
What is low blood pressure?
Low blood pressure or hypotension, is a condition where the pressure of blood in the arteries is consistently lower than normal and is characterised by a blood pressure reading of below 90/60 mmHg. While the dangers of high blood pressure, or hypotension, are regularly discussed, hypotension can also be dangerous, with clinical symptoms including dizziness and fainting.
Types of low blood pressure
While hypotension can be triggered by many things, there are some instances that have a very specific cause:
- Orthostatic hypotension (also known as postural hypotension) occurs when there is a change in body position, such as standing up suddenly after a prolonged state of sitting or lying down. This form of hypotension is often momentary, although it can cause short-lived dizziness or light-headedness, and normal blood flow returns fairly quickly.
- Postprandial hypotension can occur after eating a substantial meals and is caused by increased blood flow towards the intestines and away from other areas such as the head
- Neurally mediated syncope (NMS) can occur after a prolonged state of standing and can cause orthostatic hypotension or bradycardia (slowing of the heart rate), which can lead to dizziness, fainting, or nausea.
- Multiple system atrophy with orthostatic hypotension (MSA-OH), or Shy-Drager syndrome, is avery rare condition that affects the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary functions such as breathing, digestion, heart rate and blood pressure. Patients with Shy-Drager syndrome usually present with severe orthostatic hypotension as well as very high blood pressure when lying down (supine hypertension).
What causes low blood pressure?
While some of the causes of hypotension are temporary and a direct result of an external stimulus, other causes are due to underlying medical conditions, medication, or pregnancy. If you are worried that you have hypotension, it is a good idea to talk with your doctor to rule out any medical cause.
Medical conditions that can cause low blood pressure
Please note that this list is not exhaustive, and several of the medical conditions on this list are extremely rare.
- Addison’s disease
- Anaemia (low iron levels in the blood)
- Anaphylaxis (life-threatening allergic reaction)
- Bradycardia (low heart rate)
- Carcinoid syndrome
- Dehydration
- Diabetes
- Diabetic autonomic neuropathy
- Excessive blood loss
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- Malnutrition
- Septic shock
- Vitamin deficiencies
- Valvular heart disease
Medications that can cause low blood pressure
Please note that this list is not exhaustive.
- Medication taken for high blood pressure (hypertension)
- Erectile dysfunction medication
- Opioids
- Dopamine agonists and levodopa (treatment for Parkinson’s disease)
- Antidepressants, in particular tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a unique cause of hypotension and is due to hormonal changes and changes to the mother’s circulatory system. It is rarely a cause for concern, and blood pressure should return to normal after delivery.
Low blood pressure symptoms
Unlike hypertension, there are many signs of low blood pressure. The most common symptoms are lightheadedness and dizziness, but others can include:
- Blurry vision
- Confusion
- Cold, clammy skin
- Extreme fatigue
- Feeling weak
- Loss of consciousness
- Nausea
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s worth taking a trip to your GP or physician who can measure your blood pressure, identify possible causes and advise on the best treatments.
Usually treatment relies upon addressing an underlying medical condition or making a few simple lifestyle changes. It’s unlikely you’ll need medication to increase blood pressure.
How to manage hypotension
The first step is to book a doctor’s appointment so you can discuss your symptoms and have your blood pressure checked. They’ll also ask you whether there’s any known family history of hypotension, if you’re experiencing any significant stresses or recent life changes, and whether you’re currently taking any medications, vitamins or supplements.
If your medication is causing low blood pressure, your doctor or healthcare provider may recommend changing or stopping the medication, or lowering the dose. It’s important that you don’t change or stop taking your medication without first talking to a physician.
Your doctor could also suggest one or more of the following lifestyle changes to bring low blood pressure under control and manage your symptoms:
- Staying hydrated by drinking more water and cutting down on alcohol.
- Get up slowly from a sitting, squatting or lying position.
- Avoid sitting or standing for long periods, and don’t sit with your legs crossed.
- Get moving with at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every day. Exercise can be beneficial for hypotension as it helps to improve circulation.
- Eat small meals several times a day and limit carbohydrate-heavy foods such as potatoes, rice, pasta and bread.
- Try compression stockings to improve circulation and encourage blood flow from the legs to the heart.
A healthy lifestyle is extremely important to help your body regulate your blood pressure, particularly if you are predisposed to hypotension due to existing medical conditions or family’s history. It’s worth noting that lifestyle changes can sometimes take time to reduce hypotension, so always speak to a doctor about your particular circumstances.
Medication that can reduce low blood pressure
There are some medications that can raise the blood pressure purposely, but should only be used under medical supervision, after checking for all reversible causes of low blood pressure.
Consult your doctor on the different medications you can take to increase your blood pressure.
Monitoring your blood pressure
Your healthcare provider may recommend monitoring your blood pressure at home to understand your symptoms and potential causes.
You might be familiar with inflatable cuffs or finger monitors, but these devices require some extra preparation for the most accurate readings. For example, with an inflatable cuff, you’ll need to take multiple readings at the same time each day after making sure you follow specific instructions to take the most accurate measurement
In comparison, Aktiia makes it easy to monitor your blood pressure without disrupting your daily routine. This lightweight bracelet uses a unique blood pressure monitoring technology that allows you to take around 20 to 30 measurements throughout the day. It’s completely automated and will log your results in the Aktiia app, from which you can easily share data with your physician.
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Frequently asked questions
Is low blood pressure hereditary?
While hypotension is usually not a hereditary condition, there are rare exceptions. For example, one study by a research team in the US also found that people who inherited two defective copies of particular salt-regulating genes develop rare diseases, such as Gitelman syndrome or Bartter syndrome, which can lead to “dangerously low blood pressure.”
Can low blood pressure cause miscarriage?
Research suggests hypotension is common during pregnancy, and blood pressure will likely drop during the first two trimesters, but then recover during the third. Low blood pressure can bring about inconvenient symptoms, such as being unable to catch your breath, being thirsty even right after drinking or sight problems such as blurry or double vision. (If you experience one or several of these symptoms, talk to your healthcare provider). However, if hypotension causes dizziness or fainting, there is a risk of injury from falling that could lead to miscarriage.
Can hypotension happen with high pulse?
Yes, it can happen, though situations vary. It might be a short episode due to a specific activity, or result from an underlying condition. Having both a high pulse and hypotension can cause different symptoms such as dizziness, buckling of the legs, or shortness of breath. In rare situations, it may be caused by a life-threatening condition such as sepsis, or septic shock.. This happens when blood pressure drops to dangerously low levels (most often due to blood loss, severe infection or anaphylaxis), leading to a lack of oxygen to organs. Symptoms include cold and clammy pale skin, shallow fast breathing, weak but rapid heart rate and loss of consciousness. If this happens, contact your medical emergency services immediately.
The bottom line
While low blood pressure isn’t talked about as much as high blood pressure, it can be disruptive and, in some cases, dangerous. If you’re experiencing symptoms, it’s always worth talking to your doctor or healthcare provider to determine the cause and discuss the changes you can make to manage this condition.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended for educational purposes only. It does not replace medical advice, nor should it be used as a self-diagnosis tool. If you have symptoms of low blood pressure, speak to your doctor. They can advise on the next course of action.
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