Having low blood pressure doesn’t necessarily mean there is a problem, but it could be the result of another illness or condition. Low blood pressure, medically known as hypotension, is when your blood pressure is below 90/60mmHg. This does not necessarily mean that there is a problem. In fact, people with low blood pressure tend to live longer than those with high, or even normal, blood pressure. When you
have your blood pressure measured, your blood pressure reading is written as two numbers. The first is when the pressure is at its highest (or systolic pressure), and the second at its lowest (or diastolic pressure). Systolic pressure: This is the highest level of your blood pressure – when your heart beats and contracts to pump blood through your arteries. Diastolic pressure: This is the lowest level of your blood pressure – when your heart relaxes between beats. Low
Blood Pressure
What are the signs and symptoms of low blood pressure?Low blood pressure is sometimes found during a routine check-up. Most people with low blood pressure don’t have any noticeable symptoms. However, it can cause dizziness or even fainting. What causes low blood pressure?Sometimes low blood pressure can be the result of another illness or condition. So, if you are having symptoms such as dizziness or fainting, it is important that you see your doctor. If your blood pressure is unusually low, your doctor should check to make sure there is not a medical cause. Low blood pressure can sometimes be a side effect of medicines taken for high blood pressure, heart disease or depression. If this happens to you, your doctor may need to adjust the dose of the medicines you are taking, or give you a different medicine. Low blood pressure can also be caused by some over-the-counter and herbal medicines. Want to find out more?
As blood is pumped by the heart around the body, the pressure with which it pushes against the walls of blood vessels changes. When the heart is squeezing blood into the arteries, the pressure is high. When the heart is relaxed, the pressure is lower. Your blood pressure is a measurement taken of the highest reading and the lowest reading. It is given as 2 figures — highest over lowest. Blood pressure is measured in ‘mmHg’, which refers to millimetres of mercury. What is low blood pressure?Low blood pressure is also known as hypotension. Most doctors would say that you have low blood pressure if it is below 90/60 mmHg. Your doctor will refer to this as ‘90 over 60’. Is low blood pressure a problem?For some people, low blood pressure is a sign of good health. These are generally people who are very fit and who have a slow pulse. For other people, low blood pressure is a problem. Often, people with low blood pressure can be expected to lead longer lives. However, people who experience continuing symptoms of low blood pressure should see a doctor. Sudden, severe low blood pressure (shock) can be associated with serious medical conditions. What are the signs and symptoms of low blood pressure?The symptoms of low blood pressure may include:
These symptoms can occur when doing nothing. They are more likely to occur when changing position, such as standing up or when straining on the toilet. However, often there are no symptoms and low blood pressure is often only identified as a result of a routine medical examination or during the course of an investigation for some other condition or underling illness. Low blood pressure may be more serious in elderly people who may have an underlying illness or who may be at risk of a fall. Check your symptoms with healthdirect’s Symptom Checker to get advice on when to seek medical attention. What causes low blood pressure?Apart from being very fit, people can have low blood pressure if they:
People can also have low blood pressure due to medical conditions, such as if they:
There is also a particular type of low blood pressure called ‘postural hypotension’ or ‘orthostatic hypotension’. In this condition, a person’s blood pressure is normal when they are sitting or lying down, but it drops suddenly when they stand, making them feel dizzy or lightheaded. This can also occur when standing too long without moving. Postural hypotension is fairly common, particularly in older people. It can be caused by one of the situations or conditions listed above. If it happens often, or if it causes problems, you should see your doctor about it. When should I see a doctor?If you think you might have symptoms of low blood pressure listed above, it’s best to see your doctor. How is low blood pressure treated?If there is an underlying cause for your low blood pressure, and it is giving you problems, you may need treatment for that underlying cause. But if it isn’t causing you problems, treatment won’t be needed. Your doctor may advise you to take precautions to prevent episodes of low blood pressure, such as avoiding dehydration, hot showers or standing up too quickly. When should I go to the ER for low blood pressure?In rare cases, low blood pressure can become a medical emergency. If you are experiencing mental confusion, blue or pale skin, loss of consciousness, difficulty breathing, low pulse, or other severe symptoms, call 9-1-1 or go to your nearest emergency room for immediate medical attention.
Is 80 40 blood pressure too low?Low blood pressure is also known as hypotension. People with a reading of around 90/60, or less, are commonly regarded as having low blood pressure. Some people who have low blood pressure experience symptoms as a result of it. There may be an underlying cause that could need treatment.
What is a dangerously low blood pressure?A sudden fall in blood pressure can be dangerous. A change of just 20 mm Hg — a drop from 110 mm Hg systolic to 90 mm Hg systolic, for example — can cause dizziness and fainting. And big drops, such as those caused by uncontrolled bleeding, severe infections or allergic reactions, can be life-threatening.
What is considered stroke level low blood pressure?Similarly for stroke, one study has shown that low SBP (<120 mmHg) after recent AIS is related to increased recurrent stroke and vascular death, whereas another showed that diastolic hypotension increased the risks of death, myocardial infarction, and recurrent vascular events including stroke.
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What is considered critically low blood pressure
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