We\u2019ve 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Low blood pressure<\/a> 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 hypertension, are regularly discussed, hypotension<\/strong> can also be dangerous, with clinical symptoms including dizziness and fainting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While hypotension can be triggered by many things, there are some instances that have a very specific cause:<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Please note that this list is not exhaustive, and several of the medical conditions on this list are extremely rare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Please note that this list is not exhaustive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pregnancy<\/a> is a unique cause of hypotension and is due to hormonal changes and changes to the mother\u2019s circulatory system. It is rarely a cause for concern, and blood pressure should return to normal after delivery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unlike hypertension, there are many signs of low blood pressure<\/a>. The most common symptoms are lightheadedness and dizziness, but others can include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re experiencing any of these symptoms, it\u2019s worth taking a trip to your GP or physician who can measure your blood pressure, identify possible causes and advise on the best treatments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Usually treatment relies upon addressing an underlying medical condition or making a few simple lifestyle changes. It\u2019s unlikely you\u2019ll need medication to increase blood pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The first step is to book a doctor\u2019s appointment so you can discuss your symptoms and have your blood pressure checked. They\u2019ll also ask you whether there\u2019s any known family history of hypotension, if you\u2019re experiencing any significant stresses or recent life changes, and whether you\u2019re currently taking any medications, vitamins or supplements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019s important that you don\u2019t change or stop taking your medication without first talking to a physician.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your doctor could also suggest one or more of the following lifestyle changes<\/a> to bring low blood pressure under control and manage your symptoms:<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019s history. It\u2019s worth noting that lifestyle changes can sometimes take time to reduce hypotension, so always speak to a doctor about your particular circumstances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Consult your doctor on the different medications you can take to increase your blood pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your healthcare provider may recommend monitoring your blood pressure at home<\/a> to understand your symptoms and potential causes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019ll need to take multiple readings at the same time each day after making sure you follow specific instructions to take the most accurate measurement<\/p>\n\n\n\n In comparison, Hilo makes it easy to monitor your blood pressure without disrupting your daily routine. This lightweight bracelet uses a unique blood pressure monitoring technology<\/a> that allows you to take around 20 to 30 measurements throughout the day. It\u2019s completely automated and will log your results in the Hilo app, from which you can easily share data with your physician.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Get the latest on blood pressure management. Sign up for our newsletter and receive expert insights and tips today!<\/p>\n\n\n\n While hypotension is usually not a hereditary condition, there are rare exceptions<\/a>. For example, one study by a research team in the US<\/a> 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 \u201cdangerously low blood pressure.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Research suggests hypotension is common during pregnancy<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes, it can happen, though situations vary.<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While low blood pressure isn\u2019t talked about as much as high blood pressure, it can be disruptive and, in some cases, dangerous. If you\u2019re experiencing symptoms, it\u2019s always worth talking to your doctor or healthcare provider to determine the cause and discuss the changes you can make to manage this condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Low blood pressure (hypotension), Mayo Clinic, June 13, 2024 \u2013 https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions-low-blood-pressure-symptoms-causes-20355465<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Orthostatic hypotension (postural hypotension). Mayo Clinic, May 26, 2022 \u2013 https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions-orthostatic-hypotension-symptoms-causes-20352548<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Postprandial Hypotension. Cleveland Clinic, May 29, 2024 \u2013 https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health-diseases-postprandial-hypotension<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Neurally Mediated Syncope, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, October 6, 2024 \u2013 https:\/\/www.vumc.org\/autonomic-dysfunction-center-neurally-mediated-syncope<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Multiple System Atrophy (MSA). Stanford Medicine Health Care, February 23, 2024 \u2013 https:\/\/stanfordhealthcare.org\/medical-conditions-brain-and-nerves-multiple-system-atrophy<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Addison\u2019s disease. National Organisation for Rare Disorders, January 17, 2018 \u2013 https:\/\/rarediseases.org\/rare-diseases-addisons-disease<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Anaphylaxis. Mayo Clinic, October 2, 2021 \u2013 https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions-anaphylaxis-symptoms-causes-20351468<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Carcinoid syndrome. Penn Medicine, November 15, 2024 \u2013 https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/for-patients-and-visitors-patient-information-conditions-treated-a-to-z-carcinoid-syndrome<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Diabetic Autonomic Neuropathy. Health Link British Columbia, June 22, 2024 \u2013 https:\/\/www.healthlinkbc.ca\/illnesses-conditions-diabetes-diabetic-autonomic-neuropathy<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Septic shock. Cleveland Clinic, November 22, 2024 \u2013 https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health-diseases-septic-shock<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Heart valve diseases. John Hopkins Medicine, July 8, 2024 \u2013 https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/health-conditions-and-diseases-heart-valve-diseases<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Cardiac Effects of Opioid Therapy. Pain Med, June 12, 2024 \u2013 https:\/\/doi.org\/101111-pme-12915<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Low blood pressure. Parkinson\u2019s UK, July 17, 2024 \u2013 https:\/\/www.parkinsons.org.uk\/information-and-support-low-blood-pressure<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Antidepressants: Get tips to cope with side effects. Mayo Clinic, September 12, 2019 \u2013 https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions-depression-in-depth-antidepressants-art-20049305<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n What to know about low blood pressure during pregnancy. Medical News Today, May 16, 2024 \u2013 https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles-320303<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Low Blood Pressure \u2013 When Blood Pressure Is Too Low. American Heart Association, November 16, 2024 \u2013 https:\/\/www.heart.org\/en\/health-topics-high-blood-pressure-the-facts-about-high-blood-pressure-when-blood-pressure-is-too-low<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Low blood pressure (hypotension). National Health Service, July 11, 2023 \u2013 https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions-low-blood-pressure-hypotension<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n What Happens to Blood Pressure During Exercise? Hilo Band, November 26, 2023 \u2013 https:\/\/staging.hilo.com\/blood-pressure-during-exercise<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Lower Limb and Abdominal Compression Bandages Prevent Progressive Orthostatic Hypotension in Elderly Persons: A Randomized Single-Blind Controlled Study, October 3, 2006 \u2013 https:\/\/doi.org\/101016-jjacc-200606052<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Know Your Numbers: The Importance of At-home Blood Pressure Readings for Good Health. Hilo Band, April 10, 2023 \u2013 https:\/\/staging.hilo.com\/what-do-blood-pressure-readings-mean<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Easy 24\/7 Blood Pressure Monitoring. Hilo Band, January 27, 2024 \u2013 https:\/\/staging.hilo.com\/uk<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Does Low Maternal Blood Pressure During Pregnancy Increase the Risk of Perinatal Death? Epidemiology, November 18, 2023 \u2013 https:\/\/doi.org\/101097-EDE0b013e31812713e6<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nTypes of low blood pressure<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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What causes low blood pressure?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Medical conditions that can cause low blood pressure<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Medications that can cause low blood pressure<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Pregnancy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Low blood pressure symptoms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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How to manage hypotension<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Medication that can reduce low blood pressure<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Monitoring your blood pressure<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Is low blood pressure hereditary?<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Can low blood pressure cause miscarriage?<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Can hypotension happen with high pulse?<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The bottom line<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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