What Is Low Blood Pressure?

Most of people are looking for an answer to the question what is high blood pressure, because this health condition is linked to increased risks of many serious diseases like a heart attack, a stroke, and others, which unfortunately take lives of more and more people nowadays. In contrast to elevated blood pressure (or hypertension), low blood pressure known also as hypotension, is a condition when a person’s systolic pressure falls below 90 mmHG, and diastolic blood pressure falls below 60 mmHg. In case if only one number is lower than the stated norm, the condition is still considered low blood pressure.

Generally speaking, low blood pressure is not linked to increased risks of cardiovascular problems like a heart attack or a stroke.  So, those who are diagnosed with mild low blood pressure have less reasons to worry about their health compared to the people with hypertension. However, certainly having too low blood pressure is not a good thing either, it can also cause health problems and should not be left untreated. If you want to know what is low blood pressure, what are its symptoms and what is the cause of low blood pressure, read on.

What Are The Symptoms Of Low Blood Pressure?

A great deal of people with not serious cases of low blood pressure have no symptoms and no idea about their condition. However, sometimes low blood pressure drops down very much causing people feel dizzy or faint. In such situations, it is necessary to see the doctor or a competent health care specialist as soon as possible.

The most common symptoms of low blood pressure include:

• Feeling dizzy, woozy and light-headed
• Fainting
• Rapid breathing
• Feeling thirsty
• Feeling generally weak
• Blurred vision
• Pale skin
• Cold hands and feet
• Inability to focus
• Depression
• Minor digestive disorders
• Palpitations

What is the cause of low blood pressure?

Not much is known about the fact what is the cause of low blood pressure. Some of us have low blood pressure as a result of genetic factors, thus, due to natural causes. Besides, low blood pressure can be a result of suffering from some diseases and health conditions like cardiovascular problems (heart valve problems, too slow heartbeat, heart failure, etc.), diabetes mellitus, neural disorders, the problems with endocine system (like parathyroid disease, hypothyroidism, Addison’s disease, etc), some sorts of infections, or severe allergic reactions. Also, using some medications including antidepressants or erectile dysfunction treatments, can be a cause of low blood pressure.

Sometimes our blood pressure drops down or gets high depending on what we are doing. For example, usually our blood pressure tends to go lower after we eat: this phenomenon is known as postprandial hypotension and is linked to the increased supply of blood to our intestines after eating. Postprandial hypotension is especially common in aging people or those who suffer from mental disorders like Parkinson’s disease, etc. Also, our blood pressure is always lower when we are asleep or resting, and when we are physically active or stressed out, our blood pressure is getting very high.

What Else Do I Need To Know About Low Blood Pressure?

Our blood pressure is affected by many everyday factors which sometimes cause our pressure being low. Those of us who have generally low pressure but experience no worrying symptoms should not expect problems, but if the pressure suddenly drops down, it is necessary to seek for medical help as soon as possible. Trying to find out what is the cause of low blood pressure and finding an effective treatment can help those patients who suffer from too severe symptoms of low blood pressure. Those who suffer from chronic low blood pressure should avoid alcohol and nicotine, adjust their diet, and possibly use certain medications to assist in blood pressure control and limit the symptoms.

Author Info: Hi! My name is Carla and I am a 5th year medical student at HYMS. I am interested in alternative medicine and I have done months researching the topic of herbal medicine. Besides, I like interviewing people and learning more about their experiences with one or another type of herbal treatments. I am willing to contribute to this site with my knowledge, and I would be happy to help you out to the best of my ability with any specific questions or problems related to alternative medicine.

2 Responses to “FAQ About Low Blood Pressure”

1. Susan Says:
   May 10th, 2012 at 9:39 am

   Hi,

   I just had a check up and found out I had high blood pressure, I’ve been researching the last few days on this subject because it really scares me. I’m only 27!

   Thank you this article…it’s really helpful.

   Thanks again.
   Susan

2. Jesse Piercy Says:
   April 28th, 2013 at 11:11 pm

   I’ve noticed a couple of my friends were put on blood pressure and cholesterol medicines. What age were your friends when they started getting put on blood-pressure or cholesterol medicine? What age were you? Does anyone know what the statistics are for the age the average American gets put on blood-pressure or cholesterol medicine?