However, an important point is that there are people whose blood pressure remains at levels generally considered low and who continue their lives in a healthy way without experiencing any problems related to this. Therefore, we can only understand whether blood pressure is a problem for the body or not from the signals given by the body. Symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, blackout, difficulty breathing, weakness, and facial discoloration may indicate that the blood pressure has dropped in a way that will cause problems.
You can guess why your blood pressure drops in some situations, such as when you sweat a lot, receive bad news, or starve for a long time. This type of blood pressure fluctuation has happened to everyone. However, if your blood pressure drops frequently and the symptoms recur frequently, the cause of this should be investigated.
The causes of low blood pressure can range from some heart diseases to dehydration, vitamin deficiency or anemia. Low blood pressure is usually temporary and treatable if the cause is determined by a doctor’s examination. Blood pressure must be dangerously low to pose a threat to your health. Although a drop in blood pressure is not necessarily a sign of danger, a very serious drop can leave the body without oxygen and cause damage to vital organs. In this regard, attention should be paid to symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, dizziness or fainting.
What is Low Blood Pressure?
Normal blood pressure values are considered to be 120/80. If your blood pressure is below 90/60 (systolic blood pressure 90 – diastolic blood pressure 60), it means your blood pressure is low. If your blood pressure is low when you measure it, it does not necessarily mean that your health is at risk. Some people live extremely healthy lives even though their blood pressure is below the mentioned 90/60 values. Whether low blood pressure causes a problem or not can be understood by the emergence of some complaints. Symptoms such as fainting, abnormal heartbeats, and anemia indicate that precautions should be taken against low blood pressure.
When blood pressure drops too much, the blood flow in the body cannot carry enough oxygen and nutrients to the organs. In this case, people may lose consciousness and even patients whose blood pressure drops seriously may experience shock or stroke.
In fact, it is expected that as people get older, complaints of high or low blood pressure will occur. Another possibility is that the medications used to treat high blood pressure may cause low blood pressure complaints.
Orthostatic (Postural) Hypotension
People with chronically, persistently low blood pressure often feel dizzy or faint when they stand up from a lying or sitting position. People may feel nauseous and become discolored. This condition is called ‘orthostatic hypotension’ and is usually caused by problems with the nerves that regulate blood pressure. This complaint may be seen in people who have had diabetes for a long time.
Neurogenic Hypotension
The symptoms of neurogenic hypotension are also similar to the symptoms of orthostatic hypotension. But this time, symptoms appear after standing for long periods of time or after experiencing something upsetting, frightening, or unpleasant.
Causes of Low Blood Pressure
There are various factors that can cause low blood pressure, such as stress, age, air temperature or when you last ate. Staying in bed for a long time can also cause a temporary drop in blood pressure. These factors don’t cause a major drop in blood pressure, but they may explain why you feel dizzy or sleepy when getting out of bed.
Low blood pressure, which causes a feeling of dizziness, occurs most often due to medications used or dehydration of the body. If your blood pressure has dropped and drinking water has not helped, or if you suspect side effects of the medications you use, it is recommended that you consult a doctor.
Generally speaking, the following medical conditions are among the causes of low blood pressure:
Dehydration of the body
Drinking less water
Heatstroke
Sports
Diarrhea
Malnutrition
Pregnancy
Medicines used
Blood pressure medications
Heart medications
Antidepressants
Diuretics
Stress, anxiety, fear
Hormonal problems
Addison’s disease (adrenal insufficiency)
Thyroid problems
Diabetes
Heart diseases
Heart failure
Heart valve problems
Abnormal heart rhythm
Blood vessels enlargement
Anemia
Central nervous system diseases
Parkinson’s
Serious infections
Bleeding, blood loss
Liver disease
Eating disorders (such as bulimia)
Anaphylaxis (allergic reaction)
Low Blood Pressure Who Gets It?
Hypotension can affect people of all ages. However, low blood pressure is more likely to occur in a certain age group. While orthostatic hypotension is more common in older adults, neurogenic hypotension is more common in children and young adults.
People who are dehydrated due to many reasons are also at risk of hypotension.
Those who use blood pressure medication, those with central nervous system diseases such as Parkinson’s, or those suffering from heart disease may also complain of low blood pressure.
Other factors that pose a risk for hypotension are prolonged inactivity and pregnancy. It is considered normal for blood pressure to decrease, especially in the first 6 months of pregnancy. Generally, complaints about blood pressure disappear after pregnancy.
How to Treat Low Blood Pressure?
The most appropriate treatment for low blood pressure will vary depending on the factor causing the drop in blood pressure. For example, if blood pressure has dropped due to blood loss, the best treatment would be blood transfusion or intravenous administration of lost fluids. Low blood pressure can also be treated by taking salt, increasing fluid intake, eating a healthy diet, taking medications that increase blood pressure, or wearing compression stockings to prevent blood from pooling in the legs.
