Low Blood Pressure or Hypotension: Symptoms and Causes

Low Blood Pressure: Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis and Treatment

Low blood pressure (hypotension) is generally defined as a blood pressure reading below 90/60 mmHg, though diagnosis depends on symptoms and individual baseline blood pressure. As multiple things can trigger low blood pressure, the underlying cause mainly determines the treatment. Certain conditions, such as pregnancy, dehydration, blood loss, severe infection, or even hormone-related diseases, can lead to low blood pressure or hypotension in humans. 

What Causes Low Blood Pressure? 

Many systems of our body such as organs, hormones & nerves regulates our blood pressure. For an instance, the autonomic nervous system regulates involuntary functions, including heart rate and blood vessel tone, thereby adjusting blood pressure in response to stress or posture. Disorders affecting the autonomic nervous system, such as Parkinson’s disease or its treatment, can lead to orthostatic hypotension. 

Other Potential Causes of low blood pressure include: 

• Dehydration 
• Pregnancy 
• Heart Problems including arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat) 
• Medicines to treat depression (e.g., tricyclic antidepressants), high blood pressure (e.g., diuretics, alpha/beta blockers), or Parkinson’s disease are a potential cause of low blood pressure. 
• Blood loss from an injury that result in sudden decline in blood pressure 
• Older adults also have a higher risk for symptoms of low blood pressure, such as falling, fainting, or dizziness upon standing up or after a meal.  

Understanding the Conditions That Can Lower Blood Pressure 

Certain medical conditions have repeatedly been found to be responsible for causing low blood pressure. These include: 

Pregnancy 

Changes in the body during pregnancy can cause the blood vessels to dilate fast. These changes can lead to a sudden fall in blood pressure. 

Moreover, blood pressure commonly decreases during the first and second trimesters of pregnancy and usually returns to pre‑pregnancy levels after delivery. After childbirth, the woman gradually regains her normal blood pressure through healthy lifestyle practices. 

Heart Valve Conditions 

An instance of heart attack, heart failure, or heart valve illness may cause low blood pressure. In addition, severe or symptomatic bradycardia may reduce cardiac output and contribute to low blood pressure, particularly in underlying heart disease. 

Hormone-linked Diseases or Endocrine Conditions 

Illnesses such as Addison's disease that are known for impacting specific glands which produce essential hormones may force the blood pressure to fall. Sometimes, low blood pressure can happen due to low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia). 

Lack of Nutrition 

If someone's diet is lacking enough vitamin B-12, iron and folate, their body will not be able to produce adequate red blood cells. It will cause anaemia, which in turn will lead to low blood pressure. 

Severe Infection 

When a bacterial or viral infection reaches the bloodstream, it may result in a fatal drop of blood pressure, often referred to as a septic shock. Severe infections can lead to sepsis and septic shock, where systemic inflammation and vasodilation cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. 

Dehydration 

The amount of blood in a person's body reduces when they do not have adequate water. It can cause one's blood pressure to drop. Some events that can lead to dehydration are strenuous exercise, fever, vomiting, overuse of diuretic medicines and diarrhoea. 

What are the Symptoms of Low Blood Pressure? 

Most often medical cases, low blood pressure goes unnoticed. Others might experience symptoms including: 

• Dizziness or lightheadedness 
• Confusion 
• Fainting 
• Blurry vision 
• Feeling tired or weak 
• Nausea 
• Headache 
• Neck or back pain 
• Heart palpitations, or beating too hard or too fast or feelings that your heart is skipping a beat, fluttering. 

What Should I do if I have Hypotension symptoms? 

Sitting down may relieve the symptoms. In case your BP drops too down, the vital organs of your body do not get sufficient oxygen and nutrients. In severe cases, very low blood pressure can progress to shock, a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment. Potential signs of shock involve cold and sweaty skin, rapid breathing, a blue skin tone, or a weak and fast pulse rate. Call on emergency medical helpline number if you notice signs of shock in yourself or someone else. 

Risk Factors of Low Blood Pressure 

Anyone can develop low blood pressure. The typical risk factors are: 

• Age: Medical practitioners have noticed drops in blood pressure, particularly when standing up or after finishing a meal, among people aged above 65. However, neurally mediated hypotension is a condition in which blood pressure drops after standing for long periods or due to stress, and it is more commonly seen in children and young adults. 
• Medications: Various medicines can lower blood pressure in humans. This category covers all medicines generally prescribed to treat high blood pressure in patients. 
• Alcohol or Illegal Drugs: Both of these can increase the risk of hypotension. 

If you experience symptoms associated with low blood pressure, like lightheaded or dizziness, you must seek medical attention. Also, you should keep track of your past health records and never skip medication as prescribed by your doctor. 

Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment if you experience symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, confusion, or weakness.

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→ Risk Factors for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

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