What Is Hypotension and is it Dangerous?

Matej G.

Low blood pressure, medically termed as hypotension, means that your blood pressure is lower than the normal reading. When your blood pressure is less than 90/60 (systolic/diastolic measurement) on the blood pressure gauge, that means you have hypotension.

Keywords: blood pressure, low blood pressure, high blood pressure, hypotension, hypertension, blood pressure chart

Symptoms of Hypotension

In most healthy people, hypotension or low blood pressure is usually not a concern and does not require any treatment. For instance, most people who exercise regularly have lower blood pressure compared to people who do not exercise.

Often, low blood pressure also comes without any symptoms, but on the other hand, it can also be an indication of an underlying or more severe health problem. For example, in elderly people, it may cause inadequate flow of blood to one’s heart, brain, and other vital organs of the body.

If your blood pressure suddenly drops to 90/60 or below, seek medical help right away. Hypotension can cause shock and shock can be dangerous (even life-threatening) if it is not treated immediately. Other hypontesion symptoms to watch out for are:

dizziness,

lightheadedness,

blurry vision,

confusion,

irregular heartbeat,

fast breathing,

vomiting,

and/or fainting.

If you are unsure what is low, normal or high blood pressure, consult your doctor. If you are doing the blood pressure measurement yourself, this blood pressure chart might help.

Low blood pressure is also known as hypotension. A value of 90/60 mmHg may indicate hypotension.

What causes Hypotension

The causes of low blood pressure or hypotension are not always clear. On the other hand, this condition may be associated with any of the following:

loss of blood,

changes in body temperature,

severe dehydration,

hormonal problems,

anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction,

pregnancy,

arrhythmias (abnormal heart rate),

sepsis, a severe blood infection,

heart failure,

liver disease,

thyroid disease,

standing for a very long time,

getting up suddenly after sitting down or lying down,

a reaction to certain medications or alcohol.

Treatment

The treatment for hypotension depends on your symptoms, the reasons/ causes, and the severity of your low blood pressure.

The doctor may prescribe the following treatments:

Getting more fluid through IV or intravenous intervention (for dehydrated patients).

A change or stop in your medications that may have caused your lower blood pressure.

Taking medicines to treat its underlying causes (for instance antibiotics for treating infections or for stopping diarrhea or vomiting).

Stopping exercise.

Adding more salt to your diet.

Hypotension can be just as dangerous as high blood pressure or hypertension. Seek medical help right away.

2 COMMENTS

Gina Ahern April 8, 2018 at 11:39 am

is a blood pressure 80/90 low

What is normal blood pressure March 2, 2014 at 6:39 pm

Normal blood pressure value is 120/80 mmGh, preferably less. High blood pressure is anything above 140/90 mmGh. High blood pressure is also referred to as hypertension. Low blood pressure is anything below 110/70 mmGh. Low blood pressure is also referred to as hypotension. […]