Do you have low blood pressure? You may not even know it. Low BP is also known as hypotension in medical terminology. This is when the pressure of your blood flow is lower than the suggested normal range.
Low Blood Pressure
BP or blood pressure is actually the measure of the force with which your blood travels against the walls of your arteries. When your tested blood pressure measurement comes lower than the suggested normal range, it means that your heart is not pumping blood around your body as well as it should. Low BP, or hypotension, is when blood pressure drops below 90 mm Hg. This can cause symptoms like lightheadedness, fainting, and dizziness.
Types of Hypotension
There are 2 sorts of low BP:
- Systolic hypotension: This is when your systolic blood pressure (the top number) is less than 90 mm Hg.
- Diastolic hypotension: This is when your diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) is less than 60 mm Hg.
Symptoms of Low BP
If you experience any of the following symptoms, you may have low BP:
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Blurred vision
Causes of Low BP
There can be varied causes for patients experiencing low BP issues. Some medications, like blood pressure medications, can cause it. Some other medical conditions, like dehydration, pregnancy, and heart problems, can also cause low BP issues.
Conditions That Cause Low BP
The medical conditions, which can lead to low BP issues, include the following:
- Pregnancy
- Dehydration
- Blood loss
- Heart problems
- Endocrine problems
- Certain types of cancer
- Certain viral infections
Medications That Cause Low BP
There are certain medications, which can cause low BP issues; they include the following:
- Water pills (diuretics)
- Beta-blockers
- ACE inhibitors
- Certain antidepressants
Risk Factors
There are also some risk factors for low BP, like being over 60 years old, having a history of heart disease, or being overweight.
- Aging
- Gender (females are more prone)
- Certain medical conditions
- Certain medications
Complications
The problem of low BP can lead to some serious complications, which include the following:
- Fainting
- Shock
- Organ damage
- Death
Treatment Options for Low BP
Treatment for low BP includes lifestyle changes, like eating a healthy diet and increasing your fluid intake. Medications may also be necessary to treat low BP.
Contact Dr. Arun
If you think you may have low blood pressure, do check with your treating doctor. If low BP is not treated, it can lead to complications like fainting, shock, and heart attack. If you experience any of the symptoms of low BP, it is important to see a specialist to ensure that it is not a sign of a more serious condition. Low BP can be treated with medication and lifestyle changes too. You can even consult Dr. Arun if you think you are experiencing any of the symptoms of low BP. He is a famous cardiologist, who can serve you with the best medical advice in this regard.
