Low blood pressure can be a concerning health condition, especially when accompanied by other symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, or even poor concentration. While it may seem like a minor issue, it can carry serious risks.
Early diagnosis, identifying the underlying cause, adhering to treatment, and making lifestyle changes are all key to avoiding complications and ensuring stable health. To better understand the causes of low blood pressure and how to manage it, according to medical experts, here’s what you need to know.
What is Low Blood Pressure?
Low blood pressure is defined as a reading lower than 90/60 mmHg. According to the Cleveland Clinic, some people naturally have low blood pressure without showing any symptoms. However, in others, it may indicate an underlying health issue that requires treatment.
Types of Low Blood Pressure
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Orthostatic hypotension: A significant drop in blood pressure when standing up from sitting or lying down.
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Postprandial hypotension: A drop in blood pressure after eating certain meals.
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Neurally mediated hypotension: Low blood pressure caused by nerve signal issues after standing for long periods.
These types, as Health.com notes, require accurate medical evaluation to determine the cause and create a proper treatment plan, as ignoring them can lead to serious complications.
Causes of Low Blood Pressure
Low blood pressure may result from simple issues that are easy to address, or more serious conditions requiring urgent medical intervention. Causes include:
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Dehydration: Loss of fluids due to not drinking enough water, excessive sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Severe dehydration may lead to fainting.
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Medications: Some medications—such as blood pressure drugs, heart medications, diuretics, antidepressants, and Parkinson’s treatments—can cause low blood pressure as a side effect.
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Chronic diseases: Conditions like heart failure, lung disease, and central nervous system disorders (e.g., Parkinson’s disease) can contribute to low blood pressure.
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Serious factors: Severe bleeding, septic shock, or life-threatening allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) may also trigger a sudden drop in blood pressure.
Symptoms of Low Blood Pressure
Doctors emphasize that symptoms vary depending on the cause and how quickly the condition develops. Symptoms may include:
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Dizziness and lightheadedness
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Fainting
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Fatigue and poor concentration
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Nausea or vomiting
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Confusion or delirium
Sudden drops in blood pressure can reduce blood flow to vital organs, leading to severe damage or even death if not treated promptly.
Treatment for Low Blood Pressure
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include:
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Treating the root cause: For example, stopping a medication (after medical consultation) or treating heart failure or internal bleeding.
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Adjusting medications and lifestyle: Reviewing all current prescriptions is essential to identify possible culprits.
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Staying hydrated: Adequate fluid intake helps maintain blood volume and stabilize blood pressure.
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Increasing salt intake moderately: Under a doctor’s supervision, sodium can raise blood pressure, but overconsumption may cause harm.
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Wearing compression stockings: These improve blood circulation from the legs to the heart.
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Eating small, frequent meals: Helps prevent post-meal blood pressure drops. Reduce simple carbs (like rice and pasta) and favor proteins and vegetables.
When to Seek Emergency Care
See a doctor if symptoms like frequent dizziness or fainting affect daily life. Immediate medical attention is required if you experience:
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Chest pain or shortness of breath
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Fainting with head injury or fall
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Cold extremities
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Heavy sweating
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Rapid heartbeat
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Pale skin or bluish lips
Prevention
While not all cases of low blood pressure can be prevented, doctors recommend:
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Drinking enough water regularly
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Engaging in moderate physical activity
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Managing stress
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Scheduling regular checkups, especially for people taking multiple medications
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