Low blood pressure (hypotension) means the force of blood pumping through the arteries is lower than normal.
However, there is no specific measurement at which blood pressure is considered too low, and it is rarely a reason for concern as long as a person has no troublesome symptoms. For some people, a low blood pressure is normal, and in general, the lower the blood pressure reading, the better.
Blood pressure is expressed in two numbers:
| Systolic blood pressure (the first/top number) | measures the pressure in the blood vessels when the heartbeats |
| Diastolic blood pressure (the second/bottom number) | measures the pressure in the blood vessels when the heart is at rest between beats |
Low, normal, elevated, and high blood pressure are usually defined in the following ranges:
| Low blood pressure | 90/60 mm Hg |
| Normal blood pressure | less than 120/80 mmHg |
| Elevated blood pressure levels are considered prehypertension and mean a person is at higher risk for developing high blood pressure | between 120/80 and 139/89 |
| High blood pressure (hypertension) | 140/90 mmHg or more |
What Are Symptoms of Low Blood Pressure?
Chronically low blood pressure is usually only considered a medical concern if it causes noticeable symptoms such as:
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Fainting
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Unusual thirst
- Dehydration
- Inability to concentrate
- Blurred vision
- Cold, clammy, pale skin
- Depression
Extremely low blood pressure can be serious because it prevents the body’s vital organs from getting the oxygen and nutrients they need which can lead to shock, a medical emergency. Call 911 and get to a hospital’s emergency department (do not drive yourself) if you notice signs of shock including:
- Rapid, shallow breathing
- Weak and rapid pulse
- Cold and sweaty skin
- Blue skin tone
What Causes Low Blood Pressure?
Causes for low blood pressure may include:
- Prolonged bed rest
- Decreases in blood volume, such as from major trauma, dehydration, or severe internal bleeding or anemia
- Certain medications, including diuretics, other drugs that treat high blood pressure (hypertension), heart medications such as beta blockers, drugs for Parkinson's disease, tricyclic antidepressants, erectile dysfunction drugs (especially in combination with nitroglycerine), narcotics, and alcohol
- Pregnancy, especially during the first 24 weeks when it’s common for blood pressure to drop
- Heart problems, such as abnormally low heart rate, heart valve problems, heart attack, and heart failure
- Problems with the autonomic nervous system, such as Parkinson’s disease
- Endocrine problems, such as underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), parathyroid disease, adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease), low blood sugar and diabetes
- Severe infection (septic shock)
- Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
- Neurally mediated hypotension, a disorder that causes blood pressure to drop after standing for long periods
- Nutritional deficiencies, including a lack of vitamins B-12 and folic acid
- Older age
What Is the Treatment for Low Blood Pressure?
Low blood pressure may not need to be treated if it causes no symptoms. When symptoms of low blood pressure occur, treatment depends on the specific signs and symptoms, and may include:
- Drinking more fluids
- Medication to raise blood pressure
- Adjusting medicines that cause low blood pressure
- Never change the dose or regimen of a prescribed medication without first talking to your doctor
- Lifestyle changes
- Changing what and how you eat
- Modifying how you sit and stand up
- Compression stockings
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https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/the-facts-about-high-blood-pressure/low-blood-pressure-when-blood-pressure-is-too-low
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/low-blood-pressure