What Causes It and When It’s Dangerous

Low Blood Pressure: What Causes It and When It’s Dangerous

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This article was medically reviewed by John Osborne, MD, PhD, and the Director of Cardiology for Dallas-based State of the Heart Cardiology.

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Common causes of low blood pressure include pregnancy, medication side effects, and dehydration.

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• Low blood pressure is defined by a blood pressure reading of 90/60 mm Hg or lower.
• Low blood pressure with no symptoms is rarely a cause for concern. 
• If you also experience dizziness, shortness of breath, or fainting, seek medical attention. 

Blood pressure is a measure of the force of blood moving through your artery walls. When that force is too low, your vital organs may not be getting the right amount of blood flow they need to function. 

Here’s what you need to know about what might cause low blood pressure and when it is considered an emergency.

What low blood pressure means

Hypotension is the medical term for low blood pressure, which is typically defined by a blood pressure reading of 90/60 mm Hg or lower. For reference, a normal blood pressure range is around 100/60 mm Hg to 120/80 mm Hg. 

Low blood pressure with no symptoms is rarely a cause for concern, says Nicole Weinberg, MD, a cardiologist at Providence Saint John’s Health Center. In fact, some people have chronic low blood pressure, but feel fine, and do not need to be treated. 

However, if low blood pressure is combined with symptoms of dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath, or lightheadedness, it could be a sign that you need medical attention.

What causes low blood pressure

The exact cause of low blood pressure is not always clear, Weinberg says, but some common causes include: 

• Side effects from over-the-counter or prescription medications, including drugs used to treat high blood pressure, like diuretics, as well as tricyclic antidepressants and erectile dysfunction drugs
• Pregnancy (often in the first 24 weeks), due to hormonal changes and expansion of the circulatory system 
• Other hormone changes, including issues with the hormone-producing glands in the endocrine system 
• Dehydration, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke

In addition, postural or orthostatic hypotension can occur when you quickly rise from a sitting or lying down position, causing a sudden drop in blood pressure and feelings of lightheadedness. This can last for just a few minutes or it can be more severe and cause fainting. 

In fact, Parkinson’s disease can impair the body’s ability to automatically adjust blood pressure when changing positions, resulting in bouts of orthostatic hypotension. About one in five people with Parkinson’s are affected by orthostatic hypotension. 

Weinberg says orthostatic hypotension usually isn’t a medical emergency unless it persists and you consistently feel lightheaded when you stand.

For someone experiencing an isolated episode of hypotension, Weinberg advises lying down, eating a salty snack, and drinking water — since fluids increase blood volume and can help get your blood pressure back to normal. 

When low blood pressure is an emergency 

If you frequently experience symptoms of low blood pressure, such as dizziness or fainting spells, you should consult a doctor. While low blood pressure, itself, usually isn’t fatal, there are serious medical situations where it is considered an emergency, and you should go to the hospital.  

“The likelihood of dying from low blood pressure is low unless it is related to another disease process,” Weinberg says.

For example, a blood infection, or sepsis, can result in low blood pressure. Sepsis occurs when the chemicals released by the body to fight an infection trigger widespread inflammation, resulting in blood clotting that reduces blood flow to vital organs, such as your heart, kidneys, and brain. This can progress to septic shock and very low blood pressure, which may be fatal, and should be treated immediately. 

Low blood pressure can also be affiliated with Addison’s disease — a disorder in which the adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol, a hormone that helps your body respond to stress. Lack of cortisol production can cause addisonian crisis, which is characterized by low blood pressure and can be fatal without proper treatment.  

The treatment for low blood pressure varies depending on the cause. In severe cases, someone might need intravenous therapy (IV) to deliver fluids into the veins and raise blood pressure. In critical situations, such as septic shock, doctors may use drug therapies either orally or through an IV to quickly raise blood pressure. 

Insider’s takeaway

Low blood pressure, or hypotension, is often not a cause for concern. However, if it accompanies symptoms like fainting, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, or dizziness, you may need medical attention.

Some common causes of low blood pressure include pregnancy, hormonal changes, dehydration, and medication side effects. 

Low blood pressure alone is not considered fatal, but there are some conditions where it’s an emergency. Low blood pressure caused by Sepsis or Addison’s disease calls for immediate medical treatment. 

Erin Heger

Erin Heger is a freelance journalist located in the Kansas City area. She primarily covers stories related to healthcare policy, maternal mental health, parenting, and personal finance. Her work been featured in The Atlantic, Rewire.News, Refinery29, HuffPost, and more. 

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Low Blood Pressure | Hypotension

Also called: Hypotension, LBP

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You’ve probably heard that high blood pressure is a problem. Sometimes blood pressure that is too low can also cause problems.

Blood pressure is the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. Each time your heart beats, it pumps out blood into the arteries. Your blood pressure is highest when your heart beats, pumping the blood. This is called systolic pressure. When your heart is at rest, between beats, your blood pressure falls. This is the diastolic pressure. Your blood pressure reading uses these two numbers. Usually they’re written one above or before the other, such as 120/80. If your blood pressure reading is 90/60 or lower, you have low blood pressure.

Some people have low blood pressure all the time. They have no symptoms and their low readings are normal for them. In other people, blood pressure drops below normal because of a medical condition or certain medicines. Some people may have symptoms of low blood pressure when standing up too quickly. Low blood pressure is a problem only if it causes dizziness, fainting or in extreme cases, shock.

NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

• Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)

  (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)

  Also in Spanish

• Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)

  (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute)

• Arterial Catheterization

  (American Thoracic Society)

  – PDF

• Measuring Blood Pressure

  (National Library of Medicine)

  Also in Spanish

• Tilt Table Test

  (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)

  Also in Spanish

• Conditions Related to Parkinson’s

  (Parkinson’s Foundation)

• Syncope (Fainting)

  (American Heart Association)

• Multiple System Atrophy (MSA)

  (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)

  Also in Spanish

• Orthostatic Hypotension

  (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke)

• Orthostatic Hypotension (Postural Hypotension)

  (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)

  Also in Spanish

• ClinicalTrials. gov: Hypotension

  (National Institutes of Health)

• ClinicalTrials.gov: Hypotension, Orthostatic

  (National Institutes of Health)

• Article: Can pulse wave velocity measured preoperatively predict hypotension in hypertensive patients. ..

• Article: Predictors of post-intubation hypotension in trauma patients following prehospital emergency anaesthesia:…

• Article: Prophylactic Norepinephrine and Phenylephrine Boluses to Prevent Postspinal Anesthesia Hypotension During. ..

• Low Blood Pressure — see more articles

• American Heart Association

• National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

  Also in Spanish

• Fainting (Syncope)

  (AGS Health in Aging Foundation)

• Postprandial Hypotension

  (Merck & Co. , Inc.)

  Also in Spanish

Reading blood pressure readings

The only way to know if you have high or low blood pressure is to measure your blood pressure. Understanding your results is the key to controlling your blood pressure.

• Systolic Blood Pressure (First or top number) is the maximum pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts and pushes blood into the arteries.
• Diastolic blood pressure (Second or lower number) – shows the pressure in the arteries at the time of relaxation of the heart muscle, it reflects the resistance of the peripheral vessels.

Which number is more important?

Systolic blood pressure (first number) is generally given more attention as a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease in people over 50 years of age. In most people, systolic blood pressure rises steadily with age due to the loss of elasticity of large arteries, an increase in heart rate, and the development of vascular disease.

However, elevated systolic or elevated diastolic blood pressure can be used to make a diagnosis of high blood pressure. The risk of death from coronary heart disease and stroke doubles with an increase in systolic pressure of 20 mm Hg. Art. or diastolic at 10 mm Hg. Art. among people aged 40 to 89 years.

Blood pressure ranges

In our country, the standards of the European Society for the Study of Hypertension are followed, there are also recommendations of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation from 2020, which established the following ranges of numbers:

• Normal – systolic blood pressure less than 120-129 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure less than 80-85 mmHg.
• Highly normal – systolic BP 130-139 mmHg, diastolic BP 85-89 mmHg.
• 1 degree – 140-159 / 90-99 mm Hg.
• 2 degree – 160-179 / 100-109 mm Hg.
• 3 degree – more than 180/110 mm Hg.

Note: Diagnosis must be confirmed by a doctor. Hypertension is a disease or diagnosis, and hypertension is the fact of increased pressure. The doctor may also evaluate any unusually low blood pressure readings and associated symptoms.

Normal pressure

• Optimal blood pressure – SBP less than 120 mm Hg. Art. and/or DBP less than 80 mm Hg. Art.
• Normal blood pressure – pressure in the SBP range of 120-129 mmHg. Art. and/or DBP 80–84 mm Hg. Art.

If your results fall into this category, stick to heart-healthy habits such as a balanced diet and regular exercise.

High blood pressure

High blood pressure is when readings are consistently above 140 mmHg for systolic and for diastolic more than 90 mmHg Art. Measures must be taken to control this condition.

Grade 1 hypertension

Grade 1 hypertension is when blood pressure constantly fluctuates systolic within 140–159 and/or diastolic above 90–99 mmHg. Art. At this stage of high blood pressure, doctors may recommend lifestyle changes and may consider taking blood pressure medication. What you do next depends on your risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD), such as heart attack or stroke, and your risk factors.

Hypertension 2nd and 3rd degree

2nd degree hypertension is when the blood pressure is constantly at the level of 160/100 mm Hg. or higher. During these stages of high blood pressure, doctors may prescribe a combination of blood pressure medications and recommend immediate lifestyle changes.

Hypertensive crisis

This stage of high blood pressure requires medical attention. If your blood pressure reading suddenly goes over 180/120 mmHg. Art., wait five minutes, and then check your blood pressure again. If your readings are still unusually high, contact your doctor immediately. Perhaps you have a hypertensive crisis.

If your blood pressure is over 180/120 mm Hg. Art. and you are experiencing signs of possible organ damage such as chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness/weakness, vision changes or difficulty speaking, do not expect pressure relief. Call 103

Symptoms of low blood pressure

Most doctors consider chronic low blood pressure to be dangerous only if it causes noticeable signs and symptoms, such as:

• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Fainting
• Dehydration and unusual thirst
• Lack of concentration
• Blurred vision
• Cold, clammy, pale skin
• Fast breathing
• Fatigue
• Depression

A single abnormal blood pressure reading is not a cause for concern unless you are experiencing any other symptoms.

Why blood pressure is measured in mmHg. Art.

Abbreviation mmHg Art. means millimeters of mercury. Mercury was used in the first accurate pressure gauges, and the unit is still used in medicine today as the standard unit for measuring pressure.

Blood pressure – OGBUZ Smolensk Central District Hospital

22.02.2023

Dear residents!

February 24, 2023 from 09.00 to 15.00 doctors on duty work in medical outpatient clinics.

Emergency medical assistance can be called on tel. 8-915-640-51-84 from 09.00 to 20.00.

An ambulance is called by numbers: 03, 103 and 112.

08/09/2022

About issuing electronic prescriptions

herbal preparations.

Hypertension Awareness Month

There are up to 1.5 billion people worldwide who suffer from arterial hypertension, and almost half of them are unaware of their disease. Meanwhile, arterial hypertension is one of the most common causes of heart attacks, strokes, loss of vision.

Therefore, in order to raise awareness of the population about the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of arterial hypertension, the World Health Organization initiated the annual observance of World Arterial Hypertension Day on the second Saturday of May. Attracting attention to the resolution of the problem of arterial hypertension makes it possible to simultaneously carry out effective prevention of most cardiovascular diseases that are complications of arterial hypertension.

In 2017 World Hypertension Day falls on 13 May.

In the period 2013-2018 The theme of World Hypertension Day is “Know your BP!”.

The prevalence of hypertension is extremely high. Worldwide, every year 7 million people die and 15 million suffer from high blood pressure or hypertension. It is the most significant risk factor for death worldwide.

In Russia, almost a third of the population suffers from hypertension.

Russia differs from European countries by a very high mortality rate from cardiovascular diseases (CVD). It has been proven that one of the leading risk factors for CVD, along with smoking and overweight, is arterial hypertension. In Russia, according to tentative estimates, 40 million people suffer from hypertension. Considering that we have 115 million adults, this is almost a third.

The prevalence of hypertension is influenced by the level of socio-economic development, the attitude of the population to maintaining health, the prevalence of risk factors that provoke hypertension.

The most important risk factor is age. Of course, this does not mean that every elderly person should have hypertension, however, in Russia, hypertension on average begins at 35-40 years of age for men and 40-50 years of age for women. Another risk factor is excessive salt intake (twice as much as needed). The next factor is overweight and obesity. This refers not to subcutaneous obesity, but to the accumulation of fat in the abdominal cavity. In middle-aged people, hypertension is mainly due to this factor. The danger lies in the fact that fat in the abdominal cavity is hormonally active, it provokes processes that lead to increased blood pressure, the development of atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus and, ultimately, heart attacks, strokes and death. If a person gains courage and removes excess weight, then hypertension is highly likely to go away. By the way, obesity is increasingly spreading towards a younger age, respectively, and hypertension is getting younger. And, of course, smoking is also a factor provoking hypertension.

The prevalence of hypertension is influenced by the level of socio-economic development, the attitude of the population to maintaining health, the prevalence of risk factors that provoke hypertension.

The most important risk factor is age. Of course, this does not mean that every elderly person should have hypertension, however, in Russia, hypertension on average begins at 35-40 years of age for men and 40-50 years of age for women. Another risk factor is excessive salt intake (twice as much as needed). The next factor is overweight and obesity. This refers not to subcutaneous obesity, but to the accumulation of fat in the abdominal cavity. In middle-aged people, hypertension is mainly due to this factor. The danger lies in the fact that fat in the abdominal cavity is hormonally active, it provokes processes that lead to increased blood pressure, the development of atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus and, ultimately, heart attacks, strokes and death. If a person gains courage and removes excess weight, then hypertension is highly likely to go away. By the way, obesity is increasingly spreading towards a younger age, respectively, and hypertension is getting younger. And, of course, smoking is also a factor provoking hypertension.

If hypertension is detected early, it is possible to minimize the risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and kidney failure.

The likelihood of developing high blood pressure and its adverse effects can be minimized by the following measures:0008

Regular physical activity and promotion of physical activity in children and young people. Physical activity should be given at least 30 minutes a day five times a week.

Individuals who already have hypertension can actively participate in managing their condition by:

• following the healthy behaviors listed above;
• home blood pressure monitoring, if possible;
• control of blood sugar, blood cholesterol and urine albumin;
• ability to assess cardiovascular risk using a risk assessment tool;
• following medical advice;
• regular use of any prescribed medicines to lower blood pressure.

We are having HYPERTENSION MONTH this year!

In a month, a large number of people will be able to learn how to measure blood pressure in themselves and their loved ones, will be able to understand why it is so important, and even be able to develop the habit of regularly monitoring blood pressure.

Medical staff will help you with this!

COME AND MEASURE YOUR HELL!

LET’S CHANGE TOGETHER!

What is blood pressure

Blood pressure is the force with which the heart drives blood through the body. Blood pressure is determined by the strength and amount of blood pumped, as well as the size and flexibility of the vessels. It consists of two numbers, for example 120/80 mmHg.

The first digit is the systolic blood pressure that occurs when the heart contracts. Numbers between 9 are considered normal for adults.0 and 140.

Lower level shows diastolic pressure determined between heartbeats, when the heart relaxes, “rests”. The norm for adults is between 60 and 90.

Hypertension is a chronic condition in which blood pressure is elevated. Many people have high blood pressure and don’t know it. For a long time, this condition is asymptomatic, but when blood pressure reaches critical numbers, arteries and vital organs are affected. Hypertension causes heart disease, kidney disease, stroke, promotes diabetes. This is why high blood pressure is called the “silent killer”.

You don’t have to have high blood pressure to be a risk factor for heart attack or stroke. Even moderately high blood pressure is enough for the development of dramatic events. The fact is that hypertension is not a direct cause of a heart attack or stroke, but to a very large extent contributes to this .

For patients with diabetes and chronic kidney disease, any number above 130/85 is considered high blood pressure.

Hypertension starts at 140 over 90. However, there is such a thing as “high normal” pressure. This is a zone of 130-140 systolic blood pressure. This is normal pressure for people who do not have additional cardiovascular risk factors (obesity, smoking, high cholesterol, older age) and high for those who do .

As soon as a person reaches the age of 35-40 years for men and 40-50 years for women, he needs to measure blood pressure. At least once every six months. At the first symptoms – heaviness, headache, feeling of heat, especially in situations associated with emotional stress, it is necessary to consult a local doctor. It is necessary to immediately consult a doctor if a pronounced increase in blood pressure is detected, above 160.

The task of both the state and each person is to push back hypertension as much as possible. It is necessary to maintain a normal body weight, and first of all not to have an enlarged belly, eat less salt, increase physical activity, stop smoking. Hypertension can be prevented by following these simple rules. This is absolutely real in life and confirmed by evidence-based medicine. If you already have confirmed hypertension, then you need to understand that, unfortunately, it cannot be cured. Taking medication will last a long time, or rather indefinitely. The trouble with hypertensive patients is that the normalization of pressure provokes them not to take medication, and this is the principle of a compressed spring. The blood pressure has decreased, the state of health has become better, it seems that it is possible not to take drugs. This is a very big mistake, because blood pressure will certainly rise again, and this is a risk factor for heart attack and stroke .

Parameters of a healthy body

Blood pressure (BP) – less than 140/90 mm,

Pulse – 60-80 beats/minute, 9000 3

Waist circumference (OT) –

women (W): less than 88 cm

men (M): less than 96 cm,

Body mass index (BMI) – 25-27 (weight in kg / height m2)

Cholesterol and glucose – fasting 5 mmol

Hypertension advice

MEASURE YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE

It is very important to measure your blood pressure regularly. You can do it yourself at home with an automatic machine.

Here are 6 tips to help you measure your blood pressure correctly.

Before purchasing the device, measure the circumference of the upper arm, that is, the biceps. Choose a device with a cuff that fits you. Take it easy. Do not drink tea, coffee or other drinks containing caffeine, do not engage in any physical activity 30 minutes before the measurement. Sit properly. Lean back against the back of a chair. The device should be at the level of the heart. Arms bent at the elbows lie calmly on the table. Do not cross your legs or arms. During measurements, you can not talk, watch TV, listen to the radio, eat. The bottom edge of the cuff should be 2 cm above the elbow. Take some measurements. Measure blood pressure 2-3 times and write down the arithmetic mean of these measurements. Measure blood pressure at the same time. Since blood pressure changes during the day, it is very important to measure it at the same time every day. It is recommended to do this in the morning and evening. Record all your scores.

MEDICATIONS TO HELP YOU ACHIEVE AND MAINTAIN NORMAL BLOOD PRESSURE

Many drugs that lower blood pressure also prevent heart attacks and stroke. Discuss your prescriptions with your doctor.

And remember:

you must take your medicines regularly, as prescribed by your doctor, it is very important not only to achieve but also to maintain normal blood pressure, for which you must take medicines continuously inform your doctor about any side effects immediately continue to measure blood pressure when taking medication

THE IMPORTANT CONDITION FOR REDUCING THE ARETERIAL PRESSURE ARE FOUR CIRCUMSTANCES:

1. REDUCTION OF BODY WEIGHT.

The number of obese people is growing all over the world. Obesity leads to hypertension. A good way to keep track of your weight is to check it against the Body Mass Index table. To calculate your Body Mass Index, divide your weight in kilograms by your height in square meters. Body mass index = kg/m2.

Another way to determine obesity is to measure waist circumference.

Waist circumference is measured in a standing position, without outerwear. The measuring tape must be kept horizontal. Waist circumference in men is more than 102 cm, and in women more than 88 cm indicates obesity.

2. QUIT SMOKING

Quit smoking once and for all: how to do it?

There are many ways to quit smoking, which one should you choose?

Himself: gathered, decided, abandoned. Cheap and cheerful. But not always and not for everyone applicable.

Sports : a very useful activity: and a pleasant alternative to smoking – it can prevent smoking cravings, depression, nervousness, stressful situations, weight gain, and therefore helps to prevent smoking relapses and increase self-esteem.

With the help of a doctor : The doctor will recommend, tell, help and support …

Individual or group: Psychological support – individual or group help in quitting smoking. Often combined with medications.

Hypnosis : Possibly helpful, although there is no conclusive evidence. Can you find something else?

Medicines . There are some, but it is better to be recommended and prescribed by a doctor. Some drugs in the form of inhaler patches and chewing gums contain nicotine and are designed to partially replenish its reserves in the body of an already former smoker so that he does not experience the withdrawal syndrome of his favorite cigarettes too much.

Other medicines behave like nicotine and are also designed to reduce the urge to smoke.

Not drugs . Acupuncture, electromagnetic waves, electropuncture – all this is good, everything works, it helps to overcome the withdrawal syndrome, and sometimes even prevent it.

All methods are good if there is a desire and a strong will to win!

3. CHOOSE HEALTHY FOOD

Eating healthy is always a good idea. Eat 3 times a day and watch your portion sizes. Try to do without ready-made convenience foods and fast food outlets, the so-called “fast foods”.

Instead:

– When buying food, pay attention to the weight of the product, its calorie content and chemical composition, the content of proteins, fats, carbohydrates indicated on the label

– Make your diet as diverse as possible, which will contribute to its balance. Refrain from long-term use of one-sided unbalanced diets and diets; vegetarianism is possible only after consulting a doctor.

– Change the proportions of foods on your plate towards more fish, vegetables and herbs, whole grains and less fried side dishes, sugary drinks, sauces and fat.

– Need to limit sugar, confectionery, puffs; ice cream, ice cream, soft drinks

– It is recommended to avoid sausages, sausages, smoked meats, hamburgers, hot dogs, pates, chips and other high-fat, high-calorie foods.

– Replace meat with fish (2 times a week), poultry, legumes (beans, lentils, peas.) Portions of meat or poultry should be small (90-100g cooked), and red meat (beef, lamb, pork) it is better to cook no more than 2-3 times a week Preference should be given to lean meats or, when cooking, remove visible fat from meat and from the surface of the broth, and from chicken and other game – skin.