What Causes a Rapid Decrease in Blood Pressure?

Low blood pressure, also known as orthostatic hypotension, is an abnormal decline in blood pressure. This condition takes place when the blood pressure after each heartbeat is lower than normal, reports the Qunicy Medical Group in Quincy, Ilinois. Organs such as the heart and brain do not receive enough blood. Dizziness and fainting is often a result.

• Blurred vision is a symptom of a rapid decrease in blood pressure.

Identification

• The average blood pressure resides between 90/60 millimeters of mercury to 130/80 millimeters of mercury, reports the Quincy Medical Group. A drop of just 20 mg of mercury can result in health problems for certain people.

Types

• There are three major types of hypotension -- orthostatic hypotension, neurally mediated hypotension, and severe hypotension. Orthostatic hypotension is caused by an abrupt change in body position, such as moving from a lying position to a standing one. Neurally mediated hypotension, prevalent in young adults and children, is brought about when a person has been standing for a long time. Severe hypotension arises from a rapid loss of blood or shock.

Causes

• A decrease in blood pressure can be attributed to medications such as diuretics, blood pressure medicine, pain killers, and antidepressants. Also low pressure can be brought on by certain conditions, including heart failure, dehydration, and diabetes.

Effects

• A sudden decrease in blood pressure can cause blurred vision, vertigo, and light-headedness. When blood pressure falls rapidly, a person can fall unconscious and severely harm themselves by falling and breaking bones in the body.

Prevention/Solution

• A decrease in blood pressure can be caused by a variety of reasons. Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the condition. In severe cases, antibiotics and an IV may be required. If hypotension is caused by medication, see your physician to change drugs or dosage. Other remedies include keeping hydrated or adding more salt to your diet. Healtblurbs.com recommends trying natural remedies, such as increasing exercise, lowering alcohol consumption, avoiding stress, avoiding standing for long periods, and eating small meals filled with carbohydrates.