Low Blood Pressure Information

Blood pressure varies from person to person. People who exercise regularly, are non-smokers and eat a healthy diet tend to have lower blood pressure. However, low blood pressure can also be a sign of an underlying problem and, once diagnosed, can be regulated with lifestyle changes and medication.

Definition

• Low blood pressure, also known as hypotension, is defined as having a systolic blood pressure reading of 90 (mm Hg) or less and a diastolic reading of 60 (mm Hg).

Symptoms

• Signs and symptoms of low blood pressure include the following: dizziness, blurred vision, fainting, fatigue, thirst, nausea, depression, rapid shallow breathing, or cold and clammy pale skin.

Causes

• Some medical conditions reduce cardiac output, resulting in low blood pressure. These conditions include pregnancy, dehydration, heart problems, blood loss, endocrine problems, medications, septicemia, anaphylaxis, and the lack of important nutrients in your diet.

Diagnosis

• The aim is to find the reason or underlying cause of low blood pressure and to determine if any heart, brain or nervous system problems exist. One or more of the following tests will be carried out: blood pressure test, blood tests, electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, stress test, till table test or valsalva maneuver.

Treatment

• Doctors will treat the underlying cause of your low blood pressure, but if it's not clear, they will prescribe medicine and recommend lifestyle changes to increase your blood pressure. Recommendations may include: increasing your salt intake, wearing compression stockings, drinking more water, following a healthy diet, or taking medicine such as fluodrocortisone.