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Low Blood Presure Symptoms

While many people are trying to lower their blood pressure, others suffer from blood pressure that is already too low (hypotension). When a reading results in numbers lower than 90 (systolic) over 60 (diastolic), the patient may be experiencing low blood pressure, according to MayoClinic.com. In addition to chronic hypotension, sudden drops in blood pressure can be dangerous. Recognizing the symptoms of low blood pressure may encourage the patient to seek treatment sooner.

  1. Mental and Emotional

    • Low blood pressure may affect more than the patient's physical condition. Depression and the inability to concentrate are both symptoms of low blood pressure, but since they are also symptoms of many other disorders, a visit to the doctor is in order.

    Vision

    • When blood pressure drops, the patient may experience blurred vision, as his eyes strain to see without an adequate supply of oxygen.

    Brain

    • Low blood pressure means less oxygen is getting to the brain and dizziness or fainting may occur. In addition, this may result in chronic fatigue, even if the patient is getting sufficient sleep during the night. The individual is also at an increased risk of falling.

    Additional Symptoms

    • As hypotension carries a reduced supply of oxygen-rich blood throughout the body, the individual may notice cool skin with a clammy feeling. He may be more thirsty than normal since his organs and skin are not receiving adequate hydration and/or he may become nauseous.

    Secondary

    • Some patients may be at an increased risk of developing hypotension. If the individual dehydrates, due to insufficient water intake, he is more likely to develop a sudden drop in blood pressure. Some patients with heart conditions experience hypotension as their hearts struggle to pump blood through their veins. Other conditions that increase the risk of the disorder are endocrine problems, pregnancy, loss of blood and malnourishment.

    Temporary

    • A sudden drop in blood pressure that occurs when an individual stands up quickly (orthostatic hypotension) is a normal occurrence in many people since blood settles in the feet and legs while sitting, leaving the brain starved for oxygen temporarily upon standing. If the patient suffers from severe dizziness upon standing, recurring frequently over a few days, his doctor should conduct an examination to rule out underlying disorders.

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