Low blood pressure - When blood pressure is too low
How low is too low a blood pressure?
Within certain limits, the lower the blood pressure, the better. There is also no specific number at which daily blood pressure is considered too low, as long as none of the symptoms of problems are present.
Symptoms of low blood pressure
Most doctors will only consider chronically low blood pressure dangerous if it causes noticeable signs and symptoms, such as:
- Dizziness or photophobia
- Nudity
- Fainting (syncope)
- Dehydration and unusual thirst
- Dehydration can sometimes cause a drop in blood pressure. Jednakże, odwodnienie nie zawsze powoduje niskie ciśnienie krwi. Gorączka, wymioty, silna biegunka, nadużywanie leków moczopędnych oraz intensywny wysiłek fizyczny mogą prowadzić do odwodnienia, potencjalnie poważnego stanu, w którym organizm traci więcej wody niż przyjmuje. Nawet łagodne odwodnienie (utrata zaledwie 1 do 2 procent masy ciała) może powodować osłabienie, zawroty głowy i zmęczenie.
- Lack of concentration
- Blurred vision
- Cold, damp, pale skin
- Fast, shallow breathing
- Fatigue
- Depression
Basic causes of low blood pressure
Low blood pressure can occur with:
Prolonged bed rest
Pregnancy: During the first 24 weeks of pregnancy, there is often a drop in blood pressure.
Decrease in blood volume: A decrease in blood volume can also cause a drop in blood pressure. Significant blood loss due to severe trauma, dehydration or severe internal bleeding reduces blood volume, leading to a severe drop in blood pressure.
Some medications: A number of medications can cause low blood pressure, including diuretics and other drugs that treat high blood pressure; heart medications such as beta blockers; drugs for Parkinson's disease; tricyclic antidepressants; drugs for erectile dysfunction, especially in combination with nitroglycerin; drugs and alcohol. Other prescription and over-the-counter medications can cause low blood pressure when taken in combination with high blood pressure medications.
Heart problems: Among the heart diseases that can lead to low blood pressure are abnormally low heart rate (bradycardia), heart valve problems, heart attack and heart failure. Your heart may not be able to circulate enough blood to meet the body's needs.
Endocrine problems: Such problems include complications with the hormone-producing glands in the body's endocrine systems; specifically, underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), parathyroid disease, adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease), low blood sugar and, in some cases, diabetes.
Serious infection (septic shock): Septic shock can occur when bacteria leave the primary site of infection (usually in the lungs, abdomen or urinary tract) and enter the bloodstream. The bacteria then produce toxins that affect the blood vessels, leading to a profound and life-threatening drop in blood pressure.
Allergic reaction (anaphylaxis): Anaphylactic shock is a sometimes fatal allergic reaction that can occur in people who are very sensitive to drugs such as penicillin, to certain foods such as peanuts or to bee or wasp stings. This type of shock is characterized by breathing problems, hives, itching, swelling of the throat and a sudden dramatic drop in blood pressure.
Neurally mediated hypotension: Unlike orthostatic hypotension, this disorder causes a drop in blood pressure after prolonged standing, leading to symptoms such as dizziness, nausea and fainting. The condition mainly affects young people and occurs because of miscommunication between the heart and brain.
Nutritional deficiencies: Lack of essential vitamins B-12 and folic acid can cause anemia, which in turn can lead to low blood pressure.
If you notice a sudden drop in blood pressure
A single lower-than-normal reading is not cause for concern unless you are experiencing other symptoms or problems. If you experience dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea or other symptoms, it's a good idea to consult your doctor. To help with diagnosis, record your symptoms and activities as they occur.
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