Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension) | Causes & Symptoms of Low Blood Pressure

Hello people! Welcome back to our blog good vibes blogging. Hoping that you all had a fun new year. Let’s begin with our today’s topic which is kind of a serious one. I know you might be thinking why did I choose a serious topic to begin with but honestly telling this was something really important. It is a disease that is troubling a lot of people. Although I ain’t any doctor or something but would like to share with you all the information that I have regarding low blood pressure. Moreover, I hope that this article might be of some help to you people. 

WHAT IS LOW BLOOD PRESSURE?

Low blood pressure in other words can be termed as hypotension. With each heartbeat, our blood pushes against the arteries. This process of pushing blood against the artery walls is known as blood pressure. In some cases, low blood pressure is considered fine but if it reduces a certain number then it can cause you to harm like fainting, dizziness. That is when you are supposed to take care of it. 

According to doctors A blood pressure reading lower than 90 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) for the top number (systolic) or 60 mm Hg for the bottom number (diastolic) is generally considered low BP. Now you might be thinking what is systolic and diastolic pressure? allow me to explain. Blood pressure is known as the measurement of the pressure in our arteries during the resting and active phases of each heartbeat. 

Systolic pressure- this is known as the top number of blood pressure readings. In short the amount of pressure produced by our heart while pumping blood through arteries. 

Diastolic pressure- this is known as the lower number of blood pressure readings. In words, it is the amount of pressure in our arteries when our heart is at rest. 

According to the current guidelines, normal blood pressure is 120/80 mm Hg.

⚫TYPES OF LOW BLOOD PRESSURE

We have discussed about High Blood Pressure causes and symptoms in one of our previous articles. This post is all about low BP. Low BP is broken down into certain categories by doctors which depends on the causes and factors. Following are certain types of low blood pressure.

1.Orthostatic or postural hypotension

This is the type of low BP that occurs when you stand up from a sitting position or after lying down. When we stand up after sitting or after lying down the gravity causes blood to pool in our legs. During this, our body compensates so that our brain receives enough blood. It increases our heart rate and constricts our blood vessels, as a result, making it easy for the blood to reach our brain. 

However, if a person is suffering from orthostatic hypotension then this process fails. As a result, enough blood does not reach our brain and we feel dizzy, fainting, blurred vision, and so on. This hypotension can be caused because of many reasons like dehydration, prolonged bed rest, pregnancy, heart problems, diabetes, burns, excessive heat, large varicose veins, and neurological disorders.

2. Postprandial hypotension

This type of blood pressure can also be called low BP after eating. This is the type in which low blood pressure occurs one to two hours after eating.After we are done eating the blood flows to our digestive tract. In a normal body, during this process, the body increases the heart rates and constricts certain blood vessels so that it can maintain normal blood pressure. 

But for people who are suffering from postprandial hypotension this mechanism fails and hence causes dizziness, fainting, falls, etc. To avoid this type of lower BP we should resort to eating small, low-carbohydrate meals; drinking more water, and avoiding alcohol might help reduce symptoms. 

3. Neurally mediated hypotension

This kind of hypotension in other words is known as low blood pressure from faulty brain signals. When a person is suffering from this disorder they experience a blood pressure drop after standing for long periods. Mostly it occurs in adults and children. The reason for this disorder is miscommunication between the heart and brain. 

4. Multiple system atrophy with orthostatic hypotension

Hypotension due to nervous system damage or can also be called as Shy-Drager syndrome. This type causes damage to the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary functions such as blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, and digestion. 

⚫MEDICAL CONDITIONS THAT CAN CAUSE LOW BLOOD PRESSURE

Following are some medical conditions that cause low BP.

Pregnancy– during pregnancy the circulatory system of the body tends to expand rapidly. This is quite normal and the body tends to come back to normal after the birth of the child.

Heart problems Certain heart problems cause low BP. Problems such asbradycardia, heart attack, and heart failure, heart valve problems.

Endocrine problems –Certain endocrine problems lead to low blood pressure Parathyroid disease, adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease), low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). 

Dehydration–Dehydration occurs when our body loses water more than it takes in. This scarcity of water can cause issues like dizziness, fainting, falls, and so on.

Blood loss-When our body loses excessive blood due to severe injuries our body can experience a major blood pressure drop.

Septicemia (severe infections)–During this thing when an infection enters our bloodstream, it leads to a life-threatening drop in blood pressure which can also be called septic shock. 

Lack of nutrients in your diet-A lack of nutrients such as vitamin B-12, folate, and iron can cause a decrease in the production of red blood cells. Hence it can be a cause for low blood pressure. 

There are many medications too which can cause low blood pressure but it will be preferable if you get to know about them from a certified doctor. 

SYMPTOMS OF LOW BLOOD PRESSURE

According to doctors, low blood pressure is caused due to certain underlying problems especially when it drops suddenly. However, there are certain other symptoms too that are as follows. 

• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Fainting
• Blurred or fading vision
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Lack of concentration. know how to improve focus and concentration

In extreme conditions, low blood pressure can cause serious effects. These effects are as follows. 

• Confusion, especially in older people
• Cold, clammy, pale skin
• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Weak and rapid pulse

⚫TIPS FOR HYPOTENSION

Hypotension can be caused due to many reasons. I can’t suggest or recommend any kind of medications that can be taken to treat this low BP thing. But can give you some tips that you can keep in mind to avoid this condition getting severe. 

• Drink plenty of water. Drinking water is a solution to many internal problems. And it is the most effective solution for people who are suffering from low blood pressure due to dehydration. 
• If you are experiencing low BP due to standing for long periods make sure that you take breaks. Moreover, people suffering from low blood pressure should stand up slowly after sitting or lying down. They can also avoid crossing their legs while sitting. 
• Emotional trauma can also be a reason for low blood pressure. I know times are not supporting enough but situations are changing so try your best to take care of yourself emotionally too.
• When low BP is induced due to shock it is the most harmful one. A person who experienced low blood pressure due to this should immediately take medical help and until the help is arriving keep stuffing the patient with liquids that increase red blood cells.

Concludingly, If you are experiencing the slightest of difficulty I would recommend you should consult your doctor as the soonest. Don’t take any medicine without consulting your doctors and keep a regular check on your blood pressure. Both low BP and High BP are dangerous.