Fall in Low Blood Pressure might be due to temporary reasons. But it is still important to know all about low blood pressure because you never know what you might be suffering from despite being very careful in life.
Low blood pressure is a common occurrence among people aged 60 plus. Low blood pressure or hypotension is a condition where the pressure of the blood in the blood vessel is usually low.
Normal blood pressure range falls anywhere between 90/60mm Hg and 130/80mm Hg; therefore, a person is said to be suffering from low blood pressure if the BP value is under 90 / 60mm Hg and from high blood pressure if it is above 130/80mm Hg (Read more about High Blood Pressure). The causes for such a condition are many things, such as age, weather, medication, injury, illness, or as part of the normal up and down fluctuations that happen during the day.
Although many times it is harmless, the condition can be life-threatening if you start to show symptoms like dizziness, confusion, or falls. (Related to heart problems, diabetes)
How low is too low
Major causes of low blood pressure are your diet and lifestyle. If you carefully monitor your daily activities and intake, you can easily avoid an episode. An active person is said to have a blood pressure value of 140/70 mm Hg.
When you are not able to recover from a low blood pressure episode within few minutes or an hour or the occurrence of the episodes are frequent, then it is suggested that you visit a doctor and get a check-up done.
Usually, when one suffers from an episode, there are no prescribed drugs to help raise blood pressure since treating the underlying cause is usually all the treatment needed. If the occurrence is repetitive, fludrocortisone or midodrine, are generally prescribed.
Probable causes
Hypotension which is predominantly manifested by light headedness or dizziness should be evaluated properly by a physician as hypotension is far more dangerous than hypertension.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Prevention
If your blood pressure drops too low, your body’s vital organs do not get enough oxygen and nutrients. When this happens, low blood pressure can lead to shock, which requires immediate medical attention.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D
Low Blood Pressure Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
If you are regularly checking your blood pressure at home, you should be aware that normal blood pressure fluctuates during the day. For example, while resting or sleeping blood pressure is lower than when you are active. This is not a cause for alarm. Here are a few low blood pressure symptoms to keep an eye out for in case you are not monitoring it often:
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