Some temporary causes, such as pregnancy, resolve on their own. Others may require dietary changes and other care or management strategies. Some potentially more severe health issues can also cause low blood pressure, including :. Low blood pressure may sometimes result from alcohol use or the use of certain medications, such as :.
To address low blood pressure, a doctor may adjust the dosage of an existing drug or recommend medications to increase blood pressure. Medications that they may prescribe include fludrocortisone and midodrine. Learn about the low blood pressure diet here. Low blood pressure symptoms can disrupt daily life, and they generally become more serious with age.
It is important to contact a doctor if any of these symptoms, such as dizziness and fatigue, occur. A doctor can identify the cause and recommend the best treatment approach. People experiencing any specific signs of anaphylactic or septic shock require emergency care. Signs of anaphylactic shock include:. Low blood pressure refers to the blood circulating with a low level of force.
It can cause a range of symptoms, including dizziness and nausea. Blood pressure naturally fluctuates throughout the day, and it declines with age. Page last reviewed: 09 September Next review due: 09 September Low blood pressure hypotension. Symptoms of low blood pressure Get your blood pressure checked if you keep getting symptoms like: lightheadedness or dizziness feeling sick blurred vision generally feeling weak confusion fainting This might mean your blood pressure is too low.
Regular blood pressure check If you're 40 to 74 years old, you should have your blood pressure checked at least once every 5 years as part of the NHS Health Check.
A drop as little as 20 mmHg, can cause problems for some people. There are different types and causes of low blood pressure. Severe hypotension can be caused by sudden loss of blood shock , severe infection, heart attack, or severe allergic reaction anaphylaxis.
Orthostatic hypotension is caused by a sudden change in body position. This occurs most often when you shift from lying down to standing.
This type of low blood pressure usually lasts only a few seconds or minutes. If this type of low blood pressure occurs after eating, it is called postprandial orthostatic hypotension. This type most often affects older adults, those with high blood pressure, and people with Parkinson disease. Neurally mediated hypotension NMH most often affects young adults and children.
It can occur when a person has been standing for a long time. Children usually outgrow this type of hypotension. The health care provider will examine you to determine the cause of your low blood pressure. Your vital signs temperature, pulse , rate of breathing, and blood pressure will be checked frequently. You may need to stay in the hospital for a while. Lower than normal blood pressure in a healthy person that does not cause any symptoms often does not need treatment.
Otherwise, treatment depends on the cause of your low blood pressure and your symptoms. As the body adjusts to the position change there may be a brief period of dizziness. Postprandial hypotension is a drop in blood pressure that occurs right after eating. It is a type of orthostatic hypotension. Neurally mediated hypotension happens after you stand for a long time. Children experience this form of hypotension more often than adults.
Emotionally upsetting events can also cause this drop in blood pressure. Severe hypotension is related to shock. Shock occurs when your organs do not get the blood and oxygen they need to function properly. Severe hypotension can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
Your treatment will depend on the underlying cause of your hypotension. Treatment could include medications for heart disease, diabetes, or infection. Drink plenty of water to avoid hypotension due to dehydration, especially if you are vomiting or have diarrhea.
Staying hydrated can also help treat and prevent the symptoms of neurally mediated hypotension. If you experience low blood pressure when standing for long periods, be sure to take a break to sit down. And try to reduce your stress levels to avoid emotional trauma. Treat orthostatic hypotension with slow, gradual movements. Instead of standing up quickly, work your way into a sitting or standing position using small movements.
You can also avoid orthostatic hypotension by not crossing your legs when you sit. Shock-induced hypotension is the most serious form of the condition. Severe hypotension must be treated immediately.
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