Low Blood Pressure, also called Hypotension, is a decrease in systemic blood pressure within the accepted range. As there is no accepted standard value for hypotension, but blood pressure less than 90/60 is considered as hypotensive. Hypotension is relatively an asymptomatic condition but it becomes a major concern when the blood flow/supply to the major organs is inadequate.

Some people have low blood pressure all the time, and it is normal for them. However, an acute drop in blood pressure (hypotensive shock) may be life-threatening.

The heart functions as a pumping organ to generate a pressure gradient that distributes blood throughout the body. Blood pressure is influenced by

• Cardiac output (The amount of blood ejected from the heart in one minute)

• Total peripheral resistance (resistance to blood flow offered by all of the systemic vasculatures)

Any pathology that impacts any of these two parameters will induce hypotension.

Cardiac output further depends on

• Stroke Volume (Volume of blood pumped from the left ventricle per beat)

• Heart Rate

 

Cardiac output = Stroke Volume X Heart Rate

Any pathological condition that reduces stroke volume or heart rate will ultimately decrease the total cardiac output of the heart, functionally decreasing the ability to generate blood pressure.

 

 

 

Causes of Low Blood Pressure:

Low Blood Pressure can occur with

• During pregnancy, blood pressure tends to drop. Normal blood pressure during pregnancy may be lower than 100/60, that’s not a big concern.

• Dehydration, nutritional deficiencies like folic acid or cobalamin leads to anemia, which ultimately causes a drop in blood pressure.

• Sudden loss in blood volume is also called hypovolaemic shock when a person loses 20% of the body’s blood fluid or fluid supply. A significant loss of blood from major trauma, dehydration, or severe internal bleeding reduces blood volume, leading to a severe drop in blood pressure. Certain medications like diuretics also reduce blood volume.

• Heart problems that contribute to low blood pressure include bradycardia (low heart rate), heart valves disease, heart attack, and heart failure. These problems arise when the heart cannot pump enough blood to keep the pressure up as well as to keep the needs of the body’s requirements.

 

• Certain medications that cause low blood pressure include:

• Beta-blockers

• Calcium channel blockers

• Diuretics

• Drugs used to treat Parkinson's disease

• Tricyclic antidepressants

• Nitroglycerin used with drugs used for erectile dysfunction

• Alpha-Blockers

• Postural hypotension

• Septic shock occurs when sepsis, blood infection, leads to life-threatening low blood pressure.

• Endocrine disorders such as diabetes, adrenal insufficiency, and thyroid disease

• Anaphylactic shock, a kind of allergic reaction that leads to severe vasodilation

 

 

 

Symptoms of Hypotension

The most common symptoms include,

• Lightheadedness

• Syncope, fainting, or passing out.  It is caused by a temporary drop in the blood supply to the brain.

• Dizziness

• Blurred vision

• Lack of concentration

• Fatigue

• Pale, cold, and clammy skin

 

 

 

Treatment for Hypotension

 

Treatment of hypotension focuses on the management of the underlying causes of hypotension. Asymptomatic hypotension does not require intervention. If symptoms appear, treat the underlying cause.

Keep yourself hydrated to avoid hypotension due to dehydration.

In acute trauma/hypovolaemic shock, immediate fluid resuscitation with the cessation of bleeding is a major intervention. For this purpose vasopressors used.

 If sepsis is suspected, a blood culture examination is done. Treatment is initiated with the respective antibiotics.

 If anaphylaxis is suspected, intramuscular epinephrine is essential.

 

 

 

Diet for Low BLOOD PRESSURE

 

• Foods rich in Vitamin B12 include eggs, fortified cereals, animal meats, and nutritional yeast.

• Foods rich in folate include beans, lentils, citrus fruits, leafy greens, eggs, and liver

• Keep yourself hydrated

• Eat small meals more frequently

• Limit alcohol use.

 

 

References

Brazier, Y. (2017, December 22). What's to know about low blood pressure? Retrieved from MedicalNewsToday: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/159609

Hypotension. (2020, September 14). Retrieved from NCBI: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499961/

John P. Cunha, D. F. (n.d.). Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension). Retrieved from MedicineNet: https://www.medicinenet.com/low_blood_pressure/article.htm

Low Blood Pressure - When Blood Pressure Is Too Low. (n.d.). Retrieved from American Heart Association: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/the-facts-about-high-blood-pressure/low-blood-pressure-when-blood-pressure-is-too-low

Understanding Low Blood Pressure -- the Basics. (n.d.). Retrieved from WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/heart/understanding-low-blood-pressure-

 

 

 

---

Find articles related to: Medicine Telehealth Health Hypotension Orthostatic Hypotension Hypotension Headache Treatment Causes


More articles about Heart & Cardiovascular

Back to the Health Tips Index