Can low blood pressure make you vomit

Q: What causes sudden low blood pressure and vomiting?

Dehydration. When the body doesnt have enough water, the amount of blood in the body (blood volume) decreases. This can cause blood pressure to drop. Fever, vomiting, severe diarrhea, overuse of diuretics and strenuous exercise can lead to dehydration.

Symptoms of low blood pressure, medically known as hypotension, relate to decreased blood flow to many areas of the body. Symptoms can include

Table of Contents Show

Pictures, Images, Illustrations & Quizzes
Symptoms of low blood pressure
How to check your blood pressure
Regular blood pressure check
Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:
Treatment for low blood pressure depends on the cause
How to ease low blood pressure symptoms yourself
Causes of low blood pressure
Can blood pressure make you vomit?
What causes sudden low blood pressure and vomiting?
Is nausea related to low blood pressure?
What are the symptoms of sudden low blood pressure?

fainting (syncope),
dizziness, or
a feeling of lightheadedness.

Decreased blood flow to the coronary arteries results in symptoms of angina, including chest pain. With low blood pressure, the heart rate may be elevated or irregular. Fast breathing, weakness, fatigue, cold skin, pale skin, confusion, nausea, or vomiting can occur, depending upon the reason for the low blood pressure. Other symptoms can include

blurred vision and
increased thirst.

Shock (in which all major body organs are deprived of oxygen) occurs with severe hypotension.

Causes of low blood pressure (hypotension)

Low blood pressure has many causes, including a reduction in blood volume due to bleeding or other conditions, heart diseases such as heart attack or heart failure, and certain medications. Shock is a condition characterized by severely low blood pressure; this is often a result of septicemia (bacterial infection of the bloodstream). Dehydration due to vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive sweating causes a loss of body fluid and can lead to low blood pressure. Blood pressure also tends to decrease in pregnancy.

Other low blood pressure symptoms and signs

Blurred Vision
Chest Pain
Cold Skin
Confusion
Dizziness
Fainting
Fatigue
Increased Thirst
Lightheadedness
Nausea
Pale Skin
Rapid Breathing
Shock
Vomiting
Weakness

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Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension): Symptoms, Signs, Causes See Slideshow

Pictures, Images, Illustrations & Quizzes

Low blood pressure is a reading of less than 90/60mmHg. It does not always cause symptoms, but you may need treatment if it does.

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.

If you get symptoms when you stand up or suddenly change position, you may have postural hypotension.

How to check your blood pressure

You can check your blood pressure:

by asking if a pharmacist can do it
by asking a practice nurse or GP to do it
at home yourself using a home blood pressure monitor – Blood Pressure UK has information about choosing a blood pressure monitor

Low blood pressure is a measurement of less than 90/60mmHg.

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.

Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:

you keep getting symptoms such as dizziness and fainting

Treatment for low blood pressure depends on the cause

If a cause can be found, a GP will be able to recommend treatment to ease your symptoms.

For example, they may suggest:

changing medicines or altering your dose, if this is the cause
wearing support stockings – this can improve circulation and increase blood pressure

Medicine to increase blood pressure is rarely needed because simple lifestyle measures or treating the underlying cause is usually effective.

How to ease low blood pressure symptoms yourself

Do

get up slowly from sitting to standing
take care when getting out of bed – move slowly from lying to sitting to standing
raise the head of your bed by about 15cm (6 inches) with bricks or heavy books
eat small, frequent meals – lying down or sitting still for a while after eating may also help
increase the amount of water you drink

Don’t

do not sit or stand for long periods
do not bend down or change posture suddenly
do not drink caffeinated drinks at night
do not drink too much alcohol

Causes of low blood pressure

Your blood pressure can vary depending on the time of day. It gradually increases throughout the day.

What you're doing and how you're feeling can also affect it.

There are many possible causes of low blood pressure. It may be low because you're fit and healthy, or you may have inherited it from your parents.

Some people develop low blood pressure as they get older.

It can also be caused by:

being pregnant
some medical conditions, such as diabetes
some medicines

Page last reviewed: 09 September 2020
Next review due: 09 September 2023

Can blood pressure make you vomit?

Malignant hypertension is a dangerous form of very high blood pressure. Symptoms may include: Severe headache. Nausea and vomiting.

What causes sudden low blood pressure and vomiting?

Dehydration. When the body doesn't have enough water, the amount of blood in the body (blood volume) decreases. This can cause blood pressure to drop. Fever, vomiting, severe diarrhea, overuse of diuretics and strenuous exercise can lead to dehydration.

Symptoms. Your brain usually shows the first symptoms of hypotension. Besides dizziness and nausea, your spirits might be low, you might lack energy, and find it hard to think straight. Some people feel lightheaded enough to faint or notice cold, clammy skin, faster breathing, blurry vision, or chest pain.