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. Get your blood pressure checked if you keep getting symptoms like: 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. You can check your blood
pressure: Low blood pressure is a measurement
of less than 90/60mmHg. Regular blood pressure checkIf 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:
Treatment for low blood pressure depends on the causeIf a cause can be found, a GP will be able to recommend treatment to ease your symptoms. For example, they may suggest:
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 yourselfDo
Don’t
Causes of low blood pressureYour 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:
Page last reviewed: 09 September 2020 Your blood pushes against your arteries with every heartbeat. The force of blood pushing against your artery walls is called blood pressure. Blood pressure goes up and down in response to your regular activities, such as sleeping and moving around. The medical term for low blood pressure is hypotension. Blood pressure is made up of two measurements: when your heart beats, and in the periods of rest between heartbeats.
Your blood pressure reading is made up of two numbers: first the systolic measure, then the diastolic measure. Having a lower blood pressure is good in most cases (less than 120/80). But low blood pressure can sometimes make you feel tired or dizzy. In those cases, hypotension can be a sign of an underlying condition that should be treated. Hypotension in adults is defined as a blood pressure reading of lower than 90/60. There are several types of hypotension. Low blood pressure is categorized according to when it happens and what’s causing it. OrthostaticOrthostatic hypotension (also known as postural hypotension) is the drop in blood pressure that occurs when you move from sitting or lying down to standing. As your body adjusts to the position change, you may feel dizzy or lightheaded. This is what some people refer to as “seeing stars” when they get up. Orthostatic hypotension is the most common form of low blood pressure. It can affect people of all ages, but it’s especially common in older adults. Aging and pregnancy can also cause an overall lowering of blood pressure. Conditions affecting the autonomic nervous system, such as Parkinson’s disease and diabetes, can often lead to orthostatic hypotension. This form of low blood pressure affects 30 to 50 percent of people with Parkinson’s disease, and about 30 percent of people with diabetes. PostprandialPostprandial hypotension is a drop in blood pressure that occurs after eating. According to a 2010 review, low blood pressure after eating is more common in older adults and people with autonomic dysfunction. Neurally mediatedBlood pressure is a balancing act between your nervous system and other bodily systems (like your hormones and organs). Neurally mediated hypotension happens when there is an abnormal reflex interaction between the heart and the brain. Causes of neurally mediated hypotension include:
SevereA severe drop in blood pressure can occur during shock. Shock can happen if you experience a serious injury or infection. During shock, your organs do not get the blood and oxygen they need to function properly. Severe hypotension can be life threatening if not treated quickly. Other typesHaving low blood pressure all the time can be a side effect of some medications. For example, medications used to treat high blood pressure can sometimes cause hypotension. Other conditions affecting the heart, nerves, liver, or hormone systems can also cause an overall lowering of blood pressure. Vitamin deficiencies can also contribute to lower blood pressure. Everyone’s blood pressure drops at one time or another. Your body’s internal regulation of blood flow can sometimes cause you to have lower-than-normal blood pressure. Some people have low blood pressure all the time, without symptoms. The cause of this type of hypotension is unknown. What causes a sudden drop in blood pressure?A sudden decrease in blood pressure can happen after certain events. These include:
Conditions that can cause low blood pressureCertain conditions can cause long periods of hypotension that can become dangerous if left untreated. These conditions include:
Medications that can cause low blood pressureMedications might also cause your blood pressure to become too low. Beta-blockers and nitroglycerin, used to treat heart disease, can have this effect. Diuretics, tricyclic antidepressants, and erectile dysfunction drugs can also cause hypotension. If a medication you’re taking causes your blood pressure to become too low, your doctor may adjust the dosage or change the medication. This usually improves the hypotension. Hypotension doesn’t always cause symptoms. But sometimes low blood pressure means your vital organs aren’t receiving as much blood flow as they need. If this happens, you might feel tired or unwell. Symptoms of hypotension may include:
Your treatment plan will depend on what’s causing your hypotension. Your doctor will consider factors including:
For some people, low blood pressure may not cause any symptoms. In cases where treatment is needed, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, medical treatment, or a combination of both. Lifestyle changesSometimes changing certain habits can improve your low blood pressure. The causes of hypotension are different for different people, so your care plan probably won’t include all of these changes. Depending on the specifics of your situation, your doctor might suggest that you: Stay hydratedDrink plenty of water to avoid hypotension due to dehydration, especially if you are vomiting or have diarrhea. Stay well hydrated during exercise and when you’re in a hot location. In some cases, your doctor may recommend increasing your electrolyte intake to help keep your blood pressure higher. Learn your emotional or stress triggersMake note of the situations where you felt very scared or emotional right before a drop in your blood pressure. You may be able to plan ahead to avoid those situations. Or, you can plan for support in case you become dizzy or feel unwell. If you usually experience low blood pressure when you visit the doctor or dentist, you might consider telling them. Move aroundIf you experience low blood pressure when standing for long periods, try flexing your leg muscles and moving in place. If you have the option, take a break to sit down. Take your time when standing upChange positions slowly and gradually. Instead of standing up quickly, work your way into a sitting or standing position using small movements. Slow, deep breathing may help keep your blood pressure up. Change your eating habitsIf you experience low blood pressure after eating, your doctor might suggest eating smaller meals more often throughout the day, or eating different foods. Avoid standing up suddenly after eating. There are many ways to manage low blood pressure in your daily life. Your doctor may make other lifestyle suggestions based on your needs. Medical treatmentSome forms of hypotension may require medical treatment. Medical treatment for low blood pressure can include:
Hypotension isn’t always a sign of a larger health problem, and it may be treated easily. But for some people, low blood pressure requires treatment to prevent possible complications. Some complications of hypotension are: Falls and related injuriesA sudden drop in blood pressure may make you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or even lose consciousness (faint). These symptoms can come on quickly, causing falls or other injuries. Falls are a major cause of hospitalization for older adults. Older adults are more likely to experience hypotension after standing up or eating. Treatment and lifestyle changes can help you manage hypotension symptoms. ShockIf your blood pressure falls dangerously low, your vital organs can start to malfunction because they aren’t receiving enough blood to work properly. This can cause you to go into shock. Symptoms of shock include:
Shock is a medical emergency. If you think you or someone else is experiencing shock, call 911 or your local emergency services. Many people can manage low blood pressure by understanding the condition and its symptoms. Learn your triggers, if you have them, and how to manage them. If low blood pressure is making you feel unwell, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes or medical treatment. If you’re prescribed medication, take it as directed to increase your blood pressure and avoid potentially harmful complications. It’s always best to notify your doctor if you’re concerned about your blood pressure levels and any symptoms you have. What foods cure low blood pressure?Here's What To Eat To Help Raise Low Blood Pressure:. Drink Plenty of Fluids. When you're dehydrated, your blood volume is reduced, which causes your blood pressure to decrease. ... . Eat Salty Foods. ... . Drink Caffeine. ... . Boost Your B12 Intake. ... . Fill Up On Folate. ... . Cut Back On Carbs. ... . Reduce Meal Size. ... . Easy On The Alcohol.. What causes low blood pressure?Causes include dehydration, long-term bed rest, pregnancy, certain medical conditions and some medications. This type of low blood pressure is common in older adults. Postprandial hypotension. This drop in blood pressure occurs 1 to 2 hours after eating.
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