Low blood pressure, also known as hypotension, is when you have a blood pressure level that is below the normal range.If your blood pressure is naturally low and isn’t causing you any problems it probably won’t need any treatment. If you have symptoms and your doctor or nurse feels that you would benefit from treatment, they will try to find the cause of your low blood pressure so that they can find the best way to treat it. Show
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 pressureGet 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. How to check your blood pressureYou 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
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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. Low blood pressure occurs when blood pressure is much lower than normal. This means the heart, brain, and other parts of the body do not get enough blood. Normal blood pressure is mostly between 90/60 mmHg and 120/80 mmHg. The medical name for low blood pressure is hypotension. CausesBlood pressure varies from one person to another. 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. Certain medicines and substances can lead to low blood pressure, including:
Other causes of low blood pressure include:
SymptomsSymptoms of low blood pressure may include:
Exams and TestsThe 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. The provider will ask questions, including:
The following tests may be done:
TreatmentLower 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. When you have symptoms from a drop in blood pressure, sit or lie down right away. Then raise your feet above heart level. Severe hypotension caused by shock is a medical emergency. You may be given:
Treatments for low blood pressure after standing up too quickly include:
People with NMH should avoid triggers, such as standing for a long period of time. Other treatments include drinking fluids and increasing salt in your diet. Talk to your provider before trying these measures. In severe cases, medicines may be prescribed. Outlook (Prognosis)Low blood pressure can usually be treated with success. Possible ComplicationsFalls due to low blood pressure in older adults can lead to a broken hip or spine fracture. These injuries can reduce a person’s health and ability to move about. Sudden severe drops in your blood pressure starves your body of oxygen. This can lead to damage of the heart, brain, and other organs. This type of low blood pressure can be life threatening if not treated right away. When to Contact a Medical ProfessionalIf low blood pressure causes a person to pass out (become unconscious), seek treatment right away. Or call 911 or the local emergency number. If the person is not breathing or has no pulse, begin CPR. Call your provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms:
PreventionYour provider may recommend certain steps to prevent or reduce your symptoms including:
Alternative NamesHypotension; Blood pressure - low; Postprandial hypotension; Orthostatic hypotension; Neurally mediated hypotension; NMH ReferencesCalkins HG, Zipes DP. Hypotension and syncope. In: Zipes DP, Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL, Tomaselli GF, Braunwald E, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 43. Schrigern DL. Approach to the patient with abnormal vital signs. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 7. Review Date 1/16/2021Updated by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. What causes a sudden drop in blood pressure?Sudden drops in blood pressure most commonly occur in someone who's rising from a lying down or sitting position to standing. This kind of low blood pressure is known as postural hypotension or orthostatic hypotension. Another type of low blood pressure can occur when someone stands for a long period of time.
What medications cause low diastolic pressure?Alpha blockers (central acting anti-hypertensive agents) can lower your diastolic blood pressure more than your systolic blood pressure. Other medications that can lead to low diastolic blood pressure include erectile dysfunction drugs, tricyclic antidepressants, Parkinson's disease drugs, beta blockers, and diuretics.
What is a dangerously low blood pressure?What is hypotension? Hypotension is abnormally low blood pressure (lower than 90/60 mm Hg). If your blood pressure gets too low, it can cause dizziness, fainting or death. Low blood pressure is not a condition that is usually treated except if it occurs in the elderly or occurs suddenly.
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Medication that can cause low blood pressure
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