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Low
blood pressure (hypotension)
Definition
By Mayo Clinic staff
Low blood pressure, also called hypotension,
would seem to be something to strive for. However, for many people, low
blood pressure can cause symptoms of dizziness and fainting or mean
that they have serious heart, endocrine or neurological disorders.
Severely low blood pressure can deprive the brain and other vital
organs of oxygen and nutrients, leading to a life-threatening condition
called shock.
Although blood pressure varies from person
to person, a blood pressure reading of 90 millimeters of mercury (mm
Hg) or less systolic blood pressure (the top number in a blood pressure
reading) or 60 mm Hg or less diastolic blood pressure (the bottom
number) is generally considered low blood pressure.
The causes of low blood pressure can range
from dehydration to problems with the way your brain signals your heart
to pump blood. Low blood pressure is treatable, but it's important to
find out what's causing your condition so that it can be properly
treated.
Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staff
For some people, low blood pressure can
signal an underlying problem, especially when it drops suddenly or is
accompanied by signs and symptoms such as:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fainting (syncope)
- Lack of concentration
- Blurred vision
- Nausea
- Cold, clammy, pale skin
- Rapid, shallow breathing
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Thirst
When to see a doctor
In many instances, low blood pressure isn't serious. If you have
consistently low readings but feel fine, your doctor is likely to
monitor you during routine exams. Even occasional dizziness or
lightheadedness may be a relatively minor problem — the result of mild
dehydration from too much time in the sun or a hot tub, for example. In
these situations, it's not a matter so much of how far, but of how
quickly, your blood pressure drops.
Still, it's important to see your doctor if
you experience any signs or symptoms of hypotension because they
sometimes can point to more serious problems. It can be helpful to keep
a record of your symptoms, when they occur and what you were doing at
the time.
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