Low blood pressure – causes, symptoms, and treatment
Low blood pressure is a condition marked by a drop in both systolic and diastolic values below the normal range, most often with a chronic course. It primarily affects women and can have a variety of underlying causes, leading to symptoms such as cold sweats, fatigue, headaches, dizziness, or fainting. Although frequently underestimated, this condition can interfere with daily functioning and, in some cases, lead to serious complications. What is considered too low? When should low blood pressure warrant a hospital visit? What causes it? And what are the potential consequences?
Table of contents
- What is low blood pressure?
- Symptoms of low blood pressure
- When do symptoms become dangerous?
- Causes of low blood pressure
- Risk factors - lifestyle, diseases, medications
- What are the risks of low blood pressure?
- When does low blood pressure require immediate medical attention?
- Low blood pressure - what to do? How to raise blood pressure quickly?
- Which foods or supplements help with low blood pressure?
- How to prevent hypotension
What is low blood pressure?
Low blood pressure, also known as hypotension, is a condition where both systolic and diastolic blood pressure values fall below the normal range. While it may be a natural state for some people, in certain cases it can disrupt the body’s normal functioning and contribute to the development of serious health issues.
Typically chronic in nature, low blood pressure can affect children, adults, and seniors alike. This condition - especially when accompanied by symptoms that interfere with everyday activities - should not be ignored.
Blood pressure norms - when is it considered hypotension?
Normal blood pressure is generally around 120/80 mm Hg, though measurements can slightly vary depending on age, physical condition, and external factors.
Hypertension is diagnosed when readings are equal to or above 140/90 mm Hg. In contrast, hypotension is considered present when systolic pressure falls below 90 mm Hg and diastolic pressure is lower than 60 mm Hg.
Types of hypotension - primary, orthostatic, secondary
Low blood pressure can have different origins and forms. The most common types include:
- Primary hypotension: Also referred to as essential hypotension, has no identifiable cause and is not related to any underlying disease. It is typically linked to genetic or hereditary predispositions. This form often causes no symptoms or only mild discomfort that does not affect daily functioning.
- Secondary hypotension: May occur as a symptom of or response to other health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, hormonal disorders, thyroid dysfunction, or dehydration. It may also result from blood loss, medication side effects, or allergic reactions. This form is more likely to cause noticeable symptoms that impact daily life.
- Orthostatic hypotension: Results from a sudden drop in blood pressure due to rapid changes in body position. This is commonly observed in older adults and patients with diabetes or Parkinson’s disease.
Symptoms of low blood pressure
Although low blood pressure may sometimes be asymptomatic, it more often leads to a variety of symptoms depending on how quickly and severely the pressure drops and the person’s individual predispositions.
How to recognize hypotension
The most common symptoms include fatigue, weakness, and a general decline in well-being. People may also experience apathy, excessive drowsiness, cold sweats, and cold, pale hands and feet.
Hypotension can lead to fainting, blackouts, difficulty concentrating, and cognitive issues that affect memory and information processing. Secondary hypotension may also impair vision – described as blurriness or seeing ‘stars’.
Low blood pressure can also increase the risk of nausea, ringing in the ears, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, chest pain or tightness, and in some cases, anxiety and swelling in the lower limbs. Headaches – whether at the front or back of the head – are also a common complaint, often described as diffuse or pressure-like.
When do symptoms become dangerous?
Many people wonder whether low blood pressure can be life-threatening and when it requires hospital care.
In most cases, hypotension is not directly life-threatening. However, it can become dangerous under certain conditions.
Low blood pressure can pose a serious risk when caused by hypovolemic shock due to dehydration, severe burns, or significant blood loss. It can also result from septic shock following a serious infection. In these situations, fast diagnosis and immediate medical intervention are crucial.
Medical attention is also recommended when there is a sudden and sharp drop in blood pressure, or when chronic low pressure significantly disrupts everyday life and tasks.
Causes of low blood pressure
There are many possible causes of hypotension. Proper diagnosis is essential because low blood pressure can either be a symptom or the result of other underlying health conditions.
Identifying the cause helps determine the best treatment strategy to restore the body’s homeostasis.
What causes hypotension? Primary and secondary causes
Primary hypotension is often linked to genetic predisposition. A detailed patient history may reveal that hypotension runs in the family and has been passed down through generations.
Secondary hypotension can result from a range of conditions. It may occur due to heart-related issues such as heart attack, arrhythmias, or heart failure. It’s also associated with endocrine disorders like hypothyroidism, Addison’s disease, or pituitary dysfunction. Additionally, hypotension can result from hormonal imbalances, Parkinson’s disease, or the use of medications such as antidepressants or diuretics.
Low blood pressure is also commonly observed in people experiencing dehydration, internal bleeding, infections, poisoning, epilepsy, or diabetes.
Risk factors - lifestyle, diseases, medications
The risk of hypotension increases with age and is most common in women over the age of 65.
It also affects individuals with low body weight, people who are underweight, and athletes or those who engage in intense physical training.
Stress and poor dietary habits may also contribute. Studies have shown that low blood pressure is more likely among people with deficiencies in folic acid, vitamin B12, or iron, particularly those suffering from anemia.
Inadequate fluid intake raises the risk as well, as does the use of diuretics, beta-blockers, and alpha-blockers. Blood pressure may also drop during pregnancy or in certain chronic illnesses.
What are the risks of low blood pressure?
Although often considered less serious than high blood pressure, chronic hypotension can lead to troubling symptoms and significant health consequences.
Possible consequences of chronic hypotension
Chronic low blood pressure may cause insufficient blood supply to internal organs, resulting in oxygen deprivation and impaired function. It may also reduce blood flow to the brain, raising the risk of fainting and falls, which can lead to injury. In rare cases, hypotension can trigger life-threatening circulatory collapse.
When does low blood pressure require immediate medical attention?
Sudden, severe drops in blood pressure – accompanied by fainting, unconsciousness, shortness of breath, or chest pain – require immediate medical care.
If a person experiences difficulty breathing and intense dizziness, emergency services should be contacted right away.
Low blood pressure - what to do? How to raise blood pressure quickly?
For people not experiencing life-threatening symptoms, simple home remedies and dietary supplements may help increase blood pressure levels.
Pharmacological treatment is rarely necessary and typically reserved for cases where other measures have failed and hypotension significantly affects daily life.
Home remedies to raise blood pressure
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Stay hydrated: Proper hydration is key. Since inadequate fluid intake can lead to hypotension, it’s important to drink enough water daily and avoid dehydrating substances like alcohol.
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Increase salt intake: Adding more salt to your diet may help retain fluids and increase blood volume, which in turn raises blood pressure. However, moderation is essential, as excessive salt intake is not recommended.
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Regular physical activity: Moderate aerobic exercise – such as cycling, swimming, or brisk walking – can strengthen the cardiovascular system and improve blood flow, helping to regulate blood pressure.
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Dietary changes: Besides adding some salt, the diet should include fresh fruits and vegetables. Eating small, regular meals can help maintain stable blood sugar and reduce the risk of sudden pressure drops.
Other helpful practices may include:
- massaging the body after waking up to stimulate circulation
- avoiding alcohol and smoking
- changing body positions gradually
- wearing compression stockings
- maintaining good sleep hygiene
Which foods or supplements help with low blood pressure?
Some herbs and dietary supplements may support blood pressure regulation, but they should only be used after consulting with a healthcare provider, especially if no prescription medication is needed.
Beneficial substances may include:
- ginseng, which may also boost energy and circulation
- guarana, which can improve focus and reduce fatigue
- caffeine, known to increase alertness and energy levels
- licorice, which may aid digestion and relieve respiratory infections
- rosemary, which can support digestive function
How to prevent hypotension
To reduce the risk of low blood pressure, it’s important to follow a healthy, balanced diet that provides all essential macro- and micronutrients.
Regular moderate aerobic exercise and proper hydration are also key.
Certain herbs and supplements may offer additional support, helping to increase energy levels or promote healthy blood pressure levels in other ways.
Most treatments for hypotension are symptomatic, aimed at easing discomfort. However, to fully resolve the issue, it’s essential to identify and address the root cause of the low blood pressure in accordance with medical guidance.
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