If you are like most people, you probably do not encounter the term, “hypotension” as much in your daily life until now. But if you or someone you know suffers from low blood pressure, it is a condition that should be familiar to you. Hypotension is a condition characterized by abnormally low blood pressure, and it can cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms. In this post, we will discuss what is hypotension, how to identify it, and what treatment options are available. If you or someone you know suffer from low blood pressure, please consult with a medical professional for advice on treatment. Thanks for reading!
What is hypotension?
Hypotension, also known as low blood pressure, occurs when your blood pressure is significantly lower than what would be considered normal. It is possible for it to happen either as a condition that takes place on its own or as a symptom of a wide variety of other conditions. It is possible that it will not cause any symptoms, but if it does, you may need to seek medical attention.
How low can your blood pressure go before you pass out?
A blood pressure reading that is lower than 90 millimetres of mercury (mm Hg) for the top number (systolic), or a blood pressure reading that is lower than 60 mm Hg for the bottom number, is generally considered to be indicative of low blood pressure (diastolic).
It is possible that one person’s reading of low blood pressure is perfectly normal for another person. There may be no noticeable symptoms associated with low blood pressure, or the symptoms may include dizziness and fainting. The risk of death can occasionally be associated with having blood pressure that is too low.
There is a wide variety of factors that can lead to low blood pressure, ranging from being dehydrated to having serious medical conditions. It is essential to identify the root cause of low blood pressure in order to develop an appropriate treatment plan, should one be required.
What are the symptoms of low blood pressure?
A blood pressure reading on the lower end can sometimes be indicative of good health. On the other hand, if it drops too low (a condition known as hypotension), it may indicate that not enough blood is reaching your vital organs, which can cause them to be deprived of oxygen. This may result in a shock. In the event that you experience low blood pressure in addition to any of the following signs and symptoms, you should seek immediate medical attention.
- Nausea
- Skin that is clammy, cold, and pale.
- Inhaling and exhaling quickly and shallowly. Uneasy and rapid heartbeats
- thirst caused by dehydration.
- Symptoms include vertigo, lightheadedness, and fainting.
- Pain in the head, the neck, or the back
- a failure to concentrate on the task.
- The vision is hazy.
- Fatigue.
- Depression.
If you experience signs of extremely low blood pressure or shock, call 911 or go to the emergency room in your local hospital immediately.
Who are the most at risk of developing hypotension?
It’s possible for anyone to have low blood pressure (hypotension). The following are some of the risk factors for hypotension:
Age
Adults older than 65 years old are most likely to experience drops in blood pressure either when standing or after eating. Hypotension caused by the nervous system primarily affects younger people, including children and young adults.
Medications
There are some pharmaceuticals, such as some blood pressure medications, that are known to raise the probability of experiencing low blood pressure.
Certain diseases
The risk of having low blood pressure is increased in patients with Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, and certain heart conditions.
What complications could happen due to low blood pressure?
Fall-related injuries.
Dizziness and fainting are two of the most serious side effects that can result from having low blood pressure. Broken bones, concussions, and other serious injuries, some of which can even be life-threatening, are common outcomes of falls. If you have hypotension, preventing falls should be one of your top priorities so that you don’t injure yourself further.
Shock.
When your blood pressure is low, it can have an effect on your organs by reducing the amount of blood that they receive. This can lead to a variety of health problems. This may even result in a state of shock or damage to the organs (where your body starts to shut down because of limited blood flow and oxygen).
Heart problems or stroke.
When you have low blood pressure, your heart may try to compensate by pumping faster or more forcefully than normal. This can cause damage to the heart that is irreversible and even lead to heart failure over time. Because the blood isn’t flowing as it should, it can cause clots to form, which can lead to additional health complications such as deep vein thrombosis and stroke.
When should you contact a healthcare provider?
If you are aware that you have hypotension, you need to make an appointment with your healthcare provider if you begin to observe symptoms that are interfering with your life or causing you to deviate from your normal routine and activities. If you have episodes of repeated dizziness or fainting, you should make an appointment with a healthcare provider to determine whether or not you suffer from hypotension. This is especially significant because those symptoms can be caused by a wide variety of other health conditions, some of which are potentially life-threatening.
How can the condition be manageable?
If you have hypotension that is accompanied by symptoms, the best thing you can do is follow the advice given to you by your healthcare provider regarding how to treat this condition. Their suggestions could involve any combination of the following options:
Manage your diet.
If you follow the recommendations for your diet, particularly with regard to the amount of salt that should be consumed, you may be able to avoid the symptoms of hypotension.
Make sure you take your medicine.
You may find relief from the bothersome symptoms and effects of this condition with the help of these.
Dress up.
Compression socks, which exert a mild amount of pressure on the lower legs and feet, can elevate one’s blood pressure by pushing blood upward in the legs and feet.
Take it easy.
When you have orthostatic hypotension, avoiding standing up too quickly is especially important. That can help you steer clear of the effects of hypotension, which include feeling lightheaded and passing out.
Please take a seat.
If you start to feel faint or lightheaded, you should sit down right away. A fall from a standing height puts you at risk for severe or even catastrophic injuries from a fall, including a broken hip, concussion, skull fracture, or broken ribs, among other possible injuries.
Sources: Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic
Summary
Hypotension, also known as low blood pressure, occurs when the force exerted by blood as it circulates throughout the body is lower than what is considered to be normal or what would be anticipated. If low blood pressure has a negative impact on the body and causes symptoms, then the condition can be considered a problem. The loss of blood, becoming dehydrated, and taking certain medications, such as antihypertensive drugs, are all potential contributors to hypotension.
If you experience any of the hypotension symptoms we’ve listed, it is important to take action right away. Knowing how to manage a situation until emergency services arrive can make all the difference. The first aid response for hypotension includes lying the person down with their feet elevated and providing them with oxygen if available. If you are not confident in your ability to provide first aid or would like more information on how to deal with a situation like this, consider booking a CPR First Aid course. We have a new venue at Suite 20/1253 Nepean Hwy Cheltenham. Our team at CPR First Aid offers world-class training that will give you the skills and confidence you need to help someone in an emergency.
