When the heart pumps out blood for circulation, the flowing blood exerts certain amount of pressure on the artery walls which is known as blood pressure. In normal health condition, the pressure readings should be in the range of 120/80. When it is 90/60 or lower, then it is considered as low blood pressure. Medically, this condition is called hypotension. There are some people who are healthy but their blood pressure is quite low as compared to others. However, it does not cause any serious health complications in them.
Causes
There are several reasons which can lead to falls in blood pressure levels. In case, there is any heart problem such as low heart rate, valve problems, congestive heart failure, etc. sufficient blood is not circulated throughout the body and the blood pressure drops below normal. Thyroid problems, liver diseases, overdose of hypertension medications, low blood sugar in diabetic patients, nutritional deficiency, side effects of medicines, severe allergic reaction are some of the other major causes. During pregnancy, low level of blood pressure is quite common in the first two trimesters. This happens due to expansion of the circulatory system. Small children may experience sudden drop in blood pressure due to fatigue, tiredness after standing for a long time, dehydration, and excessive blood loss.
Symptoms
The effect of low blood pressure can be first observed in the functioning of the brain. In normal condition, the blood moves against the pull of gravity in order to reach the brain. If the blood pressure is low, then sufficient amount of blood cannot be supplied to the brain. As a result, one may feel dizzy, lightheadedness or faintness. These are minor hypotension symptoms and would disappear as soon as blood supply to the brain is restored.
If the blood pressure continues to be low for a long time, then more severe symptoms like mental confusion, lack of concentration and loss of consciousness can be observed. When it remain low for several days, people tend to suffer from depression.
The other two major organs that mostly get affected by sudden drop in the blood pressure are the heart and lungs. Inadequate blood flow into the heart can cause mild to moderate chest pain or angina. Breathing difficulty or rapid, shallow breathing suggest that the lungs have been affected.
Signs of low blood pressure in children are usually observed for a brief period of time. Some general symptoms are nausea, blurry vision, fatigue, and pale skin which turns cold and clammy. If it is after standing under the sun, dehydration symptoms like excessive thirsty feelings often accompany dizziness and fainting.
In pregnant women, low blood pressure signs show up occasionally particularly after standing up quickly or due to physical exertion or empty stomach. However, in case, dizziness persists for longer time and is accompanied with headache, impaired speech and loss of consciousness, then it is an emergency.
Treatment
Low blood pressure in adults and elderly is treated with suitable medicines which are given to increase the blood volume of the body. As a result, blood pressure rises to the normal level. When it is triggered by some medicines, then the specific medicine is either changed or its dosage is lowered. Children with low blood pressure symptoms mostly do not require any medicinal treatment. Doctors advise them to drink plenty of water and increase salt intake in order to raise the blood pressure. Low blood pressure symptoms during pregnancy should never be taken lightly. One must lie down or sit down and take rest as soon as dizziness sets in. Lying on the left side is advisable as it increases blood flow and improves blood supply to the brain. If the lightheaded sensation refuse to go and aggravates with time, then one should call for medical help.
The signs of low blood pressure cause a lot of physical discomfort. Therefore, you would like to prevent them from coming back again and again. For this, you have to lead a healthy lifestyle. Eat healthy foods and drink plenty of fluids to keep yourself hydrated. Do not forget to monitor blood pressure after regular interval of time.
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