Hypotension - Symptoms and Cure for Low Blood Pressure

What is Hypotension?
Normal blood pressure is a reading of around 120/80 mmHg on the sphygmomanometer. Hypotension is abnormally low blood pressure and the units may differ for every individual.

How low is low blood pressure?
Hypotension for one person can be normal for the other and hence is non-standard and undefined. However the reference range can be considered as: the blood pressure lower than 90/60 where 90 is the systolic (higher) and 60 is the diastolic (lower) value.

What are the symptoms of hypotension?
Dizziness, fainting, blurred vision, fatigue, palpitations, chest pain are some of the early signs of low blood pressure. Shock is a serious medical emergency that can cause vital organs' failure.

When should I see a doctor?
Some people with 'normally low' blood pressure may not develop symptoms at all, hence do not have hypotension technically. Symptoms of hypotension like dizziness and lethargy should be definite indicators to see the doctor. Low blood pressure causes reduced blood supply to the vital body organs and lesser oxygen can cause organ damage. Several laboratory tests can lead us to the proper cause and diagnosis of hypotension.

What are the risk factors for hypotension?
People with ideal body mass index, those with healthy food habits and non-smokers are at a greater risk of suffering from hypotension.

What are the types of hypotension?

• Asymptomatic hypotension
• Orthostatic hypotension: Symptoms of giddiness upon standing due to postural hypotension is orthostatic hypotension
• Post prandial hypotension: Usually occurs in elderly individuals within few hours after meals
• Neurally Mediated Hypotension (NMH): Caused by low sodium diet and emotional stress
• Severe hypotension leading to shock

What are the causes of hypotension precipitated by a medical conditon?

• Dehydration due to diarrhea, vomiting, fever and heatstroke
• Blood loss which may be internal due to gastrointestinal pathology or external due to injury or burns
• Heart diseases consisting of weak muscles or abnormal heart rates like bradycardia and tachycardia both can cause hypotension
• Anti-hypertensive drugs
• Antidepressants and diuretics

What are the common causes of hypotension that can be cured at home?

• Sodium deficiency can be taken care of by increasing salt intake
• Small quantities of meals with low carbohydrates can cure postprandial hypotension
• Dehydration due to low water intake can be treated by taking plenty of fluids, juices etc
• Malnutrition can be corrected by nutritional supplements and proper dietary advice
• Alcohol and narcotic drugs should be restricted and (or) stopped
• Gradual movements during sitting or standing can deal with postural changes lowering the blood pressure
• Prolonged standing should be avoided as it causes hypotension in young healthy individuals.
• Support stockings can be used in case of blood congestion in varicose veins

Such trigger factors can be carefully detected and best avoided to prevent the symptoms of hypotension. Hypotension caused by a medical event can be corrected by treating the underlying disease under medical supervision. Watch out for the blood pressure that's normal for you and (maybe) be glad that you will never suffer from hypertension.