What are the Dangers of Low Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is the force exerted by the circulating blood on the arterial wall. The normal level of blood pressure is 120/80, where 120 is the measure of systolic blood pressure, while 80 is the measure of diastolic pressure. The systolic blood pressure refers to the pressure exerted on the arterial wall during the contraction of the heart, while diastolic blood pressure is the pressure on the arterial blood when the heart relaxes after a contraction. A systolic pressure equal to or higher than 140 mmHg, is usually considered as high blood pressure or hypertension. Many experts consider a reading lower than 90/60 as low blood pressure, a medical condition known as hypotension.

Though much attention has been paid to the risk associated with high blood pressure, this condition can be equally dangerous. Dangerously low blood pressure for a prolonged duration can deprive the vital organs, like the heart and the brain, from oxygen and cause extensive damage. Therefore, it is very important to monitor the level of blood pressure, especially if you witness the signs.

Effects of Hypotension on the Body

One of the main dangers of lower blood pressure is reduced flow of blood through the arteries and veins. This can seriously impair normal blood circulation to other parts of the body including the brain, kidney and liver. In the case of insufficient supply of blood and oxygen, the organs cannot work properly. As for example, if the kidneys do not get sufficient amount of blood and oxygen, they cannot completely eliminate the waste material like urea and creatinine, from the body, leading to a consequent rise in their levels. If blood pressure is so low that it even fails to deliver enough blood to the coronary arteries, then there is a probability of developing chest pain and even a heart attack.

A person with significantly low blood pressure is likely to experience frequent fainting spells, palpitations, lightheadedness, blurred vision, dizziness, cold and clammy skin and rapid breathing. It can also affect the level of concentration and general well-being of an individual by causing nausea, weakness and fatigue. Shock is the most serious condition associated with prolonged hypotension, where failure of vital organs like kidneys, liver, heart, lungs and brain can occur due to oxygen and nutrient deprivation caused by the poor circulation of blood.

Causes of Hypotension

It is mainly caused by a reduction in the volume of blood due to conditions like hemorrhage or excessive loss of blood. It can also be caused due to low intake of fluids as well as loss of fluids or dehydration. Diseases like congestive heart failure and myocardial infarction can cause hypotension by reducing cardiac output. In many instances, hypotension is caused by the overuse of certain medications like diuretics and hypertension medications, such as beta blockers, calcium channel blockers and ACE inhibitors. Some other causes are high levels of acid in the blood, infections like sepsis, low levels of oxygen in the blood as produced by the conditions like asthma and pneumonia.

The treatment is determined by the underlying causes. Proper monitoring of the signs and symptoms could play an important role in warding off the dangers associated with the condition. It is also important to avoid overuse of hypertension medications, as it is one of the most significant causes that can dangerously lower blood pressure to an abnormal level.