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A Brief on Low Blood Pressure & Related Problems

by Shruti Sharma Content Curator

Low blood pressure, also known as hypotension, might not be troublesome for all, if it’s constant and doesn’t lead to any problems. However, for others abnormally low blood pressure can lead to symptoms (such as fainting and dizziness). In some cases, low blood pressure can even be life-threatening. Blood pressure lower than 90 mm Hg systolic reading and below 60 mm Hg diastolic reading is usually considered to be low.

Symptoms of Low Blood Pressure

An underlying condition might be present if blood pressure drops suddenly or is accompanied by symptoms such as:

  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Nausea
  • Lack of concentration
  • Blurred vision
  • Fainting (syncope)
  • Fatigue


Shock

At times, severe hypotension might be an indication of life-threatening condition. Signs and symptoms are as follows:

  • Cold, pale and clammy skin
  • Confusion (especially in the elderly)
  • Rapid and weak pulse
  • Rapid, shallow breathing


When to Seek Medical Help

In case of symptoms mentioned in the shock section, do not ignore and seek medical help immediately. Monitoring is necessary even when you have low blood pressure frequently but still feel fine.  

Also, keep in mind that dizziness or lightheadedness can sometimes occur as a result of dehydration or spending a long time in a hot tub. Hence, low BP might not be the only valid reason every time. However, it’s crucial to get yourself checked and keep a track over your symptoms (when and how they are occurring). Medical equipment online purchases might help you with regular at home monitoring.

Conditions That Can Result In Low Blood Pressure

1)     PregnancyExpansion of a woman’s circulatory system during pregnancy can result in low blood pressure

 

2)     Heart Problems – Problems related to the heart such as heart valve problems, heart failure, and heart attack can lead to low blood pressure.

 

3)        Prolonged Bed Rest – It can aggravate orthostatic hypotension

 

4)       Blood Loss Internal bleeding or major traumas such as car accidents can significantly impact the blood volume and hence the blood pressure.

 

5)        Dehydration – Dehydration can lead to reduced blood volume and hence low blood pressure.

 

6)        Severe Infection – If your bloodstream gets infected; it can result in life-threatening low blood pressure.

 

7)      Endocrine Problems – Conditions such as low blood glucose, Addison disease, thyroid disease, and nerve damage can result in low blood pressure.

 

8)   Medicines – Certain medications such as beta blockers, diuretics, propranolol, sildenafil, tadalafil, Parkinson disease drugs, and some antidepressants can cause blood pressure to drop low.

 

9)      Severe Allergic Reaction – Anaphylactic shock can result from an allergic reaction to certain foods, medicines or bee sting that can lead to breathing problems along with itching and low BP.

 

10)   Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid Deficiency – Deficiency of these vitamins can lead to anemia that can become the cause of low blood pressure.

Treating Low Blood Pressure

Here are some of the things you can do to bring low blood pressure under control:

  • Increase salt consumption
  • Drink more fluids
  • Limit alcohol intake
  • Shift from sitting to standing position gradually (not too fast)
  • Wear compression stockings
  • Take medicines such as midodrine or fludrocortisone

Remember low blood pressure can be treated. It’s advisable to purchase a blood pressure monitor, however, to keep a track and let your doctor know about the same BP check machine price is not beyond a common man’s budget and can be easily bought from sources such as Smart Medical Buyer.

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About Shruti Sharma Innovator   Content Curator

7 connections, 0 recommendations, 57 honor points.
Joined APSense since, November 29th, 2017, From Delhi, India.

Created on Nov 21st 2018 03:47. Viewed 490 times.

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