What Is Low Blood Pressure?

By Shannon L Smith


There are a number of people who have low blood pressure, and they go through life without realizing that they have a medical condition. Medical science has determined that the blood circulating in the human body must neither exceed nor reduce beyond certain levels. Hypotension is the medical term for low blood pressure, as hypertension is for high blood pressure.

Blood pressure varies from person to person, but generally if it reads 90 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) or less at the top level or 60 or less in the bottom number, the person is diagnosed as having low blood pressure. The blood pressure can vary from 30 to 40 mm Hg in a day, depending on the activity a person is involved in. Blood pressure is at its lowest when a person is sleeping.

People who have low blood pressure generally suffer from spells of dizziness and fainting. The most common symptoms of low blood pressure are:

* Dizziness * Depression * Blurred vision * Cold, clammy skin * Fainting * Fatigue * Nausea * Palpitation * Rapid, shallow breathing * Thirst

It's only in rare instances that low blood pressure can be life threatening and this usually happens when a person loses a large amount of blood. Low blood pressure is experienced in some women during pregnancy. People can also have low blood pressure if they have a severe infection, are dehydrated or are on certain medications or are not taking sufficient nutrients in their diet.

Doctors tend to categorize low blood pressure, depending on the condition. Some people may suffer from low blood pressure when they stand up, as the heart does not pump enough blood to the brain, which leads to sudden spells of dizziness, fainting or blurred vision. The reasons for this type of low blood pressure are extended bed rest, varicose veins, diabetes and heart problems.

The treatment for low blood pressure will depend on the doctor's diagnosis. In certain cases, the doctor may just monitor your blood pressure and ask you to stop taking certain medications, or may give you a clean bill of health. Remember, there are certain medicines that can cause low blood pressure.

There can be other causes of low blood pressure like, taking medications, suffering from Parkinson's disease, or aging. If you get dizzy or faint or your vision blurs, you must go to a doctor and get your blood pressure checked.

A doctor after doing a diagnosis may or may not prescribe medication. He/she may ask you to stop taking a medication that you are already taking and prescribe another drug instead. Or, they may just advise you to change your lifestyle. They may advise you not to stand up suddenly, take long hot showers, or prolonged sleep. They may even advise you to tilt your bed head upwards, take salt supplements or wear a supportive hose. Low blood pressure can be controlled and you can live a normal and healthy life.




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