LOW BLOOD PRESSURE
Normal blood pressure is 120/80 mm Hg where 120 is the systolic pressure and 80 is the diastolic pressure. Low blood pressure is an abnormal condition where a person's blood pressure is much lower than usual, which can cause symptoms such as dizziness. When the blood pressure is too low, there is inadequate blood flow to the heart, brain, and other vital organs.
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Symptoms
Symptoms of low BP may include:
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| Causes
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Other causes of low blood pressure include the following
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Low blood pressure may be caused by drugs such as the following
- Medications used for surgery
- Anti-anxiety agents
- Treatment for high blood pressure
- Diuretics
- Heart medicines
- Some antidepressants
- Narcotic analgesics
- Alcohol
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Dehydration
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Heart failure
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Heart attack
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Changes in heart rhythm (arrhythmias)
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Fainting
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Anaphylaxis (a life-threatening allergic response)
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Shock (from severe infection, stroke, anaphylaxis, major trauma, or heart attack)
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Advanced diabetes
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Another common type of low blood pressure is orthostatic hypotension, which results from a sudden change in body position, usually from lying down to an upright position.
Diagnosis
Blood pressure is measured using two numbers - the systolic first (the pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts and pushes the blood round the body) and then the diastolic (the pressure in the arteries when the heart relaxes and fills with blood between two heart beats).
Blood pressure is measured using an inflatable cuff. This is positioned around the upper arm. The cuff is inflated and the doctor or nurse listens to the artery just below the cuff as the air is then released. When they can hear the heart beat, they will record the systolic pressure. When the sound disappears, they will record the diastolic pressure. Sometimes an automatic blood pressure recording machine is used.
Blood pressure may be measured while lying down and then while standing. Blood pressure has to be checked regularly |
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