When Blood Pressure Is Too Low

While most of us seem to worry about having high blood pressure, it is just as dangerous to have blood pressure that is considered too low. Low blood pressure, or hypotension, can be a sign of underlying heart disease or an indication that your vital organs, including your brain, are not getting enough blood. It is a problem that is commonly found in the elderly, but it can happen to anyone, especially if you happen to be on certain prescription medications. When you get your blood pressure checked, a normal reading is 120/80 where 120 is the systolic reading (when the heart is contracting) and 80 is the diastolic reading (when the heart is relaxed). Unless you are an elite level athlete, reading of 90/60 is an indication that your blood pressure is too low.

Hypotension can run in the family. It can also be an indication of your lifestyle. Having chronic hypotension can be a red flag, indicating other serious health problems like heart disease, neurological disorders, or diabetes. If it is not treated in time, blood may not be able to flow to your organs in a control manner causing your body to go into shock.

What may cause hypotension?

• Loss of too much blood after an injury of accident.
• A reaction to medication for high blood pressure, heart disease, Parkinson's, depression, or erectile dysfunction.
• Diabetes and other endocrine problems like Addison's disease, low blood sugar, or hypothyroidism.
• Severe Septicemia (Pathogens in the blood).
• Severe allergic reactions
• Deficiency in Folic Acid or Vitamin B12
• Dehydration
• Eating can also temporarily lower your blood pressure.

Symptoms of hypotension

• Feeling Light headed (especially when sitting up)
• Extreme thirst
• Feelings of fatigue
• Shallow Breath
• Nausea
• Fainting Spells

If you have one or more of these symptoms, you should get your blood pressure checked. Also, even if you do not experience the above symptoms, you should still be put on alert If your blood pressure reading happen to come out too low during a checkup.

How does hypotension affect the body?

The Brain: hypotension causes your brain to get less oxygen causing dizziness and fainting. Lack of blood to the brain also can cause confusion and adversely affect the nervous system.

The Gastrointestinal System: also suffers from lack of blood flow leading to the feeling of nausea.
The Heart: Since low blood pressure means that your blood is not flowing correctly, strain is put on your heart as it works harder to pump blood to all of your vital organs.

Kidneys: lack of blood flow can also keep the kidneys from properly eliminating all the toxins from your body.

The best way to combat hypotension is to eat healthy, get plenty of exercise and live a healthy lifestyle. However, even if you are fit and you have the symptoms of hypotension, be sure to make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.