Manage Low Blood Pressure: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

What is Considered Low Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is recorded using two numbers - the systolic pressure (top number) and diastolic pressure (bottom number). Normal blood pressure levels are less than 120 mm Hg systolic and less than 80 mm Hg diastolic. Low blood pressure or hypotension is typically classified as:

• Systolic below 90 mm Hg
• Diastolic below 60 mm Hg

However, what's considered low can vary from person to person. Even if your blood pressure is above those thresholds, you may still experience symptoms of low blood pressure if your levels fall below your personal normal.

Symptoms of Low Blood Pressure

Some of the most common symptoms of hypotension include:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness upon standing
• Blurred vision
• Nausea
• Fainting (syncope)
• Dehydration and unusual thirst
• Lack of concentration
• Fatigue
• Depression
• Cold, clammy, pale skin
• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Heart palpitations

Causes of Chronic Low Blood Pressure

There are a variety of reasons why you may have persistently low blood pressure, including:

• Medications: Certain prescription drugs like diuretics, antidepressants, heart medications, and alpha blockers can cause low blood pressure.
• Pregnancy: Blood pressure often falls during the second trimester but usually returns to normal after delivery.
• Heart conditions: Issues like extremely low heart rate, heart valve problems, and heart failure can reduce blood pressure.
• Endocrine problems: Thyroid disorders, adrenal insufficiency, and diabetes can affect blood pressure regulation.
• Nutrient deficiencies: Lacking iron, folate, vitamin B12, or vitamin D may cause low BP.
• Dehydration: Not drinking enough fluids can lead to reduced blood volume and lower pressure.
• Neurally mediated hypotension: This disorder causes blood pressure to drop after standing due to abnormal reflexes.

What Triggers a Sudden Drop in Blood Pressure?

There are also various causes of sudden, temporary drops in blood pressure, such as:

• Standing up too quickly: Orthostatic hypotension causes pressure to briefly fall when changing positions.
• Heat exhaustion: Strenuous exercise in high heat can lead to dehydration and low BP.
• Allergic reaction: Anaphylaxis from allergies, foods, insects, or medication can severely lower blood pressure.
• Blood loss: Major bleeding from injury or internal bleeding reduces volume and pressure.
• Severe infections: Septicemia can affect blood flow and lead to critically low pressure.
• Heart problems: Arrhythmias, heart attacks, and pulmonary embolism may abruptly lower BP.

Dangers of Low Blood Pressure

While not always a cause for concern, very low blood pressure can potentially lead to adverse effects like:

• Fainting or dizziness resulting in falls and injuries
• Blurry vision or lightheadedness impairing driving ability
• Cognitive problems affecting concentration, memory, and attention
• Vital organ damage from shock with extremely low pressure
• Chest pain, shortness of breath if heart strain
• Kidney problems due to inadequate blood flow

Extremely low blood pressure may require emergency treatment to prevent organ damage, seizures, or death in severe cases. Seek immediate care if pressure suddenly drops or you have symptoms like chest pain, trouble breathing, change in mental state, or loss of consciousness.

Treatments for Low Blood Pressure

If you have ongoing issues with low blood pressure, there are some methods your doctor may recommend to help increase your levels or alleviate symptoms:

• Increasing fluid and salt intake to boost blood volume
• Wearing compression stockings to improve venous blood return
• Elevating the head while sleeping
• Avoiding sudden position changes
• Raising legs above heart level when sitting
• Physical counter-maneuvers like leg crossing and squatting
• Consuming caffeine to constrict blood vessels
• Medications like fludrocortisone, midodrine, SSRIs, erythropoietin
• Treating any underlying conditions causing low blood pressure

It's also important to identify any medications that may be contributing to hypotension and speak to your doctor about possible alternatives or dosage adjustments. Make sure to discuss any supplements you take as well, as some can affect blood pressure.

Lifestyle Changes to Help Increase Blood Pressure

Certain lifestyle measures may also help you manage low BP and reduce symptoms, such as:

• Staying well hydrated by drinking plenty of water
• Increasing salt and electrolyte intake
• Wearing compression garments to help blood flow
• Sleeping with the head elevated at night
• Avoiding alcohol and tobacco use
• Engaging in light resistance exercise to build muscle
• Rising slowly and deliberately from sitting/lying down
• Taking steps to avoid injury if feeling lightheaded
• Raising dietary intake of iron, folate, and B vitamins

When to See a Doctor

You should make an appointment with your doctor if:

• You experience symptoms of low blood pressure persistently
• Your blood pressure suddenly drops significantly
• You faint or feel like you may lose consciousness
• Lightheadedness is impacting your daily activities
• Your symptoms worsen despite lifestyle modifications
• You develop chest pain, shortness of breath, change in mental state, or other concerning symptoms

Seek immediate medical care if you have severe, sudden onset of low blood pressure symptoms with no clear cause. This may signify a life-threatening issue requiring emergency treatment.

Living with Low Blood Pressure

While frustrating to deal with, low blood pressure is manageable with a few lifestyle tweaks and careful monitoring. Key things to keep in mind include:

• Increase fluid and salt intake to boost blood volume
• Take your time when standing up and change positions slowly
• Engage in light resistance exercise to help increase circulation
• Avoid drugs and alcohol that can lower blood pressure further
• Check your pressure routinely and record any symptoms
• Wear a medical alert ID describing your condition
• Educate friends and family about your condition in case you need help

Living with hypotension can be challenging but is certainly possible with proper precautions. Work closely with your healthcare provider to find an effective treatment approach. While frustrating, low blood pressure can often be managed well when you take steps to minimize symptoms and prevent complications.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.