What a Blood Pressure Reading of 58 mm Hg Means - Symptoms, Dangers

Understanding Low Blood Pressure Readings

Blood pressure provides a measure of the force of blood pushing against artery walls as the heart pumps it. The top number represents systolic pressure when the heart contracts and bottom is diastolic when it relaxes between beats.

Defining Healthy Blood Pressure Range

Normal blood pressure for adults falls around 120 mm Hg systolic and 80 mm Hg diastolic, often written as 120/80 mm Hg. Higher top numbers indicate higher pressure in arteries.

Low blood pressure or hypotension is typically classified as:

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

For some context, a reading of 58 mm Hg would indicate a concerning drop well below ideal range.

When Low Pressure is Normal

Certain individuals can have healthy low blood pressure readings such as:

• Children
• Young healthy adults
• Athletes in good shape
• Pregnant women

So a reading of 58 mm Hg might be normal for a well-conditioned 20-year old athlete. Lower baseline readings near 100/60 mm Hg won't necessarily cause issues in fit people.

Causes and Contributing Factors

Underlying Medical Conditions

Certain chronic health conditions can lower blood pressure readings through different mechanisms including:

• Diabetes - Nerve damage affects signals between brain, blood vessels and heart
• Parkinson's disease - Disrupts central nervous system regulation
• Hormone dysfunctions - Issues with adrenal, thyroid, pituitary glands
• Heart disorders - Impact pumping efficiency

Side Effects of Medications

Many prescription drugs list low blood pressure as a potential side effect such as:

• Blood pressure medications
• Diuretics
• Tricyclic antidepressants
• Erectile dysfunction drugs
• Parkinson's disease medications
• Some general anesthetics

Dehydration and Nutritional Deficiencies

Not getting enough fluids or key nutrients can lower pressure. Causes may include:

• Prolonged diarrhea or vomiting
• Restrictive diets
• Eating disorders
• Alcohol abuse
• Age-related appetite loss

Other Factors

A few other issues possibly contributing to drops:

• Pregnancy - Especially in 2nd and 3rd trimesters
• Failure of autonomic reflexes
• Severe infections
• Anaphylactic shock or trauma
• Hereditary disorders - Runs in family

Concerning Symptoms

Manifestations When Standing

Orthostatic or postural hypotension causes pressure to drop further when moving from sitting or lying to standing upright. This can trigger:

• Feeling lightheaded, woozy or dizzy
• Blurry vision
• Weak, fatigue or tiredness
• Confusion or cloudy thinking
• Ringing ears

With Physical Activity

Low readings can fall even lower with physical exertion, causing:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest discomfort or pain
• Headaches
• Cold, clammy skin
• Racing or uneven heart beat

With Low Blood Sugar

Combining hypotension with hypoglycemia exacerbates symptoms like:

• Weakness and shakiness
• Nausea
• Sweating
• Anxiety
• Irritability

Dangers of Prolonged Low Numbers

Reduced Blood Flow

Over time, chronically low pressure can restrict adequate oxygenated blood reaching vital organs. This slowly starts impairing their functioning over months and years.

Frequent Fainting

Those prone to large, rapid drops may experience frequent loss of consciousness or fainting if the brain is deprived of blood. This can lead to dangerous falls and physical injury.

Kidney and Heart Disease

If untreated, chronic hypotension can contribute to developing cardiovascular issues like heart disease, arrhythmias or future heart failure. It may also progress chronic kidney disease.

Further Health Complications

When organs become damaged from inadequate blood and oxygen over years, it can result in additional problems like:

• Stroke
• Seizures
• Chest pain
• Respiratory infections

Increased Mortality

Research links consistent low blood pressure, especially diastolic under 70 mm Hg, with higher long term mortality when secondary to serious conditions.

Treatments to Increase Numbers

Medications Options

If pressure readings under 90/60 mm Hg cause troubling symptoms, doctors may prescribe medications like:

• Midodrine - Vasoconstrictor to narrow blood vessels
• Fludrocortisone - Helps body retain salt and fluid
• Blood pressure meds - Raise pressure for those with hypertension taking too much

Effects should be monitored with at-home tracking between appointments.

Increasing Salt and Fluids

Consuming more electrolytes through salty foods and staying well hydrated can help increase volume. Broths, sports drinks, watermeons and tomatoes offer hydration with potassium.

Compression Garments

Special compression stockings, abdominal bands and leggings can prevent blood from pooling in extremities and keep circulating to vital organs.

Movement Modifications

Recommendations like avoiding sudden position changes, taking it slow getting up, or elevating legs can stabilize readings temporarily when they routinely drop.

Outlook for Low Blood Pressure

Depends on Cause and Response to Treatment

Prognosis varies substantially based on the underlying reason for hypotension, other medical conditions present and treatments' effectiveness at minimizing symptoms.

Younger generally healthy people may adapt well to lower baseline range. Cases clearly linked to reversible causes like dehydration or medication side effects typically resolve with appropriate changes.

Chronic issues or diagnoses impacting cardiovascular health make it more complicated to manage. But taking steps to increase numbers and reduce symptoms can still steady readings at safer levels.

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.