What is Considered Low Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of arteries. It consists of two numberssystolic pressure (top number) and diastolic pressure (bottom number).
Normal blood pressure levels are less than 120/80 mmHg. If readings consistently range below 90/60 mmHg, it is considered low blood pressure or hypotension.
Categories of Low Blood Pressure
There are three main categories when it comes to low blood pressure:
- Chronic hypotension - Blood pressure remains low for a long period of time with no underlying cause.
- Orthostatic hypotension - Blood pressure drops significantly when standing up from a lying or sitting position.
- Postprandial hypotension - Blood pressure drops notably after eating a meal.
What Causes Low Blood Pressure?
There are many potential root causes leading to low blood pressure, including:
Dehydration
Lack of fluid intake causes decreased blood volume, reducing blood flow and pressure. Dehydration from excessive sweating, fever, vomiting, diarrhea or diabetes is common culprit.
Blood Loss/Blood Cell Deficiencies
Significant blood loss from injury, gastrointestinal bleeding or heavy menstrual periods deplete blood cell volume. Anemia and nutrient deficiencies impair red blood cell production and oxygen delivery.
Heart Conditions
Structural defects impair the heart muscle's ability to pump effectively. Issues like abnormal heart valves, heart attack damage, heart failure, heart arrhythmias, and congenital heart defects affect blood flow.
Endocrine Disorders
Hormonal conditions like hypothyroidism, adrenal insufficiency, low blood sugar, diabetes and malnutrition influence blood pressure regulation.
Medications
Many prescription drugs cause blood vessel dilation, salt/water loss or impaired heart rate responses. Diuretics, beta blockers, ACE inhibitors and antidepressants are common offenders.
Aging Process
Aging related changes in heart output, blood vessels, circulation, reflexes and hormones contribute to low blood pressure in older adults especially.
Nervous System Disorders
Conditions affecting blood pressure control centers in the brain like Parkinson's, multiple system atrophy, seizures and spinal cord injuries impact signals to the heart and blood vessels.
Is 75 Blood Pressure Too Low?
A blood pressure reading of 75 mmHg falls under the hypotension range. More specifically, 75 would indicate a systolic blood pressure of 75 and diastolic of less than 60 mmHg.
How concerning a BP of 75 is depends on the accompanying symptoms and individuals medical history. For some people, 75 mmHg represents a baseline normal value and does not cause problems. For those used to higher blood pressure, ongoing readings of 75 can signify issues.
When 75 mmHg Blood Pressure is Problematic
While not always dangerous, a BP of 75 may cause uncomfortable symptoms or complications if it represents a deviation from ones norm. Potential red flags include:
- Notable drop from your average blood pressure range
- Prolonged systolic pressure below 90 - 100 mmHg
- New onset symptoms correlated with lower BP readings
- Unexplained/sudden hypotension without clear cause
Declining blood pressure accompanied by warning signs warrants medical evaluation to uncover any underlying condition requiring treatment.
Signs and Symptoms of Low Blood Pressure
Many people with chronic low blood pressure or occasional dips may be asymptomatic. However, symptoms correlated with significantly reduced blood flow can occur, like:
Lightheadedness and Dizziness
Insufficient blood and oxygen reaching the brain triggers temporary vertigo, balance issues, weakness, instability, blurry vision and loss of coordination when standing.
Fainting (Syncope)
Extreme lowering of BP denies adequate blood supply to the brain completely, causing temporary loss of consciousness or fainting spells.
Fatigue and Weakness
Chronically low BP impairs nutrient/oxygen delivery to tissues and organs, depleting energy levels, strength and endurance for daily activities.
Nausea
Slowed digestion and gastric mobility from low blood flow can instigate feelings of nausea, indigestion or loss of appetite following meals.
Confusion
Mental confusion, memory problems, mood changes and difficult concentrating signify oxygen deprivation in the brain from low BP.
Chills, Clamminess, Paleness
Blood flow diversion away from extremities leaves skin cold, sweaty and pale gray rather than its normal pink flush appearance.
Dangers and Complications
While not always serious on its own, low blood pressure can contribute to concerning health consequences like:
Falls and Accidents
Episodes of dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting increase risk of falls or accidents leading to head trauma, fractures, bruising, hemorrhage or other injuries.
Stroke Risk
Those over age 60 with sustained low BP are up to 40% more likely to experience stroke compared to normal range peers. Reduced cerebral blood flow raises risk.
Heart Disease
Hypotension taxes the heart, forcing it to work harder to maintain even minimal circulation. Over time, this strains and remodels heart structure, leading to failure.
Multi-Organ Damage
Prolonged restricted blood flow damages tissue in organs like the brain, kidneys, liver and digestive system that rely heavily on oxygenated bloods nourishment.
Chronic Fatigue
Unresolved low BP often leaves sufferers in a permanent state of exhaustion, depleted concentration and disability completing basic daily self-care tasks.
When to Seek Emergency Care
While concerning, a blood pressure reading of 75 mmHg alone does not represent a dire emergency. However, if accompanied by severe symptoms signaling compromised organ perfusion, immediate medical help is warranted. Red flag symptoms include:
- Sudden, severe dizziness, lightheadedness or loss of consciousness
- Prolonged chest pain or shortness of breath
- Sudden change in vision, speech, sensation or facial drooping
- New onset confusion, inability to wake up or seizure activity
- Severe, persistent headache or nausea/vomiting
Trust instincts if experiencing these alongside BP drops below normal averages. Call emergency services or seek prompt medical evaluation to determine next treatment steps to avoid permanent impairment.
Improving Low Blood Pressure
Treatment for low BP centers on lifestyle changes and addressing underlying illness when present. Tips to elevate pressure include:
- Increasing fluid and salt intake
- Wearing compression stockings
- Elevating head while sleeping
- Moving slowly when changing positions
- Avoiding hot baths or showers
- Engaging in regular light exercise like walking
- Adding more small, frequent meals
Medications like fludrocortisone, midodrine, beta blockers, or SSRIs may help in stubborn cases under a doctors care. Seek attention for symptoms of concern or drops below 60/90 mmHg.
FAQs
Is a blood pressure of 75/50 dangerous?
A reading this low can be dangerous if it represents a sudden or significant drop from your normal pressure. Symptoms like dizziness upon standing, fatigue, chest pain, or fainting spells should be evaluated quickly to treat any underlying condition and raise BP to safer levels.
What’s the lowest blood pressure a person can have?
There is no definitive “too low” blood pressure reading. Some healthy young adults may have pressures around 85/55 mmHg. Readings below 60/40 mmHg can impair oxygen circulation however and require prompt treatment.
Can low blood pressure cause headaches?
Yes, chronic and symptomatic low blood pressure often causes dull, widespread headaches due to oxygen deprivation in the brain. Extreme dips may trigger migraine headaches as the brain tries to autoregulate blood flow.
How can I naturally raise my low blood pressure?
Tips to increase low pressure without medications include drinking more fluids and electrolytes, sleeping with your head elevated, wearing compression stockings, doing gentle exercise like walking, eating more small meals, and moving positions slowly.
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.
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