How Low is Too Low for Blood Pressure? Limits, Symptoms & Treatment

Understanding Healthy Blood Pressure Range

Blood pressure is the force exerted on artery walls when blood gets pumped from the heart throughout the circulatory system. There are maximum and minimum healthy BP levels. A reading lower than 90/60mmHg may signal hypotension issues needing attention.

Typical Healthy Blood Pressure Levels

Normal blood pressure for most adults falls around the below general guidelines:

• Systolic (top number): Less than 120mmHg
• Diastolic (bottom number): Less than 80mmHg

But optimal BP range varies by factors like age, fitness level and existing medical conditions.

Low Blood Pressure Diagnosis

While under 90/60mmHg is technically considered hypotension, doctors diagnose true low BP if parts of readings like:

• Systolic is below 90 mmHg
• Diastolic is below 60 mmHg

Show chronically over multiple checks after ruling out temporary influencers.

Is Low Blood Pressure Dangerous?

Milder forms of low blood pressure under 100/60mmHg rarely cause complications for otherwise healthy people. But there are scenarios where persistently dipping BP requires prompt medical care.

Problematic Low BP Symptoms

Hypotension related symptoms signaling potential underlying disorders include:

• Frequent dizziness upon standing
• Blurry vision
• Fainting episodes
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Rapid heartbeat
• Breathing issues

Those At Higher Risk

Chronically low BP causes greater complications for higher vulnerability groups like:

• Elderly people
• Pregnant women
• Young children
• People with heart conditions

Their health depends more on steady blood flow which dips can disrupt.

What Causes Low Blood Pressure?

There are many potential reasons behind declining or consistently low BP readings including:

Medications

Drugs treating conditions like high BP, anxiety, depression, erectile dysfunction and Parkinsons affect circulation regulation.

Dehydration

Fluid loss from diarrhea, vomiting, diuretics or inadequate water intake thickens blood flow.

Nutrient Deficiency

Inadequate vitamin B12, folate or iron impedes red blood cell production critical for oxygen transport.

Pregnancy

Hormonal changes and circulation expansion during pregnancy often lower BP.

Nervous System Damage

Spinal cord injuries, Parkinsons disease and diabetes related nerve damage disrupt signals managing blood flow.

Heart or Endocrine Disorders

Conditions like arrhythmias, heart valve issues and thyroid disorders disturb circulation regulation.

When To Seek Emergency Care

While doctors can often treat underlying causes of low BP, extremely plummeting levels below 90/60mmHg sometimes requires emergency intervention. Seek immediate assistance if experiencing:

Severe Chest Pain

Intense tightness, pressure or discomfort in chest area signals potential heart attack requiring rapid treatment.

Sudden Confusion

Abrupt disorientation, mental fog and difficulty concentrating hints at dangerously oxygen deprived organs.

Fainting

Passing out signifies blood flow too low to keep brain functioning and lead to injury risks from collapsing.

Treatments For Chronic Low Blood Pressure

Doctors tailor treatment plans based on underlying hypotension causes. But some general measures for improving low BP include:

Increasing Fluid and Salt Intake

Staying well hydrated with electrolyte rich drinks can boost plasma volume and flow.

Compression Garments

Devices promoting venous blood return to the heart like compression stockings sustain circulation.

Raising Head

Elevating upper body, especially while sleeping, enables gravity to increase blood return.

Medication Adjustments

Lowering or changing dosage of drugs causing excessive BP drops as appropriate.

Dietary Changes

Eating small frequent meals with nutrient dense foods maintains energy and prevents sluggish circulation.

How To Raise Blood Pressure

Alongside medical treatment, try these lifestyle measures for giving low BP an instant boost:

Caffeine Intake

Beverages containing caffeine like coffee or energy drinks stimulate a temporary rise in blood pressure.

Stress Management

Relaxation techniques help dilate blood vessels impacted by excessive anxiety and tension.

Compression Stockings

Graduated compression socks and tights improve venous blood flow dynamics.

Leg Exercises

Movements engaging leg and calf muscles accelerates blood return from lower body.

Stay Warm

Cold constricts blood vessels while warmth relaxes vessel walls improving flow.

Preventing Low Blood Pressure

Proactively avoiding low BP involves maintaining healthy circulation with:

• Balanced nutritious diet
• Adequate hydration
• Routine physical activity
• Stress moderation
• Refraining from smoking
• Limited alcohol intake

Tracking vitals and managing conditions or medicines dropping BP also keeps levels stable.

The Bottom Line

Systolic blood pressure chronically below 90mmHg and diastolic pressure under 60mmHg indicates clinically low BP needing evaluation. Severely low readings under 90/60mmHg can trigger warnings like organ damage and fainting requiring prompt correction. But simple lifestyle measures like staying hydrated, leg exercises and compression garments often help increase low blood pressure.

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.