Understanding Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)

Low blood pressure, also called hypotension, is a condition where blood pressure levels are lower than normal. For some, low blood pressure may cause few noticeable symptoms. But for others, low blood pressure can result in dizziness, fainting, fatigue, blurry vision, nausea, and heart palpitations. In severe cases, dangerously low blood pressure can even be life-threatening.

What Causes Low Blood Pressure?

There are a variety of factors that can cause low blood pressure including:

Heart conditions like bradycardia
Endocrine problems like diabetes or low thyroid
Severe infection (septic shock)
Allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
Blood loss/fluid loss (dehydration)
Malnutrition
Some medications
Pregnancy

For some people, low blood pressure can occur due to autonomic failure or other problems with the nervous system. In up to 5% of people, no specific cause can be found, a condition called idiopathic hypotension.

Understanding Blood Pressure Readings

Blood pressure is recorded using two numbers, like 112/78 mm Hg. The first (systolic) number represents pressure in the arteries when the heart beats. The second (diastolic) number refers to pressure between heartbeats when the heart is at rest.

Normal blood pressure ranges are:

Normal: Less than 120/80 mm Hg
Elevated: 120-129/<80 mm Hg
Stage 1 Hypertension: 130-139/80-89 mm Hg
Stage 2 Hypertension: 140/90 mm Hg or higher (hypertension)

For low blood pressure, also called hypotension, typical ranges include:

Mild: 90/60 mm Hg to less than 100/60 mm Hg
Moderate: 80/50 mm Hg to less than 90/60 mm Hg
Severe: Below 80/50 mm Hg

Signs and Symptoms

Many people with mild to moderate low blood pressure may experience subtle or even no symptoms. Symptoms are more likely when blood pressure drops suddenly rather than being consistently low.

Possible symptoms of low blood pressure include:

Lightheadedness or dizziness
Fainting (syncope)
Blurred vision
Nausea
Fatigue
Depression
Disorientation
Rapid, shallow breathing
Cold, clammy, pale skin
Rapid, weak pulse

Risks of Low Blood Pressure

While not always problematic, low blood pressure can potentially lead to complications in some cases. This is especially true with sudden drops in blood pressure.

Possible risks and complications include:

Falls due to dizziness/fainting leading to injury
Stroke
Heart attack
Chest pain
Kidney dysfunction
Trouble breathing
Decreased blood flow to the brain
Confusion, memory loss, or cognitive issues

Those at highest risk include older adults, people with heart disease, and those with blood pressure already on the low end of normal. The lower someone's blood pressure falls, the greater the health risks.

When to See a Doctor

Consult your doctor if you experience symptoms of hypotension like dizziness, lightheadedness, blurry vision, fainting, nausea, fatigue, rapid heartbeat, breathing problems, or chest pain. Seek immediate treatment if you faint (lose consciousness).

You should also see a doctor if you have no symptoms but consistently low blood pressure readings below 90/60 mm Hg. Your doctor can check for any underlying conditions and monitor you for potential complications.

In some cases of low blood pressure like pregnancy, monitoring may be all that’s needed. But other causes like heart conditions, diabetes, or thyroid disorders will need to be treated.

113/61 Blood Pressure Reading - What it Means

A blood pressure reading of 113/61 mm Hg indicates moderately low blood pressure. While not necessarily dangerous on its own, it can sometimes lead to symptoms that affect your daily life.

Assessing 113/61 Blood Pressure

The top number of 113 represents the systolic pressure, which is in the low end of the healthy range. Ideal systolic pressure is below 120 mm Hg. The bottom diastolic number of 61 is on the low side. Normal diastolic pressure is between 60 and 80 mm Hg.

Overall, 113/61 mm Hg meets the criteria for moderately low blood pressure. Anything below 90/60 mm Hg is considered hypotension.

Possible Causes

There are many possible reasons for lower blood pressure like 113/61 mm Hg, including:

Genetics
Pregnancy
Nutritional deficiencies
Dehydration
High temperatures
Certain medications
Endocrine disorders
Nervous system disorders
Heart problems

In some cases, the cause may be unknown. It’s important to see your doctor to determine what could be responsible for lower readings.

Potential Symptoms

Symptoms are possible with 113/61 mm Hg blood pressure but not guaranteed. Some potential symptoms include:

Dizziness
Lightheadedness
Fatigue
Fainting
Nausea
Blurred vision
Depression
Confusion
Rapid, shallow breathing

The lower your blood pressure drops, the more likely you are to experience symptoms. Those with readings in the moderate hypotension range may have subtle or no symptoms.

Treatment Options

Treating low blood pressure depends on the underlying cause. Possible treatment approaches can include:

Increasing fluid and salt intake
Raising heads of beds
Wearing compression stockings
Changing positions slowly
Medication adjustments
Treating underlying conditions

Simple lifestyle measures like staying well hydrated, limiting alcohol, and avoiding hot environments can also help stabilize lower blood pressure.

Preventing Low Blood Pressure Episodes

You may be able to reduce episodes of low blood pressure with some proactive steps:

Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water and electrolyte-rich fluids like coconut water. Dehydration is a common cause of blood pressure drops.

Increase Salt Intake

Boosting your salt intake from foods or supplements can help maintain blood volume and pressure. Check with your doctor on ideal salt intake.

Wear Compression Stockings

Compression stockings improve blood flow to prevent blood from pooling in the legs and lower body, helping maintain pressure.

Exercise Regularly

Regular cardiovascular exercise can help strengthen your heart and circulatory system to prevent hypotension episodes.

Raise the Head of Your Bed

Elevating the head of your bed 6-9 inches redistributes fluid more evenly through your body to maintain better pressure when lying down.

Take Things Slow

Avoid sudden position changes. Sit first before standing. Flex leg muscles before getting up. These simple measures can help prevent precipitous pressure drops.

Review Medications

Look at medications with your doctor as blood pressure lowering drugs, diuretics, antidepressants, and others can contribute to low blood pressure.

Eat More Small Meals

Eating smaller meals more frequently helps maintain steady blood sugar levels to optimize blood flow and pressure regulation.

Ask About Compression Garments

Compression stockings, abdominal binders, and leg wraps can all help prevent blood from pooling and dropping pressure.

When to Seek Emergency Care for Low Blood Pressure

Extremely low blood pressure can become a medical emergency requiring prompt treatment. Seek immediate medical care if you experience:

Blood pressure suddenly dropping below 90/60 mm Hg
Passing out or losing consciousness
Severe dizziness, lightheadedness or vertigo
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Sudden, severe headache
Severe pale, cold, clammy skin
Trouble speaking or weakness on one side of the body

Signs of shock, stroke, or heart attack along with dangerously low blood pressure readings necessitate emergency treatment to prevent serious consequences including organ damage or even death.

Emergency Treatments

Depending on the cause and severity, emergency treatments for critically low blood pressure can include:

IV fluids
Blood transfusions
Oxygen
Medications to raise blood pressure
Treating heart arrhythmias
Surgery to stop internal bleeding if applicable

Seek emergency care immediately at the first signs of severely low blood pressure to get rapid treatment and monitoring to stabilize blood pressure.

The Takeaway on Low Blood Pressure

Mildly to moderately low blood pressure may cause limited symptoms or none at all. But severely low pressure can result in organ damage, fainting, heart attack, stroke, and even death in extreme cases. Pay attention to symptoms and consult your doctor for a full evaluation if pressure trends lower.

Simple lifestyle measures like staying hydrated, eating more salt, using compression garments, and raising your head while sleeping can help increase low pressure. But underlying conditions must be treated as well. Seek emergency care for dangerously low readings accompanied by worrying symptoms.

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.