Is a Blood Pressure Reading of 108/xx Too Low?

What is Considered Low Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of arteries. It is recorded as two numbers—systolic pressure (when the heart beats) over diastolic pressure (when the heart relaxes between beats).

Normal blood pressure ranges are:

• Systolic: 90-120 mmHg
• Diastolic: 60-80 mmHg

Blood pressure below 90/60 mmHg is considered hypotension, or low blood pressure. A reading of 108/xx is on the low end of normal.

Categories of Low Blood Pressure

There are three main categories of low blood pressure:

• Primary hypotension - No underlying medical cause, person is otherwise healthy.
• Secondary hypotension - Due to an underlying health condition, medication use, or pregnancy.
• Orthostatic or postural hypotension - BP drops significantly when moving from sitting/lying to standing.

A blood pressure of 108/xx without symptoms likely falls into the primary hypotension category. But it’s still a good idea to understand the potential causes and look out for any warning signs.

What Causes Low Blood Pressure of 108/xx?

There are many factors that can lead to a lower than normal blood pressure reading around 108/xx mmHg:

Genetics

Some people are just genetically predisposed to run low blood pressure levels. It runs in families.

Being Very Fit and Active

Athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and highly active people tend to have lower resting blood pressure readings.

Youth

Children and younger adults normally have lower BP ranges compared to middle age and older individuals.

Pregnancy

Blood pressure drops during the second trimester as the woman’s circulatory system expands. Hypotension is common.

Medications

Certain prescription medications can lower blood pressure, like diuretics, beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, and antidepressants.

Underactive Adrenal Glands

Adrenal insufficiency, where the adrenals don’t make enough cortisol, may decrease blood pressure.

Poor Diet

Inadequate calorie, fluid, vitamin or mineral intake can potentially contribute to hypotension.

If no underlying cause is found, then a lower BP around 108/xx is likely just normal for that person. It only needs medical attention if symptoms develop.

Is a Blood Pressure of 108/xx Dangerous?

For most healthy people without symptoms, a systolic blood pressure around 108 mmHg is not typically dangerous on its own. However, it is still considered lower than the optimal range.

Potential risks associated with chronically low blood pressure around 108/xx include:

• Inadequate blood flow to the heart, brain and other organs
• Dizziness upon standing due to blood pooling in extremities
• Fainting or syncope
• Fatigue, low energy or weakness
• Confusion, blurred vision or lightheadedness
• Depression or mood changes
• Poor concentration and focus

If low BP is accompanied by symptoms, further evaluation is warranted to check for underlying causes and manage any health risks.

When is Hypotension Serious?

Very low blood pressure becomes highly dangerous when it causes organ damage or a life-threatening issue such as:

• Fainting due to critically insufficient blood flow
• Heart attack or organ failure
• Septic or anaphylactic shock
• Hemorrhagic stroke

Extremely low BP below around 70-80/40 mmHg can impair vital functions. Prompt medical treatment is needed.

Low Blood Pressure Symptoms

Some signs and symptoms that may accompany a lower than normal blood pressure around 108/xx include:

• Dizziness - Feeling lightheaded when standing up suddenly
• Fainting or syncope - Temporary loss of consciousness due to inadequate blood flow to the brain
• Weakness - Generalized lack of energy and feeling rundown
• Fatigue - Low stamina, excessive tiredness and sleepiness
• Blurred vision - Transient loss of visual focus and clarity
• Nausea - Queasy sensation that may accompany dizziness
• Depression - Result of inadequate blood and oxygen circulation to the brain
• Confusion - Temporary cognitive impairment or fuzzy thinking

Symptoms are often more noticeable upon standing up after sitting or lying down. Check for a precipitous drop in blood pressure between readings.

Emergency Symptoms

Seek urgent medical care if low blood pressure is accompanied by chest pain, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness or sudden severe symptoms. This may signal a heart attack or life-threatening event.

How Low Can Blood Pressure Go Before it is Dangerous?

There is no single definitive blood pressure reading that is considered immediately dangerous or life-threatening. It depends on the person and their individual health status.

However, a systolic pressure below around 70-80 mmHg and/or diastolic pressure under about 40 mmHg starts to become critical:

• Systolic pressure under 70 can impair blood flow to the heart and brain
• Diastolic pressure under 40 affects circulation during heart relaxation

Blood pressure can fluctuate widely, so trends are important. A dip into the danger zone now and then may be less concerning than a consistent downward trend.

Any sudden, precipitous blood pressure drop or extreme readings under 70/40 mmHg merit prompt medical attention to protect health.

Other Danger Signs

Aside from the BP reading itself, these signs warrant urgent care:

• Passing out or losing consciousness
• Severe lightheadedness or dizziness
• Chest pain, palpitations or irregular heartbeat
• Difficulty breathing
• New confusion, weakness or slurred speech

Extreme hypotension can signify hemorrhage, heart attack, shock or stroke requiring emergency treatment.

How to Raise Blood Pressure from 108/xx

If you need to increase chronically low blood pressure around 108/xx, try these lifestyle measures:

Eat More Salt and Sodium

Consuming adequate sodium helps maintain fluid balance and circulatory volume. Those with low BP may feel better with 1,500-2,000 mg of sodium daily.

Drink More Fluids

Staying well hydrated prevents volume depletion and thickening of the blood. Aim for about 64 ounces of water daily as a minimum.

Move Slowly

Make postural changes slowly to allow your body to adjust. Sit at the edge of the bed before standing. Flex calf muscles to push blood back up.

Raise the Head of Your Bed

Sleeping with your head slightly elevated above your heart can minimize overnight BP dips.

Eat Smaller Meals

Large meals can divert blood flow to the digestive system. Eat smaller, more frequent meals to provide a steadier supply of nutrients.

Implementing these habits and monitoring your response can help guide your blood pressure back into a healthier range.

Foods and Drinks to Raise Blood Pressure

Certain foods and beverages may have a blood pressure elevating effect:

Coffee

Caffeine provides a mild boost by stimulating the central nervous system. Limit to 1-2 cups daily.

Energy Drinks

In moderation, the caffeine and herbs can temporarily increase BP. Avoid overdoing them.

Salt

Adding more salt to meals expands blood volume. Opt for mineral rich sea salt.

Nuts and Seeds

Rich in blood pressure-friendly magnesium, potassium, protein and healthy fats.

Granola Bars

The combination of sugars for quick energy, sodium, and carbohydrates can give BP a lift.

Bananas

Provide potassium along with natural sugars to gently elevate blood pressure.

Keep in mind effects are often temporary. Focus on developing healthy long-term habits.

Is Blood Pressure of 108/xx Low for a 20 Year Old?

A blood pressure reading of 108/xx mmHg is on the low side but may be normal for a healthy 20 year old. Here’s a quick look at healthy BP ranges by age:

• Children (ages 8-13): 103-123 / 58-82 mmHg
• Teens (ages 14-18): 110-120 / 64-80 mmHg
• Young adults (ages 18-40): 110-120 / 65-80 mmHg

Younger individuals tend to run BP levels on the lower end of normal ranges. So 108/xx mmHg could be perfectly fine for a 20 year old.

However, symptoms of dizziness, weakness or cognitive issues should still be medically evaluated. Certain health conditions like heart defects can cause low BP at any age.

Tips for 20 Year Olds

20 year olds with mildly low blood pressure around 108/xx can try:

• Increasing sodium and fluid intake
• Lifting legs periodically to boost circulation
• Slowly moving from lying to sitting to standing
• Avoiding crossing legs which reduces blood return
• Skipping hot baths which dilate blood vessels
• Eating smaller, frequent meals

Implementing healthy lifestyle habits while hydrating well can help normalize BP.

Is a Blood Pressure of 108/60 Too Low?

A reading of 108/60 mmHg is slightly below the standard target blood pressure range. However, it is often still considered normal, especially for certain groups:

• Children and younger adults
• Athletes and highly active people
• Women in the second trimester of pregnancy
• Those genetically predisposed to lower BP

In the absence of problematic symptoms, medical treatment is usually not needed for 108/60 mmHg. Lifestyle adjustments like sodium and fluid intake may help elevate it. Track trends over time.

Tips for 108/60 mmHg

If 108/60 mmHg is accompanied by symptoms like dizziness, try:

• Increasing salt and hydration
• Wearing compression garments
• Raising the head of your bed
• Eating nutrient dense foods
• Getting up slowly
• Avoiding excess alcohol

Monitor your body’s response. See a doctor if symptoms persist or you have concerns.

Can Low Blood Pressure Cause Anxiety?

Yes, chronically low blood pressure can potentially contribute to anxiety in some people. There are a few reasons why:

Low Blood Flow

With hypotension, less oxygen-rich blood circulates to the brain. This stresses the body and triggers anxiety.

Lightheadedness

Dizziness from low BP can create an unsettling, uneasy feeling mimicking anxiety.

Fatigue

Feeling constantly rundown from low energy worsens stress and anxiety.

Poor Concentration

Fuzzy thinking from inadequate blood flow makes focusing difficult, heightening anxiety.

Weakness

Generalized weakness and shakiness caused by low BP fuels anxious feelings.

Treating the underlying hypotension can minimize anxiety in these cases. Talk to your doctor if anxiety persists.

How to Tell if Your Blood Pressure is Too Low

Watch for these signs that your blood pressure may be dipping too low and needs medical attention:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness, especially upon standing
• Feeling faint, blurry vision or weak
• Fatigue, confusion, apathy or agitation
• Nausea, clammy skin, rapid shallow breathing
• Chest pain or pressure
• Irregular heartbeat or palpitations
• Frequent headaches
• Syncope or passing out

Keep in mind readings under 90/60 mmHg may be too low for some people, even without symptoms present. Discuss your individual health status with your doctor.

Checking Your Blood Pressure

Use a home monitor to check for trends of declining blood pressure. Compare sitting/lying and standing readings. Measure at same times daily for consistency.

Report any precipitous drops in BP, extremely low readings or accompanying warning signs to your physician promptly.

Can You Be Dizzy with Normal Blood Pressure?

Feeling dizzy or lightheaded can occur even when blood pressure readings are within normal ranges. Possible reasons include:

Orthostatic Hypotension

Blood pressure drops excessively upon standing, reducing circulation to the brain momentarily.

Medications

Many drugs like antihypertensives, diuretics, antidepressants and narcotics can induce dizziness.

Dehydration

Inadequate fluid intake thickens the blood, slowing circulation and oxygenation.

Low Blood Sugar

Hypoglycemia starves the brain of glucose, causing dizziness.

Hyperventilation

Overbreathing alters oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, creating dizziness.

Vestibular Disorder

Dizziness may result from problems with the inner ear, brain or nerves.

While normal BP readings don't rule out dizziness, chronically low pressure under 90/60 mmHg does warrant evaluation for treatment.

How to Raise Blood Pressure Instantly

If you are experiencing severe dizziness, weakness or other symptoms from a sudden blood pressure dip, try these measures to elevate it quickly:

Lie Down and Elevate Legs

This improves blood return from the lower body to the heart and brain.

Tense Leg Muscles

Flexing

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.