Low Blood Pressure: How Low Is Too Low ?

Blood pressure refers to the force blood applies on the blood vessel walls during the contraction and relaxation of the heart muscle.

What Is Low Blood Pressure ?

Low blood pressure results in inadequate blood flow — and therefore inadequate delivery of oxygen and nutrients — to the heart, brain, kidneys, and other organs. This can be damaging and cause permanent harm.

What Is Healthy Blood Pressure ?

The heart circulates blood throughout the body with every beat. The pressure exerted on the arteries during the heartbeat is called the systolic pressure. It is the first or top number in blood pressure measurement. The pressure exerted on the arteries between heartbeats is called the diastolic pressure. A blood pressure reading of 120/80 millimeters (mm) or mercury (Hg) is considered normal. Anything above that reading is considered high blood pressure

How Is Blood Pressure Determined ?

Several factors influence blood pressure. Blood volume and blood vessel wall behavior are two important determinants of blood pressure. The more blood pumped with each heartbeat, the higher the blood pressure. The presence of stiff or narrow artery walls that resist blood flow also increases blood pressure. Having lower blood volume and open, flexible arteries decreases blood pressure.

Is Low Blood Pressure Bad For Your Health ?

Lower blood pressure is associated with a lower risk of conditions like heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. Those who exercise regularly, athletes, non-smokers, and those who maintain an optimal body weight experience lower blood pressures. Lower blood pressure is a good thing as long as it doesn’t cause symptoms that could damage organs and tissues of the body.

How Is Low Blood Pressure Diagnosed ?

To diagnose low blood pressure, a doctor may measure the patient’s blood pressure both while lying down (supine) and standing up. People with low blood pressure may experience light headedness and dizziness upon standing up. Heart rate often increases to compensate for the low blood pressure. After the diagnosis of low blood pressure is confirmed, the doctor will identify the cause of the problem. Sometimes the cause of low blood pressure may be easily identifiable, such as a wound that is bleeding, but most of the time the doctor may need to order other tests to uncover the cause of the low blood pressure.

How Is Low Blood Pressure Treated ?

Anyone who experiences low blood pressure or believes he or she may be experiencing low blood pressure should be evaluated by a physician. Even if low blood pressure does not cause any symptoms, the patient should still be evaluated. Treatment for low blood pressure varies depending on the cause. If the patient is already taking medication to treat high blood pressure, the dose of the medication may need to be adjusted. If fluid loss from diarrhea or vomiting is causing a drop in blood pressure, IV fluids may be administered to bring blood pressure back up to normal.