What is low blood pressure or hypotension?

Low blood pressure, also known as hypotension, is a condition where blood pressure levels persistently decrease. This can be life-threatening as the heart, by pumping blood at a slower rate than usual, prevents vital organs like the brain from receiving the necessary blood flow to function correctly.

Low blood pressure or hypotension is classified into:

• Orthostatic or Postural Hypotension: Caused by a sudden change in body position, leading to a temporary drop in blood pressure that usually lasts for a few seconds.
• Postprandial Orthostatic Hypotension: Occurs after eating, especially in older adults.
• Neurally Mediated Hypotension: Caused by a lack of coordination between the heart’s pumping and the brain when standing for long periods. This causes a sudden drop in blood pressure, typically in children and young adults.
• Severe Hypotension: Caused by sudden blood loss, a severe infection or allergic reaction, myocardial infarction, arrhythmias, or the intake of certain medications, among other causes.

Why Does Blood Pressure Drop?

Although people of any age and gender can experience hypotension, potential risk factors can contribute to its onset, such as:

• Dehydration
• Age
• Pregnancy
• Use of certain medications, especially those for high blood pressure
• Vitamin B12 or iron deficiency
• Septicemia
• Severe hemorrhages
• Presence of some conditions, such as diabetes or Parkinson’s disease
• Cardiac or endocrine conditions
• Anaphylaxis (an extremely severe allergic reaction)

Common symptoms include:

• Fatigue and weakness
• Lack of concentration and confusion
• Dizziness and nausea
• Blurred vision
• Fainting

In severe cases, a person can go into a state of shock:

• Lack of lucidity, especially in older adults
• Pale, cold, and sweaty skin
• Rapid and shallow breathing
• Weak and rapid pulse

If you experience symptoms of a sudden drop in blood pressure, it’s recommended that you lie down immediately and elevate your feet above your heart. If symptoms persist, consult a doctor as soon as possible to avoid complications.

Low blood pressure is mainly diagnosed by measuring blood pressure with a sphygmomanometer or another blood pressure device.

Blood pressure is considered low if the readings are below 90/60 mmHg. However, the diagnosis is not based on a single reading; several measurements must be taken at different times and under various conditions, such as during physical activity, at rest, or in different postures (sitting or lying down).

If the person has symptoms like fainting, fatigue, or dizziness, the doctor may perform a more detailed diagnosis, including a clinical history and any other possible noticeable symptoms.

Additional tests may be required to identify the cause of hypotension. These may include blood tests to detect anemia or hormonal problems, and an electrocardiogram to check for arrhythmias that could be affecting blood pressure.

The different diagnostic approaches help determine whether the hypotension is primary or related to an underlying condition, such as heart failure, endocrine problems, or dehydration.

Treatment to raise low blood pressure will depend on the underlying cause and the presence of symptoms.

In cases of mild low blood pressure that do not cause discomfort, no treatment may be needed. However, in cases that cause dizziness, fainting, or fatigue, lifestyle changes may be recommended, such as increasing fluid intake to improve blood volume or avoiding sudden changes in position that could cause blood pressure drops.

People with postural hypotension often need to use compression stockings, which can help improve venous return and reduce symptoms.

In situations where low blood pressure is related to underlying diseases, treatment focuses on correcting the primary problem.

For more severe cases or when the condition resists lifestyle changes, a doctor may prescribe drug treatment.

If you have low blood pressure, it is essential to seek medical attention to identify the primary cause of this condition and avoid health risks.

At the Cardiovascular Center of Centro Médico ABC, we can provide you with specialized care. Contact us!