Hypotension, often known as low blood pressure, is the medical term for when the blood pressure within the body is less than usual or anticipated. A sudden decrease in blood pressure (shock) may be brought on by significant blood loss. Becoming unconscious is the most striking sign of abrupt hypotension. Low blood pressure symptoms typically occur gradually.
Symptoms of low blood pressure
- Light-headedness, when standing from a sitting or lying position
- Unsteadiness
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Blurred vision
- Fatigue
- Fainting
Types of low blood pressure
- Postural hypotension. The most common cause of sudden reductions in blood pressure is standing up after sleeping or sitting down. We refer to this as orthostatic or postural hypotension. It occurs when your neurological system or cardiovascular system does not properly handle abrupt changes in position. Postural hypotension affects 10–20% of those over 65, according to estimates.
- Neurally mediated hypotension. You may get this kind after standing for an extended period. It’s believed to occur as a result of issues with brain-heart connection. It affects younger people more frequently.
- Postprandial hypotension. An hour or two following a meal, your blood pressure may occasionally drop. Blood clotting into the stomach and intestinal arteries is the theory behind it. Elderly adults with high blood pressure or disorders of the neurological system, such as Parkinson’s disease, are more likely to experience it. It usually occurs following substantial meals high in carbs.
- Multiple system atrophy with orthostatic hypotension. When you’re lying down, you may experience this uncommon kind of low blood pressure. Your involuntary nervous system, which regulates your breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure, is involved.
Postural Hypotension
Anybody can have postural hypotension, which results in lightheadedness when standing, for several reasons, including being extremely tired, dehydrated, or undernourished. It may also be impacted by:
- Your genes
- Aging
- Medication
- your diet
- Psychological factors
- Conditions like infection and allergy
Those who take medication to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) are most likely to experience postural hypotension. It may also be associated with diabetes, atherosclerosis, pregnancy, or intense emotions. The effects are more severe in the elderly, especially in individuals with hypertension or problems with the autonomic nervous system.
Postural hypotension has been related to several medicines. They fall into two primary categories:
- medications that lower blood pressure, including angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and diuretics
- Certain pharmaceuticals, such as nitrates, ED meds, Parkinson’s disease medications, antipsychotics, neuroleptics, anti-anxiety agents, sedative-hypnotics, and tricyclic antidepressants, can cause hypotension as a side effect.
Typical reasons for postural hypotension that arises spontaneously include:
- Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, which can be brought on by vomiting, diarrhea, profuse bleeding during menstruation, or other ailments
- Age-related decreases in blood pressure regulation that can be exacerbated by drugs or certain medical situations
Certain diseases can also cause postural hypotension. These include:
- Nerve disorders, such as autonomic or peripheral neuropathy
- Diseases of the heart
- Abuse of Alcohol
- Disorders related to nutrition
How Do I Know if I Have Low Blood Pressure?
Not all cases of low blood pressure indicate a health issue. However, if you exhibit symptoms of low blood pressure, your physician can identify the illness and determine its source. You can then receive the appropriate care.
Along with performing a physical examination, the doctor will assess your age, symptoms, and medical history. After you’ve been lying down for a few minutes, as soon as you stand up, and a few minutes after you stand silently, they might take repeated readings of your blood pressure and heart rate.
Other tests that you may undergo include an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound that looks at the heart, and an ECG, which measures heart rate and rhythm. Blood tests may also be performed to check for issues with your blood sugar levels or anemia.
More advanced home ECG monitoring (such as a Holter monitor or “event” monitor) may be prescribed by your doctor to check for sporadic cardiac issues or irregular heartbeats, which can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure.
It may also be beneficial to do an exercise stress test or, less frequently, an electrophysiological test (EP test).
In certain cases of postural hypotension, a “tilt table” test could be necessary. It assesses how your body responds to positional changes. For up to an hour, you are securely strapped in while lying on a table with the table raised to an upright posture. We record your heart rate, blood pressure, and symptoms. A medication to help your doctor diagnose you may be prescribed.
