Other prescription and over-the-counter drugs may cause low blood pressure when taken in combination with high blood pressure medications. Heart problems: Among the heart conditions that can lead to low blood pressure are an abnormally low heart rate bradycardia , problems with heart valves , heart attack and heart failure. Severe infection septic shock : Septic shock can occur when bacteria leave the original site of an infection most often in the lungs, abdomen or urinary tract and enter the bloodstream.
The bacteria then produce toxins that affect blood vessels, leading to a profound and life-threatening decline in blood pressure. Allergic reaction anaphylaxis : Anaphylactic shock is a sometimes-fatal allergic reaction that can occur in people who are highly sensitive to drugs such as penicillin, to certain foods such as peanuts or to bee or wasp stings. This type of shock is characterized by breathing problems, hives, itching, a swollen throat and a sudden, dramatic fall in blood pressure.
Neurally mediated hypotension: Unlike orthostatic hypotension, this disorder causes blood pressure to drop after standing for long periods, leading to symptoms such as dizziness, nausea and fainting. This condition primarily affects young people and occurs because of a miscommunication between the heart and the brain. Nutritional deficiencies: A lack of the essential vitamins B and folic acid can cause anemia, which in turn can lead to low blood pressure. If you notice a sudden decline in blood pressure A single lower-than-normal reading is not cause for alarm, unless you are experiencing any other symptoms or problems.
Your treatment will depend on the underlying cause of your hypotension. Treatment could include medications for heart disease, diabetes, or infection.
Drink plenty of water to avoid hypotension due to dehydration, especially if you are vomiting or have diarrhea. Staying hydrated can also help treat and prevent the symptoms of neurally mediated hypotension. If you experience low blood pressure when standing for long periods, be sure to take a break to sit down. And try to reduce your stress levels to avoid emotional trauma. Treat orthostatic hypotension with slow, gradual movements.
Instead of standing up quickly, work your way into a sitting or standing position using small movements. You can also avoid orthostatic hypotension by not crossing your legs when you sit. Shock-induced hypotension is the most serious form of the condition. Severe hypotension must be treated immediately. Emergency personnel will give you fluids and possibly blood products to increase your blood pressure and stabilize your vital signs.
Most people can manage and prevent hypotension by understanding the condition and being educated about it. Learn your triggers and try to avoid them. If you have low blood pressure, you may want to consider changing your diet.
Learn which foods to eat and what to avoid. Learn what your blood pressure reading means. Checking your blood pressure at home with a manual or automated device can help you monitor your health between doctor visits. Official sodium recommendations have been controversial. This article explains the importance of sodium, potential risks of over- or underconsumption…. Your blood pressure can vary depending on the time of day.
It gradually increases throughout the day. There are many possible causes of low blood pressure. It may be low because you're fit and healthy, or you may have inherited it from your parents.
Doctors use two figures to denote blood pressure. The first refers to systolic blood pressure, which is the force of the blood against artery walls when the heart beats. The second refers to diastolic blood pressure, which is the force of the blood when the heart rests between beats. Healthcare professionals measure blood pressure readings in millimeters of mercury mm Hg.
It is possible to have low blood pressure without any symptoms. However, some people with this issue may experience :. Blood pressure also declines with age, and some people have naturally low blood pressure due to genetic factors. Some temporary causes, such as pregnancy, resolve on their own.
Others may require dietary changes and other care or management strategies. Some potentially more severe health issues can also cause low blood pressure, including :. Low blood pressure may sometimes result from alcohol use or the use of certain medications, such as :. To address low blood pressure, a doctor may adjust the dosage of an existing drug or recommend medications to increase blood pressure.
Medications that they may prescribe include fludrocortisone and midodrine. Learn about the low blood pressure diet here. Low blood pressure symptoms can disrupt daily life, and they generally become more serious with age.
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