We often hear about how bad having high blood pressure is, and for many of us, one of our dietary and heath goals is to lower our blood pressure before it becomes a problem. However, it is possible to lower it too much or to have a condition that causes low blood pressure, also called hypotension. It can cause a number of different symptoms, and it can even indicate serious issues, including problems with the nerves, endocrine system, and heart. If you have really low blood pressure, your brain and other vital organs may even be unable to get the nutrients and oxygen that they need to function normally.
Generally, a person has low blood pressure if their systolic blood pressure reading is under 90 or their diastolic blood pressure is less than 60. However, blood pressure does vary from person to person, although healthy blood pressure is rarely below these two numbers. Also, your blood pressure is not always the same. In fact, it can change between one heartbeat and the next depending on your physical condition, stress level, body position, breathing rhythm, what you’ve had to eat and drink recently, and more. Usually, blood pressure is low while you sleep and quickly rises when you wake up.
There are a number of conditions that can lead to low blood pressure. Some of these are very dangerous and will need to be treated right away, while others may not be life threatening. Pregnant women often experience low blood pressure because their circulatory system has expanded and has more to deal with than usual. However, their blood pressure levels do return to normal following birth.
Some heart issues can lead to low blood pressure, including problems with valves, a low heart rate, heart failure, and heart attack. Likewise, endocrine problems such as an underactive or overactive thyroid can lead to low blood pressure. Low blood sugar, Addison’s disease, and even diabetes can also cause low blood pressure. Likewise, dehydration can cause low blood pressure in addition to dizziness, fatigue, and weakness. This can be caused by a number of different things, including vomiting, diarrhea, strenuous exercise, and overusing diuretics.
A severe infection known as septicemia can also lead to a drop in blood pressure. It occurs when an infection works its way into the bloodstream. It can lead to septic shock, a condition in which blood pressure drops rapidly. This can be life threatening. Another life-threatening concern is anaphylaxis, or a severe allergic reaction to something. For some people, eating certain foods, getting stung by some insects, or taking specific medications can cause a severe allergic reaction that can cause a sudden and major drop in blood pressure in addition to a swollen throat, difficulty breathing, hives, and more.
So what are the signs and symptoms of low blood pressure? There are a number of them. Some of these are signs of other issues, as well, which can make it hard to immediately realize that the cause of these symptoms is low blood pressure. These signs include light headedness, dizziness, fainting, blurred vision, a lack of concentration, nausea, fatigue, depression, sudden thirst, cold and clammy skin, and shallow breathing.
Some of these signs don’t seem to be a major issue, and so some people won’t go to a doctor. In many cases, this won’t lead to any major problems—in many cases, low blood pressure is not that serious. Even if your blood pressure is consistently low, if you feel fine and your doctor does not detect any major problems, you may be fine. However, if you begin to experience signs of low blood pressure, you should speak to your doctor right away, however, to make certain that it is not a sign of a more serious problem.
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The symptoms of low blood pressure sound similar to those of low blood sugar, I guess one way to distinguish them would be to either take blood pressure or measure blood sugar with a glucometer.