What Causes Low Blood Pressure?

2021-05-24

what

Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. It is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). Normal blood pressure is considered to be between 120/80 mm Hg and 140/90 mm Hg. Low blood pressure, also known as hypotension, is when your blood pressure drops below 90/60 mm Hg.

Hypotension can be caused by a number of factors, including dehydration, blood loss, heart problems, endocrine disorders, and certain medications. It can also be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition, such as sepsis or an allergic reaction.

In most cases, hypotension is not a serious condition and can be easily treated. However, if you have low blood pressure that is accompanied by other symptoms, such as dizziness, fainting, or chest pain, it is important to see a doctor right away.

What Causes Low Blood Pressure

Low blood pressure, or hypotension, can be caused by a number of factors, including:

Dehydration
Blood loss
Heart problems
Endocrine disorders
Certain medications
Sepsis
Allergic reaction
Nutritional deficiencies
Alcohol consumption

Dehydration

Dehydration is a condition that occurs when you don't drink enough fluids. It can cause your blood pressure to drop because your body doesn't have enough fluid to pump through your blood vessels.

Not drinking enough fluids: This is the most common cause of dehydration. When you don't drink enough fluids, your body doesn't have enough water to replace the fluids that are lost through sweat, urine, and other bodily functions.
Vomiting or diarrhea: These conditions can cause you to lose large amounts of fluids and electrolytes, which can lead to dehydration.
Excessive sweating: Sweating is a natural way for your body to cool down. However, if you sweat too much, you can lose too much fluid and become dehydrated.
Certain medications: Some medications, such as diuretics, can cause dehydration as a side effect.

Dehydration can also be caused by certain medical conditions, such as diabetes and kidney disease. If you have a medical condition that makes you more likely to become dehydrated, it is important to talk to your doctor about how to prevent dehydration.

Blood loss

Blood loss can cause your blood pressure to drop because it reduces the amount of blood that is circulating in your body. This can lead to a decrease in oxygen and nutrients being delivered to your organs and tissues.

Trauma: This is the most common cause of blood loss. Trauma can occur from accidents, injuries, or surgery.
Internal bleeding: This can occur from a variety of causes, such as a ruptured aneurysm, a bleeding ulcer, or a tumor.
Menstruation: Women who have heavy menstrual bleeding may experience low blood pressure, especially if they also have iron deficiency anemia.
Childbirth: Blood loss during childbirth is normal, but excessive blood loss can lead to hypotension.

Blood loss can also be caused by certain medical conditions, such as hemophilia and leukemia. If you have a medical condition that makes you more likely to experience blood loss, it is important to talk to your doctor about how to prevent and treat blood loss.

Heart problems

Heart problems can cause low blood pressure because they can prevent your heart from pumping blood effectively. This can lead to a decrease in blood flow to your organs and tissues, which can cause a drop in blood pressure.

Heart failure: This is a condition in which your heart is unable to pump blood effectively. Heart failure can be caused by a variety of factors, including coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
Arrhythmias: These are abnormal heart rhythms. Arrhythmias can cause your heart to beat too fast, too slow, or irregularly. This can lead to a decrease in blood flow to your organs and tissues, which can cause a drop in blood pressure.
Heart attack: A heart attack occurs when blood flow to your heart is blocked. This can damage your heart muscle and lead to heart failure. Heart attacks can also cause a sudden drop in blood pressure.
Congenital heart defects: These are heart defects that are present at birth. Some congenital heart defects can cause low blood pressure.

If you have a heart problem, it is important to work with your doctor to manage your condition and prevent low blood pressure.

Endocrine disorders

Endocrine disorders are conditions that affect the endocrine system, which is a network of glands that produce hormones. Hormones are chemical messengers that travel through the bloodstream and control a variety of bodily functions, including blood pressure.

Endocrine disorders that can cause low blood pressure include:

Addison's disease: This is a disorder in which the adrenal glands do not produce enough of the hormones cortisol and aldosterone. Cortisol helps to regulate blood pressure, while aldosterone helps to regulate fluid and electrolyte balance. Low levels of these hormones can lead to hypotension.
Diabetes: Diabetes is a disorder in which the body does not produce enough insulin, or does not use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose (sugar) get from the blood into cells for energy. When blood sugar levels are high, it can damage blood vessels and nerves, which can lead to low blood pressure.
Hypothyroidism: This is a disorder in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormone helps to regulate metabolism, growth, and development. Low levels of thyroid hormone can lead to fatigue, weight gain, and low blood pressure.
Pituitary gland disorders: The pituitary gland is a small gland located at the base of the brain. It produces a variety of hormones that control other endocrine glands. Disorders of the pituitary gland can lead to low levels of other hormones, which can in turn cause low blood pressure.

If you have an endocrine disorder, it is important to work with your doctor to manage your condition and prevent low blood pressure.

Certain medications

Certain medications can cause low blood pressure as a side effect. These medications include:

Diuretics: These medications are used to treat high blood pressure and fluid retention. They work by increasing the amount of urine you produce, which can lead to dehydration and low blood pressure.
Beta-blockers: These medications are used to treat high blood pressure, angina, and arrhythmias. They work by slowing down your heart rate and reducing the force of your heart contractions. This can lead to a decrease in blood pressure.
ACE inhibitors: These medications are used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and kidney disease. They work by relaxing blood vessels and reducing the amount of fluid your body retains. This can lead to a decrease in blood pressure.
Calcium channel blockers: These medications are used to treat high blood pressure and angina. They work by relaxing blood vessels and reducing the force of your heart contractions. This can lead to a decrease in blood pressure.

If you are taking a medication that can cause low blood pressure, it is important to talk to your doctor about how to monitor your blood pressure and prevent complications.

Sepsis

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body's response to an infection damages its own tissues. Sepsis can cause low blood pressure because it leads to a decrease in blood volume and a widening of blood vessels.

Infection: Sepsis can be caused by any type of infection, but it is most commonly caused by bacterial infections. The infection can start in the lungs, urinary tract, skin, or other parts of the body.
Systemic inflammatory response: When the body responds to an infection, it produces inflammatory chemicals. These chemicals can cause blood vessels to widen and leak fluid, which can lead to a decrease in blood volume and low blood pressure.
Vasodilation: Sepsis can also cause the blood vessels to dilate, or widen. This can lead to a decrease in blood pressure because the blood is not able to circulate as effectively.
Myocardial dysfunction: Sepsis can also damage the heart muscle, which can lead to a decrease in the heart's ability to pump blood. This can also lead to low blood pressure.

Sepsis is a medical emergency. If you think you or someone you know may have sepsis, seek medical attention immediately.

Allergic reaction

An allergic reaction is a reaction of the immune system to a foreign substance. Allergic reactions can cause low blood pressure because they can lead to a sudden drop in blood volume.

Histamine release: When a person has an allergic reaction, their body releases histamine. Histamine is a chemical that causes the small blood vessels to dilate and leak fluid. This can lead to a decrease in blood volume and low blood pressure.
Anaphylactic shock: This is a severe allergic reaction that can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure. Anaphylactic shock can be caused by a variety of allergens, including foods, insect stings, and medications.
Asthma attack: This is a condition in which the air passages in the lungs become inflamed and constricted. This can make it difficult to breathe, which can lead to a decrease in blood pressure.
Septic shock: This is a severe infection that can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure. Septic shock is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment.

If you have an allergy, it is important to work with your doctor to identify your allergens and avoid them. If you have a severe allergy, you may need to carry an epinephrine auto-injector in case you have an allergic reaction.

Nutritional deficiencies

Nutritional deficiencies can cause low blood pressure because they can lead to a decrease in blood volume or a decrease in the heart's ability to pump blood.

Vitamin B12 deficiency: Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that is essential for the production of red blood cells. A deficiency of vitamin B12 can lead to anemia, which is a condition in which the blood does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Anemia can cause fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. It can also lead to a decrease in blood volume and low blood pressure.
Iron deficiency: Iron is a nutrient that is essential for the production of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. A deficiency of iron can lead to anemia, which can cause fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. It can also lead to a decrease in blood volume and low blood pressure.
Vitamin C deficiency: Vitamin C is a nutrient that is essential for the production of collagen. Collagen is a protein that is found in blood vessels. A deficiency of vitamin C can lead to scurvy, which is a condition that can cause bleeding gums, easy bruising, and poor wound healing. It can also lead to a decrease in blood volume and low blood pressure.
Potassium deficiency: Potassium is a mineral that is essential for the heart to function properly. A deficiency of potassium can lead to a decrease in the heart's ability to pump blood. This can lead to a decrease in blood pressure.

If you have a nutritional deficiency, it is important to work with your doctor to determine the cause of the deficiency and to develop a treatment plan. Treatment may include taking supplements or eating a diet that is rich in the nutrients that you are deficient in.

Alcohol consumption

Alcohol consumption can cause low blood pressure because it can lead to dehydration and a decrease in the heart's ability to pump blood.

Dehydration: Alcohol is a diuretic, which means that it causes the body to produce more urine. This can lead to dehydration, which can cause a decrease in blood volume and low blood pressure.

Vasodilation: Alcohol also causes blood vessels to dilate, or widen. This can lead to a decrease in blood pressure because the blood is not able to circulate as effectively.

Myocardial depression: Alcohol can also damage the heart muscle, which can lead to a decrease in the heart's ability to pump blood. This can also lead to low blood pressure.

Other factors: Alcohol consumption can also interact with certain medications and cause low blood pressure. For example, alcohol can increase the effects of blood pressure medications, which can lead to low blood pressure.

Binge drinking: Binge drinking is a particularly dangerous form of alcohol consumption that can lead to a sudden and severe drop in blood pressure. Binge drinking is defined as drinking five or more drinks in a short period of time (two hours for women and three hours for men).

If you drink alcohol, it is important to do so in moderation. Moderate alcohol consumption is defined as one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men. If you have low blood pressure, you should talk to your doctor about how to safely consume alcohol.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about low blood pressure:

Question 1: What is low blood pressure?
Answer: Low blood pressure, also known as hypotension, is when your blood pressure drops below 90/60 mm Hg.

Question 2: What causes low blood pressure?
Answer: Low blood pressure can be caused by a number of factors, including dehydration, blood loss, heart problems, endocrine disorders, certain medications, sepsis, allergic reactions, nutritional deficiencies, and alcohol consumption.

Question 3: What are the symptoms of low blood pressure?
Answer: Symptoms of low blood pressure can include dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, and fatigue.

Question 4: How is low blood pressure diagnosed?
Answer: Low blood pressure is diagnosed by measuring your blood pressure using a blood pressure cuff.

Question 5: How is low blood pressure treated?
Answer: Treatment for low blood pressure depends on the underlying cause. Treatment may include drinking more fluids, eating a healthy diet, taking medications, or avoiding certain medications or activities.

Question 6: What are some tips for preventing low blood pressure?
Answer: Tips for preventing low blood pressure include drinking plenty of fluids, eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, avoiding alcohol and tobacco, and managing stress.

Question 7: When should I see a doctor about low blood pressure?
Answer: You should see a doctor if you have low blood pressure that is accompanied by other symptoms, such as dizziness, fainting, or chest pain.

Closing Paragraph for FAQ: If you have any questions or concerns about low blood pressure, talk to your doctor.

Tips for Preventing Low Blood Pressure: In addition to the tips mentioned in the FAQ section, here are some additional tips for preventing low blood pressure:

Tips

Here are some practical tips for preventing low blood pressure:

Tip 1: Drink plenty of fluids. Dehydration is a common cause of low blood pressure. Aim to drink eight glasses of water per day, or more if you are exercising or sweating heavily.

Tip 2: Eat a healthy diet. Eating a healthy diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help to prevent low blood pressure. These foods contain nutrients that are essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure, such as potassium, magnesium, and calcium.

Tip 3: Get regular exercise. Exercise helps to strengthen your heart and improve your circulation. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.

Tip 4: Avoid alcohol and tobacco. Alcohol and tobacco can both contribute to low blood pressure. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. If you smoke, quit smoking.

Closing Paragraph for Tips: By following these tips, you can help to prevent low blood pressure and keep your blood pressure in a healthy range.

Conclusion: Low blood pressure is a common condition that can be caused by a variety of factors. In most cases, low blood pressure is not serious and can be easily treated. However, if you have low blood pressure that is accompanied by other symptoms, such as dizziness, fainting, or chest pain, it is important to see a doctor right away.

Conclusion

Low blood pressure, also known as hypotension, is a condition in which your blood pressure drops below 90/60 mm Hg. Low blood pressure can be caused by a number of factors, including dehydration, blood loss, heart problems, endocrine disorders, certain medications, sepsis, allergic reactions, nutritional deficiencies, and alcohol consumption.

In most cases, low blood pressure is not serious and can be easily treated. However, if you have low blood pressure that is accompanied by other symptoms, such as dizziness, fainting, or chest pain, it is important to see a doctor right away.

Closing Message: If you are concerned about your blood pressure, talk to your doctor. Your doctor can help you determine if you have low blood pressure and can recommend ways to prevent or treat it.