Causes and Symptoms of Low Blood Pressure

Low blood pressure leads to fainting, dizzy spells and nausea. Doctors usually define low blood pressure as “90 over 60” or 90/60 mm Hg or lower than that. Low blood pressure can be a chronic condition or temporary as well. Some of the most common reasons for low blood pressure include anaphylactic shock, heart and endocrine problems, etc. This article will discuss the various symptoms of low blood pressure and elaborate on the causes as well.

So, know all about low blood pressure symptoms and causes here!

A few of the early signs and symptoms of low blood pressure are:

• Blurred vision
• Cold, clammy, pale skin
• Dehydration and unusual thirst
• Depression
• Dizziness 
• Fainting 
• Fatigue
• Lack of concentration
• Nausea
• Rapid and shallow breathing

Some of the common causes of low blood pressure are as follows:

• Endocrine Problems

Endocrinal problems are a potential cause of low blood pressure. In addition, complications such as an underactive thyroid, parathyroid disease, low blood sugar, and adrenal insufficiency may cause low blood pressure.

• Being on Some Specific Medication

Specific drugs such as diuretics, medicines for hypertension, beta-blockers, medicines for Parkinson's disease, tricyclic antidepressants, etc., can cause low blood pressure.

• Bradycardia and Other Heart Problems

Heart conditions that can lead to low blood pressure are bradycardia (abnormally low heart rate), issues with heart valves and heart failure or heart attack. Therefore, the heart may not be able to circulate blood through the body, thus resulting in low blood pressure.

• Pregnancy

During the first 24 weeks of pregnancy, blood pressure may drop.

• Loss of Blood From Trauma or Injury

A drop in blood volume results in low blood pressure. A significant drop in blood volume occurs when blood loss due to trauma, internal or external bleeding occurs.

• Septic Shock

Septic shock occurs when bacteria leave the original infection site, enter the bloodstream, and affect the blood vessels, resulting in low bp. This condition can be life-threatening.

• Anaphylaxis

An anaphylactic shock is a hypersensitive reaction, often fatal, to drugs such as penicillin or a bee sting or hives. It, too, results in a fall in blood pressure.

• Nutritional Deficiencies

Lack of essential vitamins such as vitamins B12 and folic acid can cause anaemia, which results in low blood pressure.

Low blood pressure can typically occur in anyone, although it is common in adults above the age of 65.

Children, however, are at risk of neutrally mediated low blood pressure. This type of low blood pressure occurs when a child has been standing for a long time.

Moreover, children are also affected by orthostatic hypotension. This occurs when the child suddenly sits or stands abruptly. The body will correct the problem in a couple of minutes.

Lastly, severe hypotension can occur in children when anaphylactic shock occurs due to an infection or sudden blood loss.

Low blood pressure manifests in several noticeable symptoms, some of which differ across age groups. For a clearer understanding, mentioned below are some of the symptoms of low blood pressure in children and the elderly.

The symptoms of low blood pressure in children are as follows:

• Blurred vision
• Confusion
• Dizziness 
• Fainting

What are the symptoms of blood pressure being too low in the elderly? Find out below!

• Blurred or fading vision
• Cold, clammy, pale skin
• Confusion
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Fainting
• Fatigue
• Lack of concentration
• Nausea
• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Weak and rapid pulse

If you have symptoms of low blood pressure, there is no need to panic. Instead, you can maintain a record of your health for the doctor to diagnose later on.

It is when symptoms are severe and take place frequently that you have to take action.

A one-off incident is not a cause for concern. However, it is always recommended that you check with a healthcare professional if you feel anxious.

In a nutshell, the article discussed the symptoms of low blood pressure and what a person can do if he/she notices the symptoms.

So, stay healthy and safe!