Low blood pressure, medically known as hypotension, occurs when the force of blood pushing against your artery walls is consistently lower than normal. While occasional dips are nothing to worry about, chronically low blood pressure can lead to dizziness, lightheadedness, and even fainting. Let’s delve into the causes of low blood pressure and how to manage it.
Understanding Blood Pressure Readings
Blood pressure is typically measured with two numbers:
- Systolic pressure: The top number, indicating the pressure when your heart contracts.
- Diastolic pressure: The bottom number, representing the pressure when your heart relaxes between beats.
Normal blood pressure generally falls within the range of 120/80 mmHg (millimeters of mercury). Low blood pressure is generally defined as readings consistently below 90/60 mmHg.
Causes of Low Blood Pressure
Several factors can contribute to low blood pressure:
- Dehydration: When you don’t consume enough fluids, your blood volume decreases, leading to a drop in blood pressure.
- Blood Loss: Significant blood loss from injuries, internal bleeding, or heavy menstruation can cause low blood pressure.
- Medications: Certain medications, particularly blood pressure medications, diuretics, and some antidepressants, can lower blood pressure as a side effect.
- Underlying Medical Conditions: Heart failure, hormonal imbalances, and severe infections can also cause low blood pressure.
- Changes in Body Position: Orthostatic hypotension is a sudden drop in blood pressure that occurs when you stand up too quickly, especially after sitting or lying down for a prolonged period. This is more common in older adults.
About The Author
[…] What causes low blood pressure? […]
[…] What causes low blood pressure? […]
Here is what causes it Read https://mkulima-plus.co.ke/what-causes-low-blood-pressure/