Low Blood Pressure Definition Low blood pressure occurs when blood pressure is much lower than normal. This means the heart, brain, and other parts of the body may not get enough blood. Normal blood pressure is mostly between 90/60 mmHg and 120/80 mmHg. The medical word for low blood pressure is hypotension. Alternative Names Hypotension; Blood pressure - low; Postprandial hypotension; Orthostatic hypotension; Neurally mediated hypotension; NMH Causes Blood pressure varies from one person to another. A drop of as little as 20 mmHg can cause problems for some people. There are different types and causes of low blood pressure. Severe hypotension (shock) can be caused by sudden loss of blood (shock), severe infection, heart attack, or severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). Orthostatic hypotension means your blood pressure drops when you shift from lying down to standing. This type of low blood pressure usually lasts only a few seconds or minutes. If this type of low blood pressure occurs after eating, it is called postprandial orthostatic hypotension. This type most often affects older adults, those with high blood pressure, and people with Parkinson disease. Neurally mediated hypotension (NMH) most often affects young adults and children. It can occur when a person has been standing for a long time. Children usually outgrow this type of hypotension. Certain medicines and substances can lead to low blood pressure, including: Alcohol Anti-anxiety medicines Certain antidepressants Diuretics Heart medicines, including those used to treat high blood pressure and coronary heart disease Medicines used for surgery Painkillers Other causes of low blood pressure include: Nerve damage from diabetes or other disorders Changes in heart rhythm (arrhythmias) Not drinking enough fluids (dehydration) Heart failure Symptoms Symptoms of low blood pressure may include: Blurry vision Confusion Dizziness Fainting (syncope) Lightheadedness Nausea or vomiting Sleepiness Weakness Exams and Tests The health care provider will examine you to determine the cause of your low blood pressure. Your vital signs (temperature, pulse, rate of breathing, and blood pressure) will be checked frequently. You may need to stay in the hospital for a while. The provider will ask questions, including: What is your normal blood pressure? What medicines do you take? Have you been eating and drinking normally? Have you had any recent illness, accident, or injury? What other symptoms do you have? Did you faint or become less alert? Do you feel dizzy or lightheaded when standing or sitting after lying down? The following tests may be done: Basic metabolic panel Blood cultures to check for infection Complete blood count (CBC), including white blood cell differential Electrocardiogram (ECG) Urinalysis X-ray of the abdomen X-ray of the chest Treatment Lower than normal blood pressure in a healthy person that does not cause any symptoms often does not need treatment.

1. Hypotension
A condition in which the force of the
blood against the artery walls is too
low.

2. Causes
• Anemia.
• Dehydration.
• Endocrine disorders.
• Extreme blood loss.
• Heart disease.
• Low blood sugar.
• Pregnancy.
• Eating.

3. Signs and symptoms
• Blurred vision.
• Cold, pale skin.
• Depression.
• Dizziness, fainting and nausea.
• Fatigue.
• Palpitation.
• Rapid, shallow breathing.
• Thrist.

4. Diagnosis
• Sphygmomanometer.
• Blood tests.
• ECG.
• Echo cardiogram.
• Stress test.
• Tilt table test.

5. Treatment
• Drink more water:- Fluids increases blood volume
and help to prevent dehydration.
• Wear compression stockings :- The same elastic of
varicose veins may help reduce the pooling of blood
in your legs.
• Medications:- Fludrocortisone :- helps to boost your
blood volume, which raises blood pressure
Midodrine :- Midodrine activates
receptors on the smallest arteries and veins to
produce an increase in the blood pressure.

6. Diet
•Eat small portions of food several times
a day and limit high-carbohydrate foods
such as potatoes, rice, pasta and bread.
•Drink more fluids.
•Foods high in vitamin B-12.

7. Types of hypotension
• Orthostatic hypotension :- also known as postural hypotension,
is a form of low blood pressure that occurs when you stand up
from sitting or laying down.
• Neurally mediated hypotension:-Low blood pressure from
faulty brain signals. This disorder causes blood pressure to
drop after standing for long periods.
• Severe hypotension:-A systolic blood pressure of less than 90
millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) or diastolic of less than 60
mm Hg is generally considered to be hypotension. Severely
low blood pressure can deprive the brain and other vital
organs of oxygen and nutrients, leading to a life-threatening
condition called shock.

8. Complications
•repeated fainting spells.
•coma.
•stroke due to the reduced blood
supply to the brain.
•cardiovascular diseases.

9. Thank you
- Namrata Shendge