Low blood pressure, also known as hypotension, is where the pressure of the blood against the walls of the vessels is so low, that blood is not getting to the vessels and arteries as it should. While some people may experience low blood pressure due to certain factors, chronic low blood pressure can result in lifelong and serious medical implications.

Blood pressure levels are expressed by taking two readings; the systolic pressure and the diastolic pressure. The systolic pressure is the top number and represents the number of times the heart beats. The diastolic pressure is the bottom number and reads the number of times the heart rests.

A normal blood pressure reading is 120 over 80 in adults, so significantly lower numbers may indicate low blood pressure. Low blood pressure is unique however, in that a low blood pressure reading does not necessarily indicate the presence of low blood pressure.

Low blood pressure must be a low reading accompanied by low blood pressure symptoms. Furthermore, a person who has high blood pressure may experience symptoms of low blood pressure if their reading drops to a level that is normal to someone else.

Symptoms of low pressure include feeling lightheaded, dizzy or faint. A person may also experience some changes in their ability to think clearly, such as feeling confused or disoriented. Breathing patterns may change and some people may experience fast, shallow breathing. Low blood pressure can also cause cold, clammy and pale skin, and nausea.

While it is beneficial to have low blood pressure because it reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke, having blood pressure this low can be dangerous. A constant lack of proper blood flow to the organs will prevent them from working properly and may even cause permanent damage to the nervous system.

Unlike high blood pressure, which medical professionals are unsure of the exact causes, low blood pressure occurs from conditions that cause the volume of blood to be reduced. Because medical personnel understand what causes low blood pressure, it can be treated more easily and avoided.

One of the most common reasons why a person would experience low blood pressure is because of dehydration. Dehydration is often experienced by individuals who are sick, athletes and pregnant mothers. Dehydration, although serious, can be quickly treated by giving the person fluids to drink.

Low blood pressure can also be caused by losing a large amount of blood, a weakened heart or heart disease, and by taking certain types of medication. In these cases, low blood pressure will be monitored on a regular basis.

Related Articles

• Symptoms to Look for in High and Low Blood Pressure
• Today’s Popular Heart Medications
• What is High Blood Pressure?
• Who Can Get Rheumatic Heart Disease?
• Heart Attack In Women
• Ischemic Heart Disease
• The Pros and Cons of Using Coreg