While most people are concerned about having blood pressure that is too high, blood pressure that drops too low (hypotension) can also cause complications. According to the American Heart Association, there is no set number for blood pressure that is too low. It only becomes a concern if it is accompanied by symptoms. In severe cases, blood pressure that drops too low can be life threatening. If you think your blood pressure is too low and you feel dizzy, lightheaded, unusually tired or experience any other symptoms, talk to your doctor. He or she can run tests to determine the cause of your low blood pressure and then take steps to treat it.
Dehydration
If you become dehydrated, your blood pressure can drop, states the American Heart Association. If you are dehydrated and have low blood pressure, you may experience dizziness, nausea, vomiting, weakness and confusion. If you are working out hard, taking diuretics, have a fever or diarrhea or are exposed to high heat and humidity, you may become dehydrated. Once you start to feel thirsty, dehydration has already set in. Extreme thirst is a serious warning sign.
Medications
According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, there are different forms of hypotension. There is orthostatic hypotension, which is a drop in blood pressure when you stand too quickly after lying down or sitting. Postprandial hypotension occurs after you eat. Hypotension can also be a side effect of a medication you are taking. This includes heart and blood pressure medications, which may slow the heart beat and blood pressure too much. Another culprit is diuretics, which lower blood pressure by reducing the volume of water in the body. You may develop hypotension from medications used to treat anxiety or neurological diseases. In some cases, your physician may be able to adjust your medication to reduce your risk of this symptom.
Medical Conditions
The Merck website states that heart conditions can contribute to low blood pressure. If you have a form of heart disease that affects the ability of the heart to pump blood or maintain a steady rhythm, the volume of circulating blood may be reduced. This can lead to a drop in blood pressure. Diseases of the heart muscle, heart valves and blood vessels can all cause this symptom. Any type of neurological condition, such as Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis and others, may interfere with the body's normal signaling system between the brain and heart. This can alter the heart's rhythm and cause a drop in blood pressure. Hypotension can also occur with thyroid disorders, kidney disease and diabetes.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy places many demands on the body including a need for greater blood flow. This can cause low blood pressure either in the initial pregnancy stages or until delivery. In most cases, blood pressure returns to normal after giving birth.
