A drop in blood pressure can cause serious problems if it is not diagnosed and treated immediately. When blood pressure decreases, several complications can occur such as headache, dizziness and even loss of consciousness. Some causes of low blood pressure can be treated quickly and easily, while others may take more complicated interventions such as medications or intravenous fluids.
Medications
Many people who are diagnosed with hypertension or high blood pressure are given medications to help decrease their blood pressure. Many times, the side effects of these antihypertensives cause low blood pressure, or hypotension. A drop in blood pressure can be temporary immediately following consumption of the medication. It can also cause long term hypotension. In this case, the medication dose needs to be adjusted. Beta blockers, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and diuretics are among medications that can cause a drop in blood pressure.
Dehydration
When a person becomes dehydrated, their blood volume decreases. This can cause a severe drop in blood pressure. According to the American Heart Association, even mild dehydration can cause weakness, dizziness and fatigue. The only way the blood pressure can be normalized is by adequate fluid intake. This can be accomplished by intravenous fluids or drinking fluids. According to the Mayo Clinic, dehydration is caused by diarrhea, vomiting, excessive sweating or increased urination. Therefore, any of these symptoms can cause a drop in blood pressure.
Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is an emergency medical situation that requires immediate attention. It is caused by an allergic reaction to a food, medication, insect bite or other substances. Anaphylaxis causes an extreme drop in blood pressure. If the allergy is known, it can be treated with an epinephrine pen. When a person experiences a mysterious anaphylactic reaction, emergency medical care needs to be sought immediately.
Septic Shock
Septic shock is caused by sepsis or infection in the blood. An infection is prevalent in one part of the body and the bacteria spreads to the circulatory system. According to the American Heart Association, the bacteria then produce toxins that affect blood vessels, leading to a profound and life-threatening decline in blood pressure. Antibiotics are used to treat this type of drop in blood pressure, along with intravenous fluids to increase blood volume.
