Also known as hypotension, low blood pressure can be as dangerous for people as high blood pressure. The Mayo Clinic explains that it can lead to heart and neurological disorders, and produces symptoms that include dizzizness, blurry vision, fatigue, thirst and nausea. Every person's blood pressure varies, but anyone with a reading of 90/60 or less is considered to have low pressure. To treat the problem properly, you must first determine the cause.
Hypovolemic Shock
Hypovolemic shock is a life-threatening complication of dehydration, the Mayo Clinic explains. Dehydration occurs when the body loses more water than it takes in, and depending on how severe the case of dehydration, the symptoms can range from weakness to severe diarrhea. Hypovolemic shock occurs when a low volume of blood in a person's body causes a sudden drop in blood pressure, thus resulting in a reduction in the amount of oxygen reaching the tissues of the body. If treatment is not sought, this type of shock can result in death within as little as a few minutes.
Being Pregnant
Pregnancy is a common cause of low blood pressure, especially during the first 24 weeks, because a woman's circulatory system expands so quickly. Both the Mayo Clinic and the American Heart Association agree, stating that the top number, or systolic pressure, usually drops approximately 10 points, while the bottom number, or diastolic pressure, falls by as much as 10 to 15 points. After birth, a woman's pressure usually returns to normal.
A Variety of Medications
The American Heart Association explains that a variety of medications may cause hypotension as well. Among them are beta-blockers, tricyclic antidepressants, drugs for erectile dysfunction, drugs for Parkinson's disease and various heart medications. In addition to prescription medications, alcohol may have this effect on the body, along with over-the-counter medications that may interact negatively with medications for blood pressure.
Heart Conditions
Just as medications to treat heart conditions can lead to low blood pressure, so too, can certain heart conditions. These include a slow heart rate, also known as bradycardia; heart attack; heart failure; and general heart valve problems. All of these prevent the body from circulating enough blood, resulting in low blood pressure.
Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is the medical term for a severe and possibly life-threatening allergic reaction that some people suffer from. This includes those with allergies to latex, bee stings, food allergies such as peanuts, and and some medications like penicillin. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include hives, a swollen throat, itching and difficulty breathing. A drop in blood pressure is another common symptom.
