Low blood pressure, or hypotension, describes blood pressure that is 90/60 or lower, according to the Mayo Clinic. There are many causes of low blood pressure, and depending on underlying causes, different problems may occur. Low blood pressure is not curable but there are treatments that can help stabilize blood pressure and treat complications related to the condition.
Orthostatic Hypotension
Orthostatic hypotension, also called postural hypotension, is a condition related to low blood pressure that occurs when an individual stands up after a period of sitting or lying down, according to the Mayo Clinic. The condition is found more often in older adults, but can happen at any age, and involves feeling dizzy or lightheaded and fainting may occur. Symptoms are usually mild and last a few seconds to minutes upon standing, but this condition can be a symptom of something more serious, like cardiac problems or nervous system disorders, says the Mayo Clinic. Depending on the underlying cause, treatment may include lifestyle changes like eliminating alcohol and staying hydrated, wearing compression stockings, or taking medications.
Shock
If blood pressure gets extremely low, an individual can go into shock. According to the Merck Manual, more than one million cases of shock occur in the U.S. each year. When blood pressure gets too low to send enough blood and oxygen to the cells of the body, cells in organs like the brain and kidneys stop functioning normally, says the Merck Manual. If these cells do not get blood flow restored to them fairly quickly, they can stop functioning altogether and die; if enough cells in an organ stop functioning, the organ stops working and an individual can die. Immediate treatment is warranted to help restore blood flow and care for an individual experiencing shock.
Vasovagal Syncope
Vasovagal syncope, also simply known as syncope, is when an individual faints when the body overreacts to certain triggers, says the Mayo Clinic. One of these triggers is a sudden drop in heart rate or blood pressure. Signs of impending syncope can include breaking out into a cold sweat, nausea, tunnel vision, pale skin and lightheadedness. The Mayo Clinic states that treatment may include medications like blood vessel constrictors that treat hypotension or asthma; or beta blockers that help treat high blood pressure and block some bodily signals that lead to fainting.
