UNDERSTANDING LOW BLOOD PRESSURE - THE BASICS

Hypotension is the medical term for low blood pressure(less than 90/60) with no symptoms. Chronic low blood pressure with no symptoms is almost never serious. But health problems can occur when blood pressure drops suddenly, and the brain is deprived of an adequate blood supply. This can lead to dizziness or lightheadedness. Sudden drops in blood pressure most commonly occur in someone who's rising from a prone or sitting position to standing. This kind of low blood pressure is know as postural hypotension. The risk of both low and high blood pressure normally increases with age, due in part to normal changes during aging. In addition, blood flow in the brain declines with age, often as a result of plaque buildup in blood vessels. An estimated 10% to 20% of people over age 65 have postural hypotension.

The cause of low blood pressure isn't always clear. It may be associated with the following:

1. Pregnancy

2. Hormonal problems such as an underactive thyroid, overactive thyroid, diabetes, or low blood sugar.

3. Over-the-counter medications

4.Overdose of high blood pressure drugs

5. Heart failure

6. Heart arrhythmias

7. Widening, or dilation, of the blood vessels

8. Heat exhaustion or heat stroke

9. Liver disease

Sudden drops in blood pressure can be life-threatening. Causes of this type of hypotension include:

1. Loss of blood from bleeding

2. Low body temperature

3. High body temperature

4. Heart muscle disease causing heart failure

5. Sepsis, a severe blood infection

6. Severe dehydration from vomiting, diarrhea, or fever

7. A reaction to medication or alcohol

8. A severe allergic reaction, called anaphylaxis

Normal blood pressure is usually in the range of 120/80. In healthy people, especially athletes, low blood pressure is a sign of good cardiovascular health. But low blood pressure can be a sign of an underlying problem - especially in the elderly - where it may cause in adequate blood flow to the heart, brain, and other vital organs. Please contact your physician for further information, or if you feel that you may have low blood pressure.

source: http://www.webmd.com/