According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), a normal blood pressure level should be between 90/60 and 130/80 mm Hg. Anything that is lower than the minimum range will be considered hypotension or low blood pressure. This is a condition that is comparatively less common than hypertension, which is high blood pressure and alarmingly widespread these days.
Because of its infrequency, people assume that low blood pressure is not as dangerous as hypertension. Fortunately, it is not but this does not mean that hypotension should not be taken seriously. On the contrary, it can become a serious problem and lead to heart disorders in severe cases.

What is Risk of Low Blood Pressure

There are three types of hypotension according to the National Institute of Health. When there is a temporary change in the blood pressure due to change in the position of the body such as moving from a sitting to standing position, this is called orthostatic hypotension. Postprandial orthostatic hypotension occurs after eating and is of an equally short period. Neurally mediated hypotension (NMH) is triggered by an extended period of standing.

There are several risk factors that can make some one susceptible to hypotension.

People who are taking high blood pressure medications such as alpha blockers are at an increased risk of hypotension especially if they are above 80 years of age. Anti-anxiety and anti-depression medications (tricyclic antidepressant including amitriptyline/Elavil), diuretics and sildenafil (Viagra), especially when used in combination with the heart medication, nitroglycerine are also other medicines that can cause low blood pressure.

Other common causes of hypotension can result due to the overall health of the patient. If patient is suffering from irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmias), advanced diabetes, dehydration, anaphylaxis (potentially fatal allergic reaction) or have had heart attacks, then he can have low blood pressure. Moreover, an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) or an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroid), hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease) are also conditions that cause hypotension. It can also be due to fainting.

People who are suffering from low blood pressure can experience dizziness, weakness, blurry vision, confusion, sleepiness and fainting. If you notice black or maroon stools during bowel movements, have a fever higher than 101, are experiencing shortness of breath, chest pains or have an irregular heartbeat, visit a doctor as soon as possible.

Only in severe cases of hypotension will a doctor prescribe medicines such as fludrocortisones. The treatment generally targets on the resolution of the underlying cause of low blood pressure. Your doctor will alter the dose or change your medication altogether if you have drug-related orthostatic hypotension. People with NMH should limit standing for long periods. Besides these precautions, people with hypotension should drink lots of fluids so that they do not become dehydrated. Using compression stockings will also be beneficial because these increase blood pressure in the legs.

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