DEFINITION
Low blood pressure (hypo tension) would seem to be something to strive for. However, for many people, low blood pressure can cause symptoms of dizziness and fainting. In severe cases, low blood pressure can be life-threatening.
Although blood pressure varies from person to person, a blood pressure reading of 90 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) or less systolic blood pressure (the top number in a blood pressure reading) or 60 mm Hg or less diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) is generally considered low blood pressure.
The causes of low blood pressure can range from dehydration to serious medical or surgical disorders. Low blood pressure is treatable, but it’s important to find out what’s causing your condition so that it can be properly treated.
WHAT IS HYPOTENSION?
Hypo tension is low blood pressure. Your blood pushes against your arteries with each heartbeat. The pushing of the blood against the artery walls is called blood pressure. Low blood pressure is good in most cases. Sometimes, however, low blood pressure can make you feel tired or dizzy. Hypo tension can be a sign of an underlying condition that should be treated.
Blood pressure is measured both when your heart beats and in the periods of rest in between. The measurement of your blood pumping through your arteries is called systolic pressure. The measurement for the periods of rest is called diastolic pressure. Blood pressure is written with the systolic number above the diastolic number. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) defines hypo tension as being 90/60 or lower.
ABOUT LOW BLOOD PRESSURE
Your blood pressure is a measure of the force that your blood puts on the walls of
your arteries as it’s pumped around your body. This is affected by the strength
with which your heart pumps, and the size and flexibility of your arteries that
carry the blood. Your blood pressure changes throughout the day. It’s lower when
you sleep and rises when you wake up.
Blood pressure is expressed as two numbers, such as 120/80mmHg (millimetres of
mercury). The first number shows the maximum pressure when your heart contracts
this is your systolic blood pressure. The second number shows the minimum pressure
as your heart relaxes – this is your diastolic blood pressure.
If your blood pressure is too high (hypertension), you will be at greater risk of
certain diseases, such as coronary heart disease and stroke. It’s usually good to
have low blood pressure, as this can reduce your risk of getting these conditions.
The ideal blood pressure for adults is between 90/60 and 120/80 mm Hg.
There’s no recognized level for low blood pressure. If your systolic blood
pressure is lower than 90, your GP may consider it to be low. However, blood
pressure below this may be normal for some people, whereas others may develop
symptoms of low blood pressure at a level above this. It also depends on other
factors. For example, blood pressure is lower in pregnant women, particularly
during the middle part of pregnancy. Low blood pressure problems are also more
common as you get older. Low blood pressure is only considered to be a problem if
you’re having symptoms.
If your blood pressure falls below what is usual for you, it may result in not
enough blood being pumped around your body. This may mean that the supply of
oxygen to your organs, including your brain, is restricted. This can lead to
symptoms such as fainting.
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