Professional Documents
Culture Documents
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/low-blood-pressure/bas...
Low blood pressure (hypotension) 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.
For some people, low blood pressure can signal an underlying problem, especially when it drops suddenly or is
accompanied by signs and symptoms such as:
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Fainting (syncope)
Lack of concentration
Blurred vision
Nausea
Cold, clammy, pale skin
Rapid, shallow breathing
Fatigue
Depression
Thirst
01-04-2015 11:12
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/low-blood-pressure/bas...
Systolic pressure. The first (top) number in a blood pressure reading, this is the amount of pressure your
heart generates when pumping blood through your arteries to the rest of your body.
Diastolic pressure. The second (bottom) number in a blood pressure reading, this refers to the amount of
pressure in your arteries when your heart is at rest between beats.
Current guidelines identify normal blood pressure as lower than 120/80 mm Hg.
Although you can get an accurate blood pressure reading at any given time, blood pressure isn't always the
same. It can vary considerably in a short amount of time sometimes from one heartbeat to the next,
depending on body position, breathing rhythm, stress level, physical condition, medications you take, what you
eat and drink, and even time of day. Blood pressure is usually lowest at night and rises sharply on waking.
01-04-2015 11:12
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/low-blood-pressure/bas...
Severe infection (septicemia). Septicemia can happen when an infection in the body enters the
bloodstream. This condition can lead to a life-threatening drop in blood pressure called septic shock.
Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). Anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic
reaction. Common triggers of anaphylaxis include foods, certain medications, insect venoms and latex.
Anaphylaxis can cause breathing problems, hives, itching, a swollen throat and a drop in blood pressure.
Lack of nutrients in your diet. A lack of the vitamins B-12 and folate can cause a condition in which your
body doesn't produce enough red blood cells (anemia), causing low blood pressure.
01-04-2015 11:12
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/low-blood-pressure/bas...
Postprandial hypotension is more likely to affect people with high blood pressure or autonomic nervous
system disorders such as Parkinson's disease.
Lowering the dose of blood pressure drugs and eating small, low-carbohydrate meals may help reduce
symptoms.
Low blood pressure from faulty brain signals (neurally mediated hypotension). This disorder causes
blood pressure to drop after standing for long periods, leading to signs and symptoms such as dizziness,
nausea and fainting.
Neurally mediated hypotension mostly affects young people, and it seems to occur because of a
miscommunication between the heart and the brain.
When you stand for extended periods, your blood pressure falls as blood pools in your legs. Normally, your
body then makes adjustments to normalize your blood pressure.
But in people with neurally mediated hypotension, nerves in the heart's left ventricle actually signal the brain
that blood pressure is too high, rather than too low.
As a result, the brain lessens the heart rate, decreasing blood pressure even further. This causes more blood
to pool in the legs and less blood to reach the brain, leading to lightheadedness and fainting.
Low blood pressure due to nervous system damage (multiple system atrophy with orthostatic
hypotension). Also called Shy-Drager syndrome, this rare disorder causes progressive damage to the
autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary functions such as blood pressure, heart rate, breathing
and digestion.
Although this condition can be associated with muscle tremors, slowed movement, problems with
coordination and speech, and incontinence, its main characteristic is severe orthostatic hypotension in
combination with very high blood pressure when lying down.
Low blood pressure (hypotension) can occur in anyone, though certain types of low blood pressure are more
common depending on your age or other factors:
Age. Drops in blood pressure on standing or after eating occur primarily in adults older than 65. Orthostatic,
or postural, hypotension happens after standing up, while postprandial hypotension happens after eating a
meal.
Neurally mediated hypotension happens as a result of a miscommunication between the brain and heart. It
primarily affects children and younger adults.
Medications. People who take certain medications, such as high blood pressure medications like alpha
blockers, have a greater risk of low blood pressure.
Certain diseases. Parkinson's disease, diabetes and some heart conditions put you at a greater risk of
developing low blood pressure.
Even moderate forms of low blood pressure can cause not only dizziness and weakness but also fainting and a
risk of injury from falls.
And severely low blood pressure from any cause can deprive your body of enough oxygen to carry out its normal
functions, leading to damage to your heart and brain.
No special preparations are necessary to have your blood pressure checked. You might want to wear a shortsleeved shirt to your appointment so that the blood pressure cuff can fit around your arm properly.
Don't stop taking any prescription medications that you think may affect your blood pressure without your
doctor's advice.
Because appointments can be brief, and because there's often a lot to discuss, it's a good idea to be prepared
for your appointment. Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment, and what to expect
from your doctor.
4 of 8
01-04-2015 11:12
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/low-blood-pressure/bas...
01-04-2015 11:12
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/low-blood-pressure/bas...
01-04-2015 11:12
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/low-blood-pressure/bas...
When low blood pressure is caused by medications, treatment usually involves changing the dose of the
medication or stopping it entirely.
If it's not clear what's causing low blood pressure or no effective treatment exists, the goal is to raise your blood
pressure and reduce signs and symptoms. Depending on your age, health status and the type of low blood
pressure you have, you can do this in several ways:
Use more salt. Experts usually recommend limiting the amount of salt in your diet because sodium can raise
blood pressure, sometimes dramatically. For people with low blood pressure, that can be a good thing.
But because excess sodium can lead to heart failure, especially in older adults, it's important to check with
your doctor before increasing the salt in your diet.
Drink more water. Although nearly everyone can benefit from drinking enough water, this is especially true if
you have low blood pressure.
Fluids increase blood volume and help prevent dehydration, both of which are important in treating
hypotension.
Wear compression stockings. The same elastic stockings commonly used to relieve the pain and swelling
of varicose veins may help reduce the pooling of blood in your legs.
Medications. Several medications, either used alone or together, can be used to treat low blood pressure
that occurs when you stand up (orthostatic hypotension).
For example, the drug fludrocortisone is often used to treat this form of low blood pressure. This drug helps
boost your blood volume, which raises blood pressure.
Doctors often use the drug midodrine (Orvaten) to raise standing blood pressure levels in people with chronic
orthostatic hypotension. It works by restricting the ability of your blood vessels to expand, which raises blood
pressure.
Depending on the reason for your low blood pressure, you may be able to take certain steps to help reduce or
even prevent symptoms. Some suggestions include:
Drink more water, less alcohol. Alcohol is dehydrating and can lower blood pressure, even if you drink in
moderation. Water, on the other hand, combats dehydration and increases blood volume.
Follow a healthy diet. Get all the nutrients you need for good health by focusing on a variety of foods,
including whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean chicken and fish.
If your doctor suggests using more salt but you don't like a lot of salt on your food, try using natural soy sauce
or adding dry soup mixes to dips and dressings.
Go slowly when changing body positions. You may be able to reduce the dizziness and lightheadedness
that occur with low blood pressure on standing by taking it easy when you move from a prone to a standing
position.
Before getting out of bed in the morning, breathe deeply for a few minutes and then slowly sit up before
standing. Sleeping with the head of your bed slightly elevated also can help fight the effects of gravity.
If you begin to get symptoms while standing, cross your thighs in a scissors fashion and squeeze, or put one
foot on a ledge or chair and lean as far forward as possible. These maneuvers encourage blood to flow from
your legs to your heart.
Eat small, low-carb meals. To help prevent blood pressure from dropping sharply after meals, eat small
portions several times a day and limit high-carbohydrate foods such as potatoes, rice, pasta and bread.
Your doctor also may recommend drinking caffeinated coffee or tea with meals to temporarily raise blood
pressure. But because caffeine can cause other problems, check with your doctor before drinking more
caffeinated beverages.
References
7 of 8
01-04-2015 11:12
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/low-blood-pressure/bas...
1. Hypotension. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/hyp/. Accessed Jan. 6, 2014.
2. Low blood pressure. American Heart Association. http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HighBloodPressure
/AboutHighBloodPressure/Low-Blood-Pressure_UCM_301785_Article.jsp. Accessed Jan. 6, 2014.
3. Kaufman H, et al. Mechanisms, causes and evaluation of orthostatic hypotension. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Jan. 6,
2014.
4. Kaufman H, et al. Treatment of orthostatic and postprandial hypotension. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Jan. 6, 2014.
5. Bonow RO, et al. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier;
2012. http://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Jan. 6, 2014.
6. NINDS Multiple system atrophy with orthostatic hypotension information page. National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/msa_orthostatic_hypotension/msa_orthostatic_hypotension.htm. Accessed Jan. 7, 2014.
7. Shep SG (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Jan. 11, 2014.
Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below.
Terms and Conditions
Privacy Policy
Notice of Privacy Practices
Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization and proceeds from Web advertising help support our mission. Mayo Clinic does not endorse any
of the third party products and services advertised.
Advertising and sponsorship policy
Advertising and sponsorship opportunities
A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo
Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.
1998-2015 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. All rights reserved.
8 of 8
01-04-2015 11:12