Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)

What Is Low Blood Pressure?

Low blood pressure, or hypotension, occurs when the force of blood against your artery walls is too low. It is typically defined as a blood pressure reading below 90/60 mm Hg. While it can be harmless for some, for others, it may lead to dizziness, fainting, or even shock, especially if blood flow to vital organs is reduced.

Who Is Affected?

Low blood pressure can affect people of all ages, though it is more common in:

• Older adults
• People who are underweight
• Those with certain chronic health conditions
  
  

Athletes and healthy individuals may have naturally lower blood pressure without symptoms. However, in some cases, low blood pressure is a sign of an underlying issue that requires medical attention.

What Causes Low Blood Pressure?

Low blood pressure can result from temporary factors, such as dehydration or standing up too quickly, or more serious health conditions, such as heart disorders or endocrine problems.

Risk Factors

Not Controllable

• Age: Blood pressure tends to drop with age
• Genetics or family history
• Chronic conditions: such as Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, or adrenal insufficiency
  
  

Controllable

• Dehydration
• Poor nutrition
• Prolonged bed rest or inactivity
• Sudden changes in position
• Certain medications, including diuretics, beta-blockers, antidepressants, and drugs for Parkinson’s disease
  

Who Is Most at Risk?

You're more likely to experience hypotension if you:

• Are over 65
• Are on medications that lower blood pressure
• Have diabetes, heart conditions, or neurological disorders
• Are pregnant (blood pressure often lowers in the first and second trimesters)
• Have experienced blood loss or severe infection
  

How to Reduce Your Risk

• Stay well hydrated
• Avoid skipping meals
• Stand up slowly, especially from lying or sitting positions
• Limit alcohol consumption
• Wear compression stockings if recommended
• Talk to your doctor about adjusting medications if you experience low blood pressure symptoms

Common Symptoms

Signs of low blood pressure may vary, especially depending on how quickly the pressure drops. Symptoms include:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Fainting
• Blurred or tunnel vision
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Cold, clammy, pale skin
• Confusion (especially in older adults)
  

Unique Symptoms in Certain Groups

• Older adults may appear confused or disoriented.
• Children and teens may report fatigue or appear pale.
• Pregnant women may feel dizzy or faint, especially when standing for long periods.

How Is Low Blood Pressure Diagnosed?

Diagnosis starts with a physical exam and blood pressure reading. If symptoms are present, your doctor may look for underlying causes using:

Common Diagnostic Tests

• Repeated blood pressure readings, including standing and sitting measurements
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) to check heart rhythm
• Echocardiogram to visualize heart function
• Tilt table test to evaluate positional blood pressure changes
• Blood tests to check for anemia, blood sugar, and electrolyte imbalances

How Is Low Blood Pressure Treated?

Treatment depends on the cause and severity of your symptoms.

Lifestyle Changes

• Increase salt intake (only under medical advice)
• Eat small, frequent meals
• Stay hydrated
• Avoid prolonged standing
• Elevate the head of the bed
  
  

Medical Treatment

• Adjusting or stopping medications that lower blood pressure
• Medications such as fludrocortisone or midodrine may be prescribed to raise blood pressure
  
  

Devices

• Compression stockings may be recommended to reduce blood pooling in the legs
  
  

Surgical Treatment

• Surgery is rare and only necessary if hypotension is caused by a correctable structural issue

When to Seek Care

Signs That Require Medical Attention

• Frequent dizziness or fainting
• Confusion
• Blurred vision
• Fatigue or weakness
• Cold or clammy skin
  
  

When to Seek Emergency Medical Care

Call 911 immediately if you or someone else experiences:

• Loss of consciousness
• Chest pain
• Trouble breathing
• A rapid or weak pulse
• Signs of shock (e.g., confusion, pale skin, shallow breathing)
  
  

These may indicate a medical emergency, such as internal bleeding, severe dehydration, or heart failure.

What Should You Do Next?

• Monitor your blood pressure regularly, especially if you're prone to symptoms
• Talk to your healthcare provider if you experience frequent dizziness or fainting
• Review your medications with your doctor to see if any are causing your blood pressure to drop
• Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet
• Follow your provider’s plan for managing blood pressure and any underlying health conditions