Having a condition characterized by low blood pressure and high heart rate (pulse rate) may be cause for concern, prompting a visit to your local physician. Tachycardia, also known as a high heart rate, is a term used to
refer to a pulse rate greater than 100 beats per minute and may be a reflex when the body senses a fall in blood pressure. This is generally considered a normal transient physiologic response that occurs to help correct an abnormality in blood pressure. Show
However, there are pathological conditions causing low blood pressureand high heart rate, such as when the neural connections between the heart and the brain become dysfunctional, often leading to fainting spells. This condition, as well as others, should be assessed by a trained physician to find the underlying cause. Causes of low blood pressure and high pulse rateThe human body relies on a balanced level of both blood pressure and heart rate, with both depending on each other to varying extents. The heart needs to pump blood between 80 to 100 beats per minute to ensure that organs and tissues are receiving appropriate perfusion. The heart rate can modify itself, as if it senses that a part of the body is not getting enough blood, it will begin to speed up, developing a heart rate over 100 beats per minute (tachycardia) to compensate. While this a considered a normal phenomenon, there are instances where this can occur due to a secondary cause or be the result of a chronic disorder affecting the heart or the brain. The following are some origins of low blood pressure and high heart rate. Neurally mediated hypotension (NMH): Due to faulty brain signals that fail to accurately recognize a state of low blood in the ventricle of the heart while standing. This condition often results in pooling of blood in the lower extremities and fainting (syncope). Vasovagal syncope: Also referred to as vasodepressor syncope or neurocardiogenic syncope, this condition leads to a drop in blood pressure, which is quickly followed by a faster then slower heart rate. Because this leads to poor blood and oxygen flow to the brain, those affected often suffer from a temporary loss of consciousness. Atrial fibrillation: Characterized by abnormal contractions of the atrial chambers of the heart, causing it to beat very quickly in relation to the lower ventricles. Because the ventricles do not have enough time to fill up normally, the amount of blood effectively pumped out of the heart is reduced. Medication: Commonly used medication may cause the unwanted side effect of tachycardia and low blood pressure. These may include calcium channel blockers, diuretics, and various types of antidepressants. Other causes include:
Symptoms of low blood pressure and high pulse rateSymptoms will mostly depend on the particular cause leading to low blood pressure and high pulse rate, but the following are some of the most common symptoms observed.
Diagnosis of low blood pressure and high pulse rateA condition involving low blood pressure and high pulse rate is often transient in nature and not likely to be diagnosed during a routine doctor’s visit. However, if it is due to an underlying condition, it may be reproducible through testing or have certain markers that can be identified. The following are various testing modalities that help doctors reach a diagnosis.
Treatment for low blood pressure and high pulse rateTreatment will depend on your underlying cause, with most requiring their own unique form of therapy. For example, neurally mediated hypotension (NMH) is often treated with a combination of blood pressure medication and increased salt and water intake. However, this will not cure the condition, but rather help you manage it. Treatment for NMH will require persistence, commitment, and willingness to try several other drug and therapy combinations to help control the problem. Drugs known for improving NMH include fludrocortisone (Florinef), beta-blockers (atenolol), disopyramide (Norpace), fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, theophylline, methylphenidate (Ritalin), and midodrine. If your condition is benign and not due to any serious underlying problem, the following changes to your lifestyle may provide some help with low blood pressure.
Therapies employed to remedy cases of low blood pressure and high heart rate often do not cure the problem and should be managed with the guidance of an experienced physician. If you were to suddenly stop any prescribed treatment plans, symptoms may return or even worsen. It is important to recognize situations that may lead to symptom exacerbation and to avoid triggers. However, many of the conditions leading to low blood pressure and high pulse rate have not been extensively studied, with more research being required. Related: Resting heart rate chart: Factors that influence heart rate in elderly Can dehydration cause low blood pressure and high heart rate?Yes. For the same reason dehydration can cause low blood pressure, it can also cause heart palpitations. Palpitations are the feeling of a pounding, fast-beating or fluttering heart. When blood volume is decreased, the heart has to beat faster to try to continue to deliver oxygen to your organs.
What does it mean when your blood pressure is low and your pulse is high?Sometimes, the combination of low blood pressure and a high pulse signifies that the body is not getting enough oxygen. This may put the body at risk for shock, which can be serious. Anyone who suspects their body is going into shock should seek immediate, emergency medical attention.
Can dehydration cause low blood pressure?Dehydration. When the body doesn't have enough water, the amount of blood in the body (blood volume) decreases. This can cause blood pressure to drop. Fever, vomiting, severe diarrhea, overuse of diuretics and strenuous exercise can lead to dehydration.
Can dehydration cause high heart rate?Dehydration can negatively affect your organs and bodily functions, including your heart and cardiovascular system. When you are dehydrated your blood volume, or the amount of blood circulating through your body, decreases. To compensate, your heart beats faster, increasing your heart rate and your blood pressure.
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