Low blood pressure, also known as hypotension, is when you have a blood pressure level that is below the normal range.If your blood pressure is naturally low and isn’t causing you any problems it probably won’t need any treatment. If you have symptoms and your doctor or nurse feels that you would benefit from treatment, they will try to find the cause of your low blood pressure so that they can find the best way to treat it. Show
Low blood pressure is a reading of less than 90/60mmHg. It does not always cause symptoms, but you may need treatment if it does. Symptoms of low blood pressureGet your blood pressure checked if you keep getting symptoms like:
This might mean your blood pressure is too low. If you get symptoms when you stand up or suddenly change position, you may have postural hypotension. How to check your blood pressureYou can check your blood pressure:
Low blood pressure is a measurement of less than 90/60mmHg. Regular blood pressure checkIf you're 40 to 74 years old, you should have your blood pressure checked at least once every 5 years as part of the NHS Health Check. Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:
Treatment for low blood pressure depends on the causeIf a cause can be found, a GP will be able to recommend treatment to ease your symptoms. For example, they may suggest:
Medicine to increase blood pressure is rarely needed because simple lifestyle measures or treating the underlying cause is usually effective. How to ease low blood pressure symptoms yourselfDo
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Causes of low blood pressureYour blood pressure can vary depending on the time of day. It gradually increases throughout the day. What you're doing and how you're feeling can also affect it. There are many possible causes of low blood pressure. It may be low because you're fit and healthy, or you may have inherited it from your parents. Within certain limits, the lower your blood pressure reading is, the better. There is also no specific number at which day-to-day blood pressure is considered too low, as long as none of the symptoms of trouble are present. Symptoms of low blood pressureMost doctors will only consider chronically low blood pressure as dangerous if it causes noticeable signs and symptoms, such as:
Lowering the RiskYour donation helps empower people everywhere to learn the facts and take action to lower their risk of heart problems.Donate Now Underlying causes of low blood pressureLow blood pressure can occur with:
If you notice a sudden decline in blood pressureA single lower-than-normal reading is not cause for alarm, unless you are experiencing any other symptoms or problems. If you experience any dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea or other symptoms, it’s a good idea to consult with your health care professional. To help with your diagnosis, keep a record of your symptoms and activities at the time they occurred. Is low blood pressure related to low heart rate? Find out. Written by American Heart Association editorial staff and reviewed by science and medicine advisers. See our editorial policies and staff. What should we do when BP is low?Lifestyle and home remedies. Drink more water, less alcohol. Alcohol is dehydrating and can lower blood pressure, even if drinking in moderation. ... . Pay attention to body positions. Gently move from lying flat or squatting to a standing position. ... . Eat small, low-carb meals. ... . Exercise regularly.. What does low blood pressure indicate?Other people experience a sudden drop in blood pressure or have low blood pressure that may be linked to a health problem. This can be dangerous, as it could mean your heart, brain, or other vital organs are not getting enough blood flow and you are at risk for a heart attack or stroke.
What is considered a dangerously low blood pressure?Hypotension is abnormally low blood pressure (lower than 90/60 mm Hg). If your blood pressure gets too low, it can cause dizziness, fainting or death. Low blood pressure is not a condition that is usually treated except if it occurs in the elderly or occurs suddenly.
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