Low Blood Pressure Readings FAQs

Chronic stress is not a known cause for low blood pressure readings. However, it can be frustrating for people with low blood pressure not to know why they have it and what to do (or not to do) about it. Here are some of the most common low blood pressure questions:



1. What is low blood pressure?

2. What is considered a low blood pressure reading?

Almost all experts agree on systolic BP reading of 90 mmHg or lower and diastolic pressure of 60 mmHg or lower to define low blood pressure.

3. What is the cause of low blood pressure?

4. What is low diastolic blood pressure?

Diastolic blood pressure of 60 mmHg or lower is used to define low blood pressure.

5. What are the symptoms of low blood pressure readings?

6. Is there a treatment for low blood pressure

Summary:

• Low blood pressure is defined as systolic blood pressure reading of 90 mmHg or lower and diastolic pressure reading of 60 mmHg or lower

• Low blood pressure, without symptoms is usually well tolerated and does not need treatment

• The most common symptoms of low blood pressure include dizziness, lightheadedness, weakness, and fainting.

• Circulatory shock and vital organ damage are life-threatening symptoms of severe low blood pressure.

• The most common causes of low blood pressure include some medications (especially medications taken for high blood pressure), reduced volume of blood (e.g. severe blood loss), and heart disease such as heart attack or abnormal heart rhythm (e.g. atrial or ventricular fibrillation).

• Treatment of low blood pressure is determined by its cause. If the cause cannot be established then the treatment is symptomatic.

References

1. Calkins H, Zipes DP. Hypotension and syncope. In: Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 37.

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Low blood pressure readings related pages:

What is Low Blood Pressure?
What Are the Symptoms of Low Blood Pressure?
Is There a Treatment for Low Blood Pressure?
What is the Cause of Low Blood Pressure?