Hypotension, or low blood pressure, is a common health problem that people experience at some point in their lives. It may become very dangerous for the overall health of a person if not well dealt with. So, in this blog, we will discuss the prospects of low blood pressure considering the causes of this health condition, its symptoms, and the ways of managing the condition based on the evidence of the recent research.
What is Low Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure (BP) is the amount of force exerted on the walls of the arteries through circulating blood in one’s system. It is typically expressed as two numbers: the systolic blood pressure which is the higher of the two numbers, this is the pressure in the arteries when the heart is contracting and the diastolic blood pressure which is the lower of the two numbers, this is the pressure when the heart is relaxed.
The normal blood pressure as recommended by the American Heart Association is a systolic pressure of below 120mmHg and a diastolic pressure below 80mmHg. Hypotension normally has features of systolic blood pressure below 90mmHg and diastolic blood pressure below 60mmHg. However, these guidelines are read along with age, health status of the person, and other conditions.
Causes of Low Blood Pressure
Low BP can have a wide range of underlying causes, including both physiological and pathological factors. Understanding the potential causes is crucial for identifying the appropriate treatment approach.
Physiological Causes
- Age: This is probably due to the fact that the blood vessels may gradually lose their elasticity as persons age. This decreases in blood pressure.
- Pregnancy: During pregnancy, certain hormones cause changes in the circulatory system, and blood pressure may decrease with pregnancy. This happens especially early pregnancy.
- Dehydration: Sweating, diarrhea and vomiting are some of the causes that might result to fluid loss, causing low BP.
- Prolonged Bed Rest: The condition of bed rest, for example during a hospital stay, or after a surgery operation, reduces blood pressure.
Pathological Causes
- Medications: Some of these drugs include diuretic drugs, antidepressants, and blood pressure reducing drugs are others that may cause low blood pressure.
- Underlying Medical Conditions: Some of these include diabetes, Addison’s disease, anemia and heart diseases whether they are heart failure, or congenital heart defects.
- Neurological Disorders: Essentials of the autonomic nervous system such as Parkinson’s disease multiple sclerosis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and others may lead to complications affecting the fluids pressure control systems.
- Severe Infections: Septicemia that results from an infection can lower blood pressure considerably because inflammation has taken place and blood vessels have dilated.
- Severe Allergic Reactions: Anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially fatal allergic reaction. It is one of the causes of a rapid reduction in blood pressure.
Symptoms of Low BP
The signs of low BP differ. From unequivocal to subtle and may include a grave danger to the life of the patient. It is useful to recall the signs and symptoms, which should be a wakeup call for a doctor’s visit.
Mild Symptoms
- Dizziness or lightheadedness: Dizziness is among the most frequent signs of low BP. Especially when a person gets up or changes the position of the body in some way.
- Fatigue or weakness: Less delivery of oxygen and nutrients to body tissues resulting into fatigue and less energy
- Blurred vision: This state of the eyes may lead to some forms of vision deficiencies which are however usually not permanent.
- Nausea or vomiting: Hypotension tends to regress the normal proper functioning of the gastrointestinal tract thereby causing nausea or vomiting.
- Headaches: Cerebral circulation is the blood supply of the brain and reduced supply may cause headaches.
Severe Symptoms
- Fainting or syncope: Sometimes the low BP can result to a sudden passing out which is termed syncope or fainting.
- Shock: Sudden or significant falls in blood pressure may cause a critical state termed as shock or fainting. It relates to rapid and feeble pulse, waxy pallor, confusion and so on.
- Organ Damage: The low BP may lead to less supply of blood to the kidneys, liver, or the heart.
Diagnosing and Treating Low BP
Diagnosing Low Blood Pressure
The diagnosis of low blood pressure typically involves a comprehensive medical evaluation, including:
- BP Measurement: Sphygmomanometer is used to check the BP. It is done both when seated or laying, then standing in a bid to identify drastic changes.
- Medical History: Symptoms, medication, and any illnesses or other factors helps to diagnose the root causes of the condition.
- Physical Examination: A physical check-up which focuses on cardiovascular, neurological, and endocrinal manifestations of the disease could offer clues regarding the basis of low BP.
- Laboratory Tests: A number of screening lab tests help determine how internal processes of the body are functioning, like anemia, thyroid issues, or kidney issues.
- Imaging Studies: Sometimes, doctors may suggest for an echocardiogram or a computed tomography (CT) scan. This helps to examine the architecture and functioning of the heart and blood vessels.
Treating Low Blood Pressure
The treatment approach for low BP will depend on the underlying cause and the severity of the symptoms. In many cases, a combination of lifestyle modifications and, if necessary, medication management can effectively address the issue.
Lifestyle Modifications
- Hydration: One must stay adequately hydrated. Especially when sweating under hot or humid conditions as better blood volume cannot induce hypotension.
- Dietary Changes: Reducing the use of table salt, and avoiding alcohol can effectively prevent blood pressure from rising.
- Exercise: Start with simple exercises that entail a low impact such as walking, swimming, cycling and even climbing stairs.
- Compression Stockings: Wearing compression stockings aids in the venous return. This reduces risks of low blood pressure through pooling of the blood in the lower extremities.
Medication Management
In some cases, healthcare providers may prescribe medications to help manage low blood pressure, such as:
- Fludrocortisone: This synthesized hormone can be of help in cases where one requires adjustment or augmentation of blood volume and pressure.
- Midodrine: This alpha-adrenergic agonist might have the capacity to constrict tiny blood vessels, leading to an increase in blood pressure.
- Droxidopa: This drug may also facilitate the enhanced synthesis of norepinephrine in the body. It is commonly associated with blood pressure regulation.
To understand the best approach, it is suggested to consult a healthcare provider. After all, the treatment may require constant monitoring and modifications to the plan.
Preventing and Managing Complications
If left untreated or unmanaged, low blood pressure can lead to a range of serious complications, including:
Cardiovascular Complications
Low blood pressure for extended periods puts a burden on the heart. This can cause heart failure, heart attacks, or other issues with circulation.
Neurological Complications
Ischemia results in symptoms like dizziness and fainting, but when the blood supply is very low for an extended period, it might lead to death or brain damage.
Organ Damage
Scarfogni and colleagues noted that poor circulation to organs such as the kidneys, liver, and lungs may lead to organ malfunctioning or failure.
To prevent and manage these complications, individuals with low blood pressure should:
- Seek Prompt Medical Attention: Seek medical attention if there are any symptoms to avoid complications.
- Adhere to Treatment Recommendations: Having to follow the treatment plan in conjunction with a healthcare provider and other recommended lifestyle changes as well as medication therapies is crucial in achieving and maintaining proper blood pressure.
- Monitor Blood Pressure Regularly: Daily BP monitoring can be both a self-measurement process at home and a doctor’s appointment, thereby making sure there are no changes that need intervention.
- Avoid Sudden Position Changes: Getting out of a seated/lying position should be done slowly because sitting or lying down causes a person’s blood to settle in large veins in the lower body so standing up suddenly might cause fainting or dizziness.
- Communicate with Healthcare Providers: That is, reporting any new developing signs or symptoms, or changes to the current medication and dietary habits is crucial to delivering the best care for low BP and complications.
If people with hypotension take an aggressive and teamwork supported approach to the disease, then they will have a limited predisposition to severe health complications while enjoying a good quality of life.
Conclusion
Understanding the factors that could lead to low blood pressure, from the physiological factors to the systemic disease helps in correct treatment. Therefore, individuals need to pay attention to symptoms of low blood pressure, follow healthy lifestyles that can help improve their blood pressure, follow their doctor’s prescriptions on the use of medications that can help to raise their blood pressure, and constantly consult with the doctors. Hypotension can be effectively treated with a holistic effort towards the health.