Does low blood pressure make you dizzy

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. 

Also called hypotension, low blood pressure is not a problem if you’re healthy and show no signs or symptoms of the condition. However, abnormally low blood pressure can cause problems such as dizziness and fainting and can be a sign that other serious conditions, such as heart disease, are present.

What Is Blood Pressure?

Does low blood pressure make you dizzy
Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing on the artery walls as it is pumped out of the heart. Blood pressure is measured in two kinds of pressures. Systolic pressure is when the heart beats while pumping blood. Diastolic pressure is when the heart is at rest between beats.

Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Systolic pressure is listed first (or the “top” number), then diastolic pressure (or the “bottom” number).

Normal blood pressure in adults is less than 120/80 mmHg. Low blood pressure is a reading below 90/60 mmHg.

Most forms of hypotension happen because your body can't bring blood pressure back to normal or can't do it fast enough.

For some people, low blood pressure is normal. They have it all the time, with no symptoms or negative side effects.

In other people, abnormally low blood pressure is caused by certain medical conditions or factors. When this happens, less blood and oxygen flow to the body's organs.

Symptoms And Causes Of Low Blood Pressure

Many different conditions and situations can cause low blood pressure, from standing up too fast to being pregnant. Sometimes, low blood pressure is linked to an underlying problem. That’s why it’s important to see your doctor right away if you experience the signs of low blood pressure.

Symptoms of low blood pressure can include:

  • Dizziness
  • Fainting
  • Dehydration
  • Lack of concentration
  • Blurred vision
  • Nausea
  • Cold, clammy and pale skin
  • Rapid, shallow breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Depression

Low blood pressure can be a sign of serious heart, endocrine or neurological conditions. If left untreated, the brain and other vital organs do not get the oxygen and nutrients they need. In extreme cases, this can cause shock, a life-threatening condition.

If you show signs of low blood pressure, your doctor will conduct an exam and may perform tests to determine what’s causing the condition. Low blood pressure can occur with many other conditions.

Some causes of low blood pressure are:

  • Prolonged bed rest, in which circulation decreases due to lack of movement
  • Heart problems that prevent the heart from being able to circulate enough blood
  • Endocrine problems, such as an under-active thyroid
  • Pregnancy. Blood pressure often drops in the first 24 weeks of pregnancy.
  • Decrease in blood volume from trauma, dehydration, or internal bleeding
  • Certain medicines. Medicines that treat hypertension, heart conditions, Parkinson’s disease, depression, and erectile dysfunction can lower blood pressure.
  • Nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of vitamin B-12 and folic acid, may lead to anemia, which can cause low blood pressure.
  • Severe infections like septic shock, when bacteria enter the blood stream
  • Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) that causes problems with breathing and sudden drop in blood pressure
  • Postural (orthostatic) hypotension, a rapid blood pressure drop when standing from a sitting or lying down position
  • Neurally mediated hypotension, which is a blood pressure drop after standing for long periods

Living With Low Blood Pressure

Medicines and lifestyle changes can help you live safely with chronic low blood pressure. Your doctor can recommend steps you can take to manage your low blood pressure. These actions can help control the condition:

Drink more water. This can help avoid dehydration.

Medicines and lifestyle changes can help you live safely with chronic low blood pressure.

Avoid alcohol. Alcoholic beverages are dehydrating, and alcohol changes how medicines work in your body.

Slow down. Take your time when standing up. If lying down, sit up first. Then wiggle your feet and move your legs. This will increase circulation and get your heart rate up so that you don’t feel lightheaded when you stand up.

If your medicine and lifestyle changes do not reduce your low blood pressure symptoms, talk with your doctor about other changes you can make.

What are the 5 symptoms of low blood pressure?

Low blood pressure (hypotension).
lightheadedness or dizziness..
feeling sick..
blurred vision..
generally feeling weak..
confusion..
fainting..

What does low blood pressure make you feel like?

Symptoms. Your brain usually shows the first symptoms of hypotension. Besides dizziness and nausea, your spirits might be low, you might lack energy, and find it hard to think straight. Some people feel lightheaded enough to faint or notice cold, clammy skin, faster breathing, blurry vision, or chest pain.

Why do I feel dizzy and low blood pressure?

The most common low blood pressure symptoms happen because your brain isn't getting enough blood flow. These include: Dizziness or feeling lightheaded.

How do you fix dizziness from low blood pressure?

Treatment.
Use more salt. Experts usually recommend limiting salt (sodium) because it can raise blood pressure, sometimes dramatically. ... .
Drink more water. Fluids increase blood volume and help prevent dehydration, both of which are important in treating hypotension..
Wear compression stockings. ... .
Medications..