2010/07/29

Low blood pressure

Low blood presure, also called HYPOTENSION, would seem to be something to strive for.
However, for many people, how blood pressure can cause symptoms of dizziness and fainting or mean that they have serious heart, endocrine or neurological disorders.

There is no specific number at which day-to-day blod pressure is considered too low, as long as no symptoms of trouble are present.
Blood pressure lower then 120/80 mm Hg is considered normal. Within certain limits, the lower your blood pressure reading is, the better.Blood pressure reading of 90 mm of mercury or less systolic or 60 mm or less diastolic blod pressure is generaly considered low blood pressure.

The causes of low blood pressure can range from dehydration to problems with the way your brain signals your heart to pump blood. Low blood pressure is treatable, but it is important to find out what is causing your condition so that it can be properly terated.

Severely low blood pressure can deprive the brain and other vital organs of oxygen and nutriens, leading to a life threatening condition called shock.

Most doctors consider chronically low blood pressure dangerous only if it causes noticable signs and symptoms, such as:

- dizziness or lightheadedness
- fainting /called syncope/
- dehydratation and unusual thirst
- lack of concentration
- blurred vision
- nausea
- cold, clammy, pail skin
- rapid, shallow breathing
- fatigue
- depression

As long as no symptoms are present,low blood pressure is not a problem. However if your blood pressure is normally higher or if you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, your low pressure may have an underlying cause.

Dehydratation can sometimes cause blood pressure to drop. However, dehydratation does not mean automatically signal low blood pressure. Fever, vomiting, severe diarrhea, overuse of diuretics and strenuous exercise can all lead to dehydratation, a potentially serious condtition in which your boidy loses more water than you take in. Even mild dehydratation can cause weakness, dizzines and fatigue.

What if you notice a sudden decline in your blood pressure?

A single lower-than-normal reading is not cause for alarm if you are not experiencing any other symptoms or problems. However, a sudden drop in blood pressure - even a change of just 20 mm Hg - can cause dizzinis or fainting. Sometimes a rapid decrease in blood pressure can indicate an underlying problems such as:

uncontrolled bleeding
severe infections
allergic reaction
postural hypotension
This occurs for some people when standing from a sitting or prone position.


When to see Your health care professional?

If you experience any dizziness or lightheadednees, it is a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider.

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