Low blood pressure, referred to as ‘hypotension’ in the medical world, is a condition in which an individual’s blood pressure is permanently below normal values. This condition can cause a number of symptoms and, depending on its severity and accompanying circumstances, may have a negative impact on health. While low blood pressure does not necessarily have to be dangerous, it requires attention as it can significantly affect well-being in certain situations.
Overview
Hypotension is a medical condition in which an individual’s blood pressure is permanently below normal values. Typical limits for low blood pressure are values below 100 mmHg systolic or 60 mmHg diastolic in women, and below 110 mmHg systolic or 70 mmHg diastolic mmHg in men.
This condition can trigger a variety of symptoms and, depending on its severity and accompanying circumstances, pose a risk to health. Hypotension can be harmless to severe, depending on how the body responds to low blood pressure and the underlying causes.
Causes and risk factors
Low blood pressure can have several causes:
- Volume depletion, e.g. due to insufficient fluid intake or severe blood loss.
- Effects of certain medications, such as anti-hypertensives or diuretics.
- Heart problems, such as poor heart pumping activity or abnormal heart rhythm.
- Endocrine disorders, e.g. underactive thyroid.
- Pregnancy, due to the body’s blood circulation expanding during this time.
Risk factors for hypotension include age, pre-existing heart disease, endocrine diseases, dehydration and malnutrition.
Course of the disease
The progression of hypotension varies depending on the cause and can range from sporadic, symptom-free states to regular, symptomatic episodes.
Acute hypotension
Occurs suddenly and may be an emergency caused by severe blood loss, severe infections or acute heart problems. Requires immediate medical treatment.
Chronic hypotension
This is less dramatic, but it regularly affects daily life and can be a sign of a permanent health problem such as a sign of a permanent health problem such as heart failure or diabetes.
Reactive hypotension
Often occurs after eating, getting up or physical exertion and can be controlled by lifestyle changes and medication.
In all cases, regular monitoring is important to keep an eye on the condition and to be able to respond to changes at an early stage. Severe forms may require more intensive treatment to improve quality of life and minimise risks.
Symptoms
Symptoms of hypotension include:
- Dizziness or light-headedness, especially after getting up quickly.
- Darkening in front of the eyes or fainting.
- Fatigue and general weakness.
- Nausea and a feeling of cold in extremities.
These symptoms occur because the brain and other vital organs are not adequately supplied with blood and oxygen, which can be particularly problematic in acute stress situations.
Gender-specific signs of low blood pressure
In women, the symptoms of low blood pressure often tend to be more subtle and can easily be mistaken for other conditions. These include dizziness, tiredness, occasional fainting and even depressive moods.
In contrast, men are more likely to experience sudden fainting or dizziness, especially in combination with physical exertion.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing hypotension includes regular blood pressure measurements by a specialist (cardiologist) to check whether blood pressure levels are permanently below normal values. Additional tests may be needed to determine the cause of hypotension, including blood tests, a cardiac ultrasound and endocrine function tests.
Treatment
Treatment options for low blood pressure include:
- Increase in fluid and salt intake.
- Adjustment of medicines that may affect blood pressure.
- Use of compression stockings to improve venous reflux.
- In severe cases, medication to increase blood pressure.
Prevention
Effective measures that can be taken to prevent hypotension include:
- Sufficient hydration: Drinking water and other liquids regularly prevents dehydration.
- A balanced diet: A nutritious diet with adequate salt intake can stabilise blood pressure.
- Regular exercise: Moderate activities such as walking or swimming promote blood circulation and help to keep blood pressure at a normal level.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking: These can have a negative effect on blood pressure and should be avoided.
- Monitoring medication intake: Regular check-ups and adjustment of anti-hypertensive medication by the doctor.
- Compression stockings: May help to improve blood flow in the case of orthostatic hypotension.
These preventive measures play a role in cardiovascular health as a whole and can help minimise hypotension and its symptoms.
What are the thresholds for low blood pressure?
The standard thresholds for low blood pressure are below 100/60 mmHg in women and below 110/70 mmHg in men. It should be noted that individual measurements are not very meaningful in isolation. The decisive factor is whether the values are persistently low. A sudden drop in blood pressure can also be significant.
Are low values dangerous even if there are no symptoms?
For many people, low blood pressure levels are harmless if there are no symptoms. Often, the body has adapted to the low blood pressure. This is particularly true for young or sporty people. Nevertheless, it is worth having a medical check-up in order to detect the possible causes of the low blood pressure at an early stage.
How does it feel when your blood pressure is too low?
Typical symptoms include dizziness, lightheadedness or tiredness, especially after getting up. Weakness, nausea and cold hands or feet can also occur. However, these symptoms can also have other causes.
When is low blood pressure dangerous?
Low blood pressure is not necessarily dangerous. It becomes critical when symptoms such as severe dizziness, black spots in front of the eyes or fainting occur. Immediate help is required in the event of a loss of consciousness or other severe warning signs. A sudden drop in blood pressure or an underlying illness should also be taken seriously. Getting medical clarification is also advisable in the event of recurring symptoms.
When is a medical clarification necessary in the event of symptoms?
It is a good idea to get medical clarification if you have recurring symptoms such as dizziness or fainting spells. Your attending doctor can clarify the underlying cause.
When is medical assistance needed for low blood pressure?
Medical assistance is required if you experience fainting, confusion or severe weakness. You also shouldn’t wait to see a doctor if you suffer from chest pain, shortness of breath or heavy bleeding. In the event of an acute drop in blood pressure, for example due to severe blood loss, immediate treatment is essential.
What are the signs of an emergency and when should I call 144?
Call 144 immediately if a person loses consciousness, has severe shortness of breath or develops paralysis. Even if you are not sure whether to call, it’s better to call one too many times and be on the safe side.
Can you have a heart attack occur despite having low blood pressure?
Yes, people with low blood pressure can also have heart attacks. Low blood pressure does not protect against heart problems. Warning signs include chest pain, feeling of pressure in the chest radiating into the arm or jaw, and sweating. If you have these symptoms, call 144 immediately.
Centres 6
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24-hour Emergency Centre (incl. heart attack and stroke emergencies)
St. Anna-Strasse 32 6006 Lucerne -
Outpatient Clinic Permanence
Bümplizstrasse 83
3018 Bern
