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When hypertension is one of the worst conditions faced by Indian patients, low blood pressure might hardly seem like a problem, in comparison to high blood pressure. But blood pressure is very subjective, and for some people, it can be life-threatening.  The usual BP reading is 120/80 mmHg, but anything lower than 90/60 mmHg for the systolic and diastolic pressure is problematic.

A lot of the time, low blood pressure goes unnoticed because the symptoms aren’t obvious and people aren’t aware enough about it. 

Many factors can cause low blood pressure or hypotension. The only way effectively handle this condition is to learn about the causes affecting the BP and address it accordingly.

What Could Possibly Cause Low Blood Pressure In A Patient?

Low blood pressure can occur in anyone, at any time. But certain factors regarding your health also have an impact on it. This includes your age, the medications that you’re currently on, and your existing conditions.

Patients who’re above 65, living with chronic ailments and/or medications for it, are thus at increased risk. Some other factors that can weight into your everyday blood pressure are your posture, your breathing style, stress levels, physical wellbeing and even certain medicines.

If you’ve never experienced low blood pressure, watch out for: 

• dizziness
• fainting
• fatigue
• lack of concentration
• confusion, 
• weak and shallow breathing
• weak and rapid heartbeats.
  

But the truth of the matter is that blood pressure is also very subjective – some people may have considerably lower blood pressure, but it feels fine. However, for other people, even a slight dip in their usual high cholesterol levels can hurt their wellbeing.

Factors such as certain medical conditions can also lead to blood pressure. This includes pregnancy, heart problems, endocrine problems, dehydration, blood loss, severe infection or allergic reaction, or even poor nutrition. There are some diuretics, as well as alpha-blockers and beta-blockers, which has an impact on hypertension.

But How Low Is Too Low, For Blood Pressure? 

 As earlier mentioned, one person’s normal blood pressure could be way too high for another. Since normal BP is subjective, it is important that patients commit to routine self-monitoring, and track their daily vitals that way. 

But most experts say that BP below 90/60 mmHg, or there being any sudden drastic drop on it, can be problematic. A change of even 20mmHg can cause dizziness, confusion and even worse symptoms that can affect brain function. In severe cases, it could even lead to uncontrolled bleeding or severe infections within the body. 

 

What Can You Do When Your Blood Pressure Drops Too Low

Until and unless blood pressure drops too low in a patient, it is hard to notice it’s signs or symptoms. How you deal with low BP is also significantly based on the root cause for the drop in BP. If it’s caused by certain medications, they have to be stopped, or their dosage needs to be readjusted. 

When the reason for the low BP is not clear, your ultimate goal should be to boost your overall wellbeing, and your blood pressure in turn. You may face certain challenges based on your age, health and even the type of BP problems you may have. 

Some common suggestions for boosting blood pressure are:

• Consuming more sodium to boost blood pressure levels
•  Drinking more water can help improve blood volume and prevent dehydration. 
• Rely on certain medications to keep your pressure in control. 
• Avoid Alcohol as it can severely dehydrate your body and thus lower your BP
• Take care of your posture during your day. The way you walk, sit and talk all have an impact on how your blood pressure works. 
•  Try to eat more small, low-carb meals, which can help in losing weight and eating at a budget. 
• Ensure that you get sufficient exercise. Working out has proven result in raising heart rate, and regulating your blood pressure effectively. 

Winding Down…

At the end of the day, low blood pressure is something that you know more about today than you did yesterday. Increasing access to information about how to handle these conditions, will help in their effective management, and hopefully, its prevention. 

Get into the habit of routine self-monitoring. This simple act of syncing your device, and tracking your vitals have shown proven results in improving chronic disease management chances.

Low BP is a common condition that is faced by millions of people every day, and a little awareness and preparation, we can go a long way in preventing at least a few thousand of those.  

Phable is an innovative lifestyle disease management app simplifying life for patients & doctors through video consultations and remote healthcare.

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