Low Blood Pressure

Jackline just called Fred, her husband. She had just been admitted at Queen’s Hospital’s emergency. She says her doctor told her she had a very low blood pressure, so they had to place her on intravenous fluids. Prior to that, Jackline had complained to her husband that she was feeling rather groggy and dizzy as soon as she woke up. She never thought she would be so dizzy and lightheaded as to land in the hospital later that day. 

Just as blood pressure can be high as to cause a problem, blood pressure could also get so low as to become a big problem. Blood pressure readings are given as two numbers; for example, the normal blood pressure is 120/80mmHg or lower. The figure above represents the systolic blood pressure, which is the pressure with which the heart pumps blood to all parts of the body. The number below represents the diastolic pressure or the pressure at which the heart receives blood from blood vessels after circulating the body. 

When your blood pressure is at or higher than 140/90, it is described as hypertension as this blood pressure reading is associated with severe health risks, including heart attacks and strokes. When your blood pressure is lower than 90/60mmHg, it is considered low, because the pressure is inadequate to deliver enough blood to all the cells of the body. Low blood pressure is a medical emergency and needs to be reversed in a timely fashion to ensure the tissues of the body receive adequate blood supply.

What are the symptoms of Low Blood Pressure? 

Although all organs of the body require ample blood supply at all times, some organs, such as the brain, heart, and lungs, respond to poor blood supply earlier than others. So, some symptoms people experience when their blood pressure drops include:

• Dizziness and lightheadedness
• Fatigue
• Fainting
• Breathlessness
• Fast heart rate 
• Nausea
• Blurred vision

What causes Low Blood Pressure? 

People with the following conditions are most likely to experience low blood pressure:

• Not Monitoring your Blood Pressure Drugs: If you are hypertensive and use blood pressure drugs, your blood pressure may drop if you do not monitor your blood pressure and how you use the drugs. If you are on blood pressure medications, ensure to visit your healthcare provider regularly to monitor your blood pressure and change your dose accordingly. You can also monitor your blood pressure at home with automated machines.
   
• Heart Problem: The heart is a big bag of muscle with valves that help it pump blood and receive them in a beautiful rhythm. If you have a problem with the way your heart beats or if the valves are not working right, it may affect how much blood your heart can effectively pump, and in turn, the pressure with which it pumps. 
  
   
• Blood Loss: Bleeding from heavy periods, accidents, wounds, or even surgeries can cause your blood pressure to drop sharply. As your blood gets depleted, the pressure with which the heart and blood vessels pump drops, and this may affect other organs as well. 
   
• Dehydration: You already know much of blood is water; the more hydrated you are, the more optimal your blood volume and pressure. When you are dehydrated, may be from having diarrhea, vomiting, or after using a lot of water pills, your blood volume is depleted, and this may cause your blood pressure to drop. 

Treatment of Low Blood Pressure 
 

The treatment of low blood pressure depends on what’s causing it. Your doctor would order some investigations to determine why your blood pressure is low and then make recommendations.  Some recommendations may include: 
 

• Increase salt intake: If your blood pressure is consistently low. But you have to follow your healthcare provider’s advice on this
• Lower your hypertension medications if you’re on these and is advised by your doctor
• Drink plenty of water; your doctor may also place you on IV fluids when you present with the problem
• Wear compression stockings
• Medications; some medications are available to treat low blood pressure.

In summary, low blood pressure may result from a number of conditions including overuse of high blood pressure drugs, blood loss, dehydration, or heart problem. Don’t wait till you experience symptoms, have your blood pressure routinely checked to prevent this.