Dizzy and tired all day?? Is It Low Blood Pressure??

What is Low Blood Pressure or Hypotension?

Blood pressure that is lower than normal is considered low blood pressure or hypotension. Blood pressure is the force exerted by the blood on the walls of the blood vessels during the pumping of blood from the heart. In an individual with low blood pressure, blood flows with very little force through the blood vessels. Low blood pressure in healthy individuals without any symptoms can occur temporarily due to dehydration or changes in the environment. Whereas, in other cases, it can indicate an underlying condition that requires attention.

Know Your Readings and Understand Low Blood Pressure Range

Your blood pressure constitutes two numbers. The top number indicates the systolic blood pressure (the pressure in your arteries while your heart beats) and the bottom number indicates the diastolic blood pressure (the pressure in your arteries in between the beats).

Optimal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mm Hg (systolic/diastolic). A blood pressure where the systolic blood pressure is less than 90 mm Hg and the diastolic blood pressure is less than 60 mm Hg is generally considered as low blood pressure.

What Causes Low Blood Pressure?

Low blood pressure can result from medical conditions such as heart diseases, endocrine disorders, pregnancy, severe infection or septicemia, dehydration, blood loss, and malnutrition.

It can also result from the usage of certain medications such as blood pressure medications, antidepressants, medications for Parkinson’s disease, and erectile dysfunction.

What are the Types of Low Blood Pressure?

Depending on the cause, low blood pressure is divided into different types:

Orthostatic or Postural Hypotension

It is a sudden drop in your blood pressure while standing up from a sitting or a lying down position.

Postprandial Hypotension

This drop in your blood pressure occurs one to two hours after having food. It is commonly seen in older adults.

Neurally Mediated Hypotension

Here the blood pressure drops after standing for long periods. It is common in young adults and children.

Multiple System Atrophy With Orthostatic Hypotension 

It is a rare condition that is associated with damage to your nervous system which controls involuntary functions (autonomic nervous system) such as blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, and digestion. It is also called Shy-Drager syndrome.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Low Blood Pressure (Low BP)?

Dizziness or Lightheadedness

It is a sense of unsteadiness or disorientation in space. It can affect your posture and balance, hence increasing the risk of falling. Dizziness can occur when you are moving, standing still, or lying down. While you are dizzy you may feel lightheaded, woozy, nauseous, and unsteady.

Blurred Vision

Blurred vision is a common symptom of low blood pressure. In case of a temporary drop in your blood pressure, the vision gets blurred for a brief period and returns to normal once your blood pressure shoots up. 

Fatigue

Individuals with low blood pressure tend to get tired or fatigued easily. It can hamper your daily activities and affect the quality of your life. 

Nausea

Low blood pressure is often accompanied by nausea or a sensation to vomit. It can be short-lived or prolonged. Nausea is often accompanied by symptoms such as headache, dizziness, or diarrhea.

Lack of Concentration

Poor concentration or an inability to focus on a task is a common symptom of low BP. Difficulty in concentrating is a normal periodic occurrence in your everyday life. With low blood pressure, you may experience it often and it can affect your everyday activities.

Precautions For Low Blood Pressure

Certain lifestyle changes can help in preventing low blood pressure:

• Stay well hydrated: 

Drink at least 7 to 8 glasses of water in a day. Avoid sugary beverages and aerated drinks.

• Eat at regular intervals: 

Eat small portions multiple times a day. This will prevent a drop in your blood pressure levels between meals.

• Choose low carb meals: 

Limit foods that are high in carbohydrates such as rice, pasta, and bread. It helps in preventing the drop in your blood pressure after meals.

• Pay attention to your body posture: 

Avoid sudden movements, especially while standing up from a sitting or a lying down position. Try to move slowly and gently. 

• Exercise regularly: 

Aiming for at least 30 minutes of exercise every day will help in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. It improves your heart rate and blood circulation.

When To See A Doctor

If your blood pressure is low and you do not experience any symptoms, then your doctor may just examine you during routine screenings.

If you experience signs and symptoms of extreme hypotension, seek emergency medical care. These symptoms include:

• Dizziness and/or confusion
• Cold, clammy, pale skin
• Shallow breathing
• Rapid, weak pulse