Low blood pressure, medically referred to as hypotension, occurs when blood pressure drops below 90/60 mmHg. Typically, a healthy adult's blood pressure is around 120/80 mmHg, where the first number represents systolic pressure and the second number denotes diastolic pressure.

Understanding Systolic and Diastolic Pressure

According to Healthline, these terms have specific meanings:

• Systolic pressure refers to the force exerted on artery walls when the heart’s ventricles contract and pump blood through the aorta to circulate throughout the body.
• Diastolic pressure measures the force in the arteries when the heart chambers finish pumping and enter a resting phase.

In a healthy individual, mild hypotension without symptoms does not require treatment, as it often stabilizes with adequate rest. However, if low blood pressure restricts blood flow to essential organs such as the heart and brain, it may indicate an underlying health issue.

Symptoms of Low Blood Pressure

Not everyone with hypotension experiences symptoms. However, for individuals with typically normal blood pressure, a sudden drop may lead to noticeable effects. As Medical News Today reports, common symptoms include:

• General weakness
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Dehydration
• Difficulty focusing
• Blurred vision

In severe cases, extremely low blood pressure can become life-threatening. This is often accompanied by a decline in consciousness, irregular breathing, and abnormal pulse readings.

Causes of Low Blood Pressure

Hypotension can result from several medical conditions, including:

• Pregnancy, due to increased oxygen demands for both the mother and the baby
• Heart disorders, such as heart valve issues, heart attacks, or heart failure, which can disrupt circulation
• Hormonal imbalances, including parathyroid disorders, Addison’s disease, low blood sugar, or certain cases of diabetes
• Dehydration, where excessive fluid loss reduces blood volume, leading to a drop in blood pressure
• Excessive bleeding, whether internal or external, which decreases overall blood volume and significantly lowers blood pressure
• Severe infections (septicemia), which can lead to septic shock, a life-threatening condition characterized by dangerously low blood pressure
• Anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that may cause breathing difficulties, throat swelling, and a sharp drop in blood pressure
• Nutritional deficiencies, particularly lacking vitamin B12, folic acid, or iron, which may impair red blood cell production (anemia), subsequently affecting blood pressure levels

Naturally, blood pressure fluctuates throughout the day, and age-related factors can also contribute to hypotension. However, if low blood pressure persists over time or is linked to chronic health conditions, medical evaluation and treatment are essential.

To reduce health risks, avoid known triggers and regularly monitor blood pressure, ideally at least once a year. If chronic illnesses contribute to persistent hypotension, consult a doctor for appropriate management. Seek immediate medical assistance if a sudden and drastic drop in blood pressure occurs.

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