Hypotension, or low blood pressure, occurs when the blood pressure is below 90/60 mmHg. People with low blood pressure often experience fatigue, confusion, difficulty concentrating, dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting, and even fainting.

Conditions That Trigger Low Blood Pressure

Low blood pressure can be triggered by several conditions, including:

Pregnancy

During pregnancy, blood pressure typically rises due to hormonal changes and an increase in blood volume that supports the growth of the fetus. However, some women experience low blood pressure during pregnancy, a condition known as gestational hypotension.

Low blood pressure during pregnancy may result from hormonal fluctuations, an increase in blood volume that doesn't match the expansion of blood vessels, and reduced blood flow back to the heart.

In most cases, low blood pressure during pregnancy isn't harmful if it doesn't cause significant symptoms. However, severe cases of low blood pressure can reduce blood flow and oxygen to the fetus, potentially affecting its growth and development.

Heart and Heart Valve Conditions

Several heart-related conditions can cause low blood pressure, such as bradycardia (a slow heart rate), heart valve problems, heart attack, and heart failure.

Hormonal Disorders

Various hormonal imbalances can contribute to low blood pressure, including hypothyroidism, adrenal insufficiency, hypopituitarism, and hypoglycemia. Identifying the specific hormonal disorder requires diagnostic tests and examinations.

Dehydration

Dehydration occurs when the body doesn't have enough fluids. When this happens, blood volume decreases, leading to a drop in blood pressure because the heart has less blood to pump.

Severe dehydration can cause life-threatening complications. In such cases, drinking water alone may not be sufficient, and medical treatment in a hospital is necessary to restore lost fluids.

Bleeding

Significant blood loss from injury or internal bleeding can cause a dramatic drop in blood pressure, known as hemorrhagic hypotension. The loss of blood reduces the volume circulating in the body, which in turn lowers blood pressure.

Severe blood loss requires immediate medical attention to stop the bleeding, replace lost blood, and stabilize blood pressure. Treatments may include blood transfusions, surgery, or other emergency procedures.

Severe Infection (Septicemia)

Septicemia occurs when an infection spreads throughout the body via the bloodstream. It can lead to septic shock, where widespread inflammation impairs the function of vital organs.

One of the symptoms of septic shock is a significant drop in blood pressure, known as hypotension. This drop in blood pressure can restrict the supply of oxygen and nutrients to essential organs such as the brain, heart, and kidneys, potentially leading to severe organ damage.

Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) and nutritional deficiencies can also contribute to low blood pressure. If you experience persistent low blood pressure that affects your daily life, it's important to consult a healthcare provider.

You can access medical consultations through the Ai Care app, available for download on the Play Store or App Store.

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