Hypotension is the medical term for low blood pressure (less than 90/60).
Chronic low blood pressure with no symptoms is almost never serious. But health problems can occur when blood pressure drops suddenly and the brain is deprived of an adequate blood supply. This can lead to dizziness or lightheadedness. Sudden drops in blood pressure most commonly occur in someone who's rising from a lying down or sitting position to standing. This kind of low blood pressure is known as postural hypotension or orthostatic hypotension. Another type of low blood pressure can occur when someone stands for a long period of time. This is called neurally mediated hypotension. When it leads to passing out, if is called vasovagal syncope.
The cause of low blood pressure isn't always clear. It may be associated with the following:
Pregnancy
Hormonal problems such as an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), diabetes, or low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
Some over-the-counter medications
Some prescription medicines such as for high blood pressure, depression or Parkinson’s disease
Heart failure
Heart arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms)
Widening, or dilation, of the blood vessels
Heat exhaustion or heat stroke
Liver disease
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Hello Anonymous,
Welcome to EmpowHER. Thank you for your question.
Hypotension is the medical term for low blood pressure (less than 90/60).
Chronic low blood pressure with no symptoms is almost never serious. But health problems can occur when blood pressure drops suddenly and the brain is deprived of an adequate blood supply. This can lead to dizziness or lightheadedness. Sudden drops in blood pressure most commonly occur in someone who's rising from a lying down or sitting position to standing. This kind of low blood pressure is known as postural hypotension or orthostatic hypotension. Another type of low blood pressure can occur when someone stands for a long period of time. This is called neurally mediated hypotension. When it leads to passing out, if is called vasovagal syncope.
The cause of low blood pressure isn't always clear. It may be associated with the following:
Pregnancy
Hormonal problems such as an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), diabetes, or low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
Some over-the-counter medications
Some prescription medicines such as for high blood pressure, depression or Parkinson’s disease
Heart failure
Heart arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms)
Widening, or dilation, of the blood vessels
Heat exhaustion or heat stroke
Liver disease
Regards,
May 23, 2017 - 10:06amMaryann
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