Low blood pressure is often overlooked as a minor health concern, but for many, it can be a sign of underlying issues. While some individuals may experience mild dizziness or fatigue from time to time, for others, these symptoms can indicate a more serious problem.
Understanding when low blood pressure becomes a cause for concern is crucial for early detection and management of potential health risks. That’s why it’s important to know the symptoms of hypotension, what causes it, and when it’s important to seek medical advice.
What Is Low Blood Pressure?
Low blood pressure, also medically referred to as hypotension, occurs when your blood pressure is significantly lower than normal. When this happens, your heart, brain, and other parts of your body may lack adequate blood supply.
Generally speaking, normal blood pressure is lower than 120/80 mmHg, while high blood pressure is above 130/80 mmHg. However, it is not defined by a specific blood pressure number or by blood pressure readings below a certain threshold. Instead, it’s defined primarily by symptoms. What is okay for one person may be a sign of a problem in someone else.
Some people, for example, typically experience hypotension but are nonetheless healthy individuals and are asymptomatic. They may have a blood pressure reading of 90/50 but lack symptoms. As such, from a clinical standpoint, they do not have a problematic condition.
Still other people who usually experience high blood pressure may develop symptoms if their blood pressure falls to 100/60. Furthermore, according to an article in StatPearls, hypotension can “be absolute with changes in systolic blood pressure to less than 90 mm Hg or mean arterial pressure of less than 65 mm Hg. It may be relative to a decrease in diastolic blood pressure to less than 40 mm Hg.”
Types of Low Blood Pressure
People experience hypotension differently because there are different types and causes. For instance, if you experience a drop in blood pressure of 15 mmHg, you may not have any serious problems, but in someone else, this could be a serious issue.
- Severe Hypotension (Shock): This can be the result of sudden loss of blood (shock), heart attack, severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), or severe infection.
- Orthostatic Hypotension (Postural Hypotension): This drop in blood pressure occurs when you shift from lying down or a sitting position to standing. Postural hypotension may result from dehydration, certain medicines, long-term bed rest, pregnancy, and certain medical conditions.
- Postprandial Orthostatic Hypotension: This type of hypotension usually occurs when there is a drop in blood pressure within 15-120 minutes of eating. This type most often affects older adults and those with underlying health issues like high blood pressure and Parkinson’s disease.
- Neurally Mediated Hypotension (NMH): This is a blood pressure drop that happens after standing for long periods. Research suggests that it might occur as a result of miscommunication between the heart and the brain. This drop in blood pressure is most often present in young adults and children. Children normally outgrow this form of hypotension.
- Multiple System Atrophy with Orthostatic Hypotension: Also referred to as Shy-Drager syndrome, this is a rare disorder that impacts the nervous system that’s responsible for controlling involuntary functions. The functions include blood pressure, breathing, digestion, and heart rate. It’s also linked to significantly high blood pressure while lying down.
Signs of Problematic Low Blood Pressure
That said, if you do have these signs, it may be a problem for you. Some common signs that your blood pressure is low include:
- Blurry vision: Low blood pressure can reduce the amount of oxygen and nutrients reaching the eyes, leading to temporary blurry vision.
- Confusion or trouble concentrating: When blood pressure is too low, the brain may not receive adequate blood supply, leading to difficulty focusing, confusion, or mental fog.
- Dizziness: A drop in blood pressure can make you feel lightheaded or dizzy, especially when standing up quickly from a sitting or lying position.
- Fainting: Fainting is a more extreme consequence of low blood pressure, occurring when the brain is deprived of adequate blood flow.
- Nausea: Low blood pressure can affect the digestive system, potentially causing nausea due to poor blood flow to the stomach and intestines.
- Vomiting: Severe hypotension may lead to vomiting, especially if the body’s blood flow is so low that it can’t properly support digestion.
- Sleepiness: Feeling excessively sleepy or fatigued can indicate low blood pressure, as your body isn’t circulating blood efficiently to keep you alert.
- Weakness: Weakness and lack of energy can arise because muscles and other tissues aren’t getting enough oxygenated blood, leading to a feeling of general fatigue and physical weakness.
Common Causes of Low Blood Pressure
Low blood pressure can be caused by a variety of factors, and understanding these causes is essential to appropriately addressing and managing the condition. Below are the most common causes of hypotension:
Primary Causes of Low Blood Pressure
Low blood pressure can be caused by a variety of factors, and understanding these causes is essential to appropriately addressing and managing the condition. Below are the most common causes of hypotension:
- Dehydration: Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluids than it takes in, leading to weakness, dizziness, and fatigue. When there is insufficient fluid in the body, blood volume decreases, which can cause a drop in blood pressure. Common causes of dehydration include vomiting, diarrhea, fever, excessive sweating, and not drinking enough water.
- Blood Loss: Any significant loss of blood, whether due to trauma, internal bleeding (such as from a stomach ulcer or ruptured blood vessel), or surgery, can result in a reduction in the amount of blood circulating through the body. This reduction leads to a drop in blood pressure and can result in shock if not managed promptly.
- Heart Problems: Several heart conditions can cause low blood pressure, such as:
- Bradycardia: An abnormally slow heart rate (typically less than 60 beats per minute), which can prevent the heart from pumping enough blood to meet the body’s needs.
- Heart Valve Issues: If the heart valves don’t function properly, it can reduce blood flow and contribute to hypotension.
- Heart Attack: A heart attack can damage the heart muscle, affecting its ability to pump blood effectively.
- Heart Failure: In cases where the heart is unable to pump blood properly, low blood pressure can result.
- Endocrine Issues: Certain hormone imbalances can cause low blood pressure. These include:
- Underactive Thyroid (Hypothyroidism): An underactive thyroid gland produces insufficient thyroid hormones, which can cause low blood pressure.
- Addison’s Disease: This condition occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol and aldosterone, both of which are important for regulating blood pressure.
- Low Blood Sugar: Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can cause dizziness, weakness, and fainting, which can contribute to low blood pressure.
Secondary Causes of Low Blood Pressure
- Medications: Some medications can cause low blood pressure as a side effect. These include:
- Diuretics: Also known as water pills, these remove excess fluid from the body, which can reduce blood volume.
- Beta-blockers: These lower heart rate and blood pressure.
- Antidepressants and antipsychotics: Both can cause drops in blood pressure, especially when standing up quickly (orthostatic hypotension).
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals can impact the body’s ability to maintain healthy blood pressure. For example, a lack of vitamin B12 and folate can prevent the body from producing enough red blood cells, leading to low blood pressure. Similarly, a lack of iron can lead to anemia, which can cause a drop in blood pressure.
- Pregnancy: During pregnancy, the body undergoes significant hormonal changes, and the circulatory system expands to accommodate the growing fetus. This can lead to a temporary drop in blood pressure, particularly in the early stages of pregnancy.
- Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol is a vasodilator, meaning it relaxes and dilates blood vessels. Excessive consumption can lead to dehydration and a decrease in blood pressure.
Following a full conventional medical investigation where there’s an absence of any of the above-mentioned causes, Adrenal Fatigue may also be considered. Adrenal Fatigue can cause the adrenal’s production of aldosterone to reduce, but not to the point of deficiency. It could be subclinical, but still affect sodium and osmotic pressure in the blood vessels, affecting blood pressure.
In any case, it’s critical to find the cause so that it can be remedied.
Possible Exams and Tests
Your healthcare provider may examine you to uncover the cause of your blood pressure being low. Checks on your vital signs, including blood pressure, pulse, rate of breathing, and temperature, are typically performed. These may be done regularly. Depending on your vital signs reading, your healthcare provider may recommend a stay in the hospital. Also, as part of your assessment, you may be asked questions related to your normal blood pressure readings, medications you might be taking, changes in your eating and drinking, other symptoms that you may be having, or any health issues that you may have experienced recently.
To get answers about the cause of your hypotension, your healthcare provider may require the following tests:
- Basic metabolic panel: A blood test that measures blood sugar, kidney function, electrolyte levels, and acid-base balance. It can help detect conditions like dehydration or kidney disease that might contribute to low blood pressure.
- Blood cultures to check for infection: These are taken to check for infections in the blood, as infections can sometimes cause a drop in blood pressure.
- Complete blood count (CBC): This test measures red and white blood cell counts, as well as hemoglobin levels. It helps detect conditions like anemia, which can lead to hypotension.
- Chest X-ray: This can help detect heart problems, lung conditions, or other issues that might contribute to low blood pressure.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): A test that records the electrical activity of the heart, helping detect arrhythmias or other heart issues that could lead to low blood pressure.
- Urinalysis: A test of your urine to check for dehydration, kidney disease, or signs of infection.
- X-ray of the abdomen: This can help identify conditions like internal bleeding or organ issues that might be causing low blood pressure.
Health Risks and Complications of Low Blood Pressure
Impact on Daily Life
While low blood pressure is often not as immediately concerning as high blood pressure, it can still significantly impact daily life. For example, people with low blood pressure may experience difficulty performing everyday tasks due to dizziness, weakness, or fatigue. There’s also an increased risk of falls, particularly in older adults, due to dizziness or fainting spells.
Complications of Severe Low Blood Pressure
In cases where low blood pressure becomes severe or chronic, it can lead to serious complications, including:
- Shock: Shock occurs when the blood pressure drops so low that the organs do not receive adequate blood supply. This can lead to organ failure and is considered a medical emergency.
- Organ Failure: If blood pressure drops too low for an extended period, the kidneys and heart may not receive enough oxygen-rich blood, potentially leading to kidney or heart failure.
- Cognitive Impairment: Severe low blood pressure can deprive the brain of sufficient oxygen, leading to confusion, memory problems, and difficulty concentrating.
Managing and Addressing Low Blood Pressure
Lifestyle Changes to Boost Blood Pressure
Managing low blood pressure often starts with lifestyle changes. These include:
- Hydration: Drinking enough water throughout the day helps maintain blood volume and prevent dehydration, which is a common cause of low blood pressure. Water helps expand blood volume, preventing dizziness and fatigue.
- Small, Frequent Meals: Large meals can cause blood to be diverted to the digestive system, causing a drop in blood pressure. Eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day can help prevent this.
- Raising Your Head While Sleeping: Sleeping with the head elevated (using extra pillows) helps prevent the sudden drop in blood pressure that can occur when standing up in the morning.
- Compression Stockings: These are designed to improve circulation by preventing blood from pooling in the legs. They are particularly helpful for people with orthostatic hypotension.
- Avoiding Alcohol: Alcohol causes blood vessels to dilate, which can exacerbate low blood pressure. Limiting alcohol intake can help prevent symptoms of hypotension.
- Avoiding Sudden Movements: Standing up too quickly can cause dizziness or fainting. It’s important to rise slowly from sitting or lying positions to allow the body time to adjust.
Dietary Recommendations
Diet plays a significant role in managing blood pressure, and certain foods and habits can help elevate low blood pressure:
- Increase Salt Intake: Salt can help raise blood pressure, but this should be done under the guidance of a healthcare provider, as too much salt can lead to other health problems.
- Foods Rich in Vitamin B12 and Folate: These nutrients are essential for the production of red blood cells and the overall health of the circulatory system. Foods such as eggs, fortified cereals, leafy greens, and meats are good sources of these vitamins.
- Iron-Rich Foods: Low iron levels can lead to anemia, which contributes to low blood pressure. Iron-rich foods such as spinach, red meat, lentils, and beans can help maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
- Caffeine: Caffeine can temporarily raise blood pressure by stimulating the heart and tightening blood vessels. However, caffeine should be consumed in moderation to avoid dependency or side effects.
Medications for Low Blood Pressure
In some cases, lifestyle changes and dietary adjustments may not be enough to manage low blood pressure. When this happens, medications may be necessary:
- Fludrocortisone: This medication helps increase blood volume and is often prescribed for people with chronic low blood pressure.
- Midodrine: This medication helps raise blood pressure by constricting blood vessels, which can be helpful for people who experience severe hypotension.
- Beta-Blockers: In some cases, beta-blockers may be prescribed to regulate heart rate and prevent sudden drops in blood pressure. The flip side, however, is that some beta-blockers actually lower blood pressure.
Adrenal Fatigue and Low Blood Pressure
Adrenal Fatigue (AF) is the non-Addison’s form of adrenal dysfunction, where the body’s stress response cannot keep up with life’s chronic stressors. Adrenal Fatigue begins when stress sends your body into “fight or flight” mode, releasing cortisol and other hormones to address a stressor. When stress is chronic, however, the body can begin to dysregulate as it becomes unable to keep up with demands for needed stress hormones. The Cardionomic circuit comprises the adrenal glands, cardiovascular system, and autonomic nervous system. This circuit forms part of your body’s NeuroEndoMetabolic(NEM) stress response, which tackles stress that your body encounters.
A drop in blood pressure can result from different conditions that place physical stress on your body. Several hypotension symptoms are common with adrenal fatigue. Symptoms could result from low levels of adrenal hormones like aldosterone, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. These hormones all moderate cortisol’s effect. So, when the adrenals overwork, they can’t perform well and cortisol levels drop, which can cause your blood pressure to drop. As such, it is crucial to fix adrenal issues. In adrenal fatigue, aldosterone can sometimes be affected. Aldosterone is important in salt regulation and therefore the hydration status of an individual. When someone can’t keep salt in their system very well, then the water doesn’t stay either, causing blood pressure to drop. Those with adrenal fatigue who have low blood pressure and dizziness can try taking some salt water throughout the day to see if their symptoms improve with the guidance of an experienced practitioner.
When to Seek Emergency Care
If you experience any of the following with hypotension, go to the emergency room (ER) right away:
- Loss of consciousness, dizziness, fainting
- Chest pain
- Heart palpitations
- Fever higher than 101°F (38.3°C)
- Irregular heartbeat
- Shortness of breath, or rapid shallow breathing
- Very weak, but rapid pulse
- Cold, clammy skin
- Blue hue to the skin
What to Do if Your Blood Pressure Is Low and You Feel Dizzy
A healthy person who experiences a drop in blood pressure that does not cause any symptoms does not usually need to take any action. However, it can become a problem for some people. In general, it’s best to contact your doctor if you have symptoms of low blood pressure, as your condition may require medications to remedy the issue. The cause of a drop in your blood pressure and symptoms will also determine how you address it.
When you experience symptoms of hypotension like dizziness, immediately sit or lie down for a few minutes. Then, elevate your feet, raising them above your heart level. When your blood pressure is low and you feel dizzy after standing too quickly, you may be able to make certain changes to help. Here’s a look at some strategies to try depending on your circumstances:
If your medication is the culprit, your doctor may adjust the dosage or switch you to a new medicine. First, talk with your doctor before you stop taking any medication.- Stay hydrated by drinking fluids, including plenty of water or electrolyte beverages. If you have liver, heart, or kidney disease and have to limit fluid intake, speak to your doctor first before increasing your fluid intake.
- Stick to a healthy diet.
- Possibly increase your sodium intake, if it’s your doctor’s recommendation. However, remember that increasing your sodium intake may be problematic for some health conditions.
- Stay away from alcohol and beverages that contain caffeine because they can contribute to worsening dehydration.
- While sitting or standing, move your legs regularly to improve blood flow.
- Wear compression socks extending up to your thighs or waist to help prevent blood from collecting in your legs. This can stimulate blood flow and keep more blood in the upper body.
- Get up slowly from your bed or after sitting for an extended period. When in bed, roll onto your side and swing your legs over the edge of the bed and onto the floor. Adjust yourself to a sitting position. Wait for a few minutes before you slowly stand up.
- Adrenal Collagen Rebuilder by Dr. Lam® can boost collagen to help build up blood vessel wall strength and increase energy.
- Address any other factors that are causing your blood pressure to become low.
The Takeaway
By itself, a lower-than-normal drop in blood pressure isn’t usually alarming unless it’s accompanied by other concerning symptoms. If you lose consciousness or experience dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting, or other symptoms, do see your healthcare provider. Low blood pressure can stem from various causes, including medications, dehydration, and heart disease, which is why it’s important to identify what is causing your symptoms. While strategies like standing slowly and increasing salt intake can help, it’s important to discuss your symptoms and options related to your hypotension with your doctor to get your health back on track.
To learn more about managing adrenal fatigue and related symptoms like low bliood pressure, consider reaching out to our office at +1 (626) 571-1234 or exploring our Adrenal Fatigue Nutritional Recovery Program, which provides a holistic approach to wellness with a month’s supply of specialized supplements, the Adrenal Fatigue eBook, educational videos, nutritional and exercise guides, sleep improvement strategies, online learning with lifetime access, and additional support through personalized consultations and stress management resources, designed to rejuvenate energy levels and adrenal function.
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