What Are The Symptoms of Low Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is the pressure that blood exerts on the arterial walls when it is being pumped by the heart. When blood pressure exceeds the normal range, the condition is known as high blood pressure or hypertension. The number of deaths in the US that is caused by diseases that are an outcome of high blood pressure is alarming. It has become essential that Americans learn how to prevent this health problem.

Let us take a look at how blood pressure is measured. A normal blood pressure reading is 120/80 mmHg. The numerator 120 stands for the systolic pressure whereas the denominator 80 is the diastolic pressure. Systolic pressure is the pressure exerted by the blood when the heart contracts and pumps blood. Diastolic pressure is the pressure between each contraction, when the heart is in a state of rest.

The normal systolic blood pressure is in the range of 100 to 120 mmHg and the diastolic pressure is in the range of 70 to 80mmHg.

Another blood pressure anomaly is low blood pressure. Low blood pressure in a mild form is not a severe condition. In fact, athletes and people who are physically inclined have lower than the average blood pressure.

Severe low blood pressure or hypotension, however, can be a life threatening situation. When blood pressure is low enough to cause damage organs of the body, it needs to be treated. Low blood pressure reduces the capacity of the kidney to filter and eliminate toxins from the blood.

Dizziness, fainting spells, headaches and chest pains are some of the common symptoms of low blood pressure. These symptoms can also be due to other underlying causes. In case you experience these symptoms, you should get your blood pressure examined by a physician in order to rule out hypotension.

Low blood pressure can be cured and managed much more easily than high blood pressure.