Low BP
The Basics Of Low Blood Pressure
Generally, normal blood pressure of a person
falls in the range of 90/60 mmHg to 120/80 mmHg. Low blood pressure is a
condition in which the blood pressure of a person is lower than the
normal BP levels. When the blood pressure is low, there is insufficient
flow of blood in the body.
Low blood flow means
low deliverance of oxygen and nutrients to vital organs such as the
brain, heart, and kidney. In such a case, the first organ to malfunction
is the brain. And when the blood pressure falls too low, all the organs
of the body start malfunctioning and may get damaged permanently.
It
is possible that some individuals may have a blood pressure of 90/50
mmHg and still not show any symptoms of low blood pressure. On the other
hand, it is also possible that a person, who has a normal blood pressure
of 130/80 mmHg will show symptoms of low blood pressure if his blood
pressure falls down to 100/60 mmHg, which in itself is not exactly low
blood pressure problem.
In the first case, the person did not
show any symptoms of low blood pressure as the blood pressure recorded
was his normal and constant blood pressure level. But in the second
case, the person showed symptoms of low blood pressure because his body
was used to a blood pressure level of 130/80 mmHg. And when his blood
pressure fell down to 100/60 mmHg, it was considered as low blood
pressure by his body.
Symptoms of low blood pressure: Some
general sign and symptoms of the low blood pressure can be listed as
follows:
a) Dizziness
b) Palpitations
c) Confusion
d) Nausea
e) Tiredness
f) General weakness
g) Light-headedness and fainting
h) Blurred vision
i) Temporary loss of consciousness
Causes of low blood pressure:
Low blood
pressure is the result of malfunctioning of the compensatory mechanism.
There are several disorders and drugs that can throw the compensatory
mechanism out of order. Some of the disorders include heart disease, a
heart-valve disorder, tachycardia, bradycardia, kidney disorders and
neurological disorders.
Some other causes of
low blood pressure include:
1) Advanced diabetes
2) Alcohol
3) Medication used for surgery
4) Anti-anxiety agents
5) Dehydration
6) Changes in heart rhythm
7) Treatment for high blood pressure
8) Diuretics
9) Medication used for heart disorders
10) Anaphylaxis
11) Some antidepressants
Diagnosis of low blood pressure:
Blood pressure is measured by
measuring both the systolic and the diastolic blood pressure levels.
This can be measured manually with the help of an inflatable cuff or
digitally with the automatic blood pressure recording machine. If the
recorded blood pressure is lower than the normal range of blood
pressure, then it is termed as low blood pressure.
Treatment for
low blood pressure: Low blood pressure in itself is not treated. What is
treated is the underlying reason that causes low blood pressure.