BP Monitor

Hypotension is a condition in which the blood pressure is so low that it is unable to deliver even the minimum levels of oxygen and nutrients required by the vital organs to function properly.

If your body shows maximum of the following symptoms, you need to consult your doctor immediately.

1) Weakness
2) Dizziness
3) Fainting
4) Palpitations
5) Confusion
6) Nausea
7) Tiredness

Hypotension can be caused due to various factors. Therefore, to diagnose hypotension, you need to investigate these factors thoroughly. These factors can be investigated via some tests:

Complete blood count:
Complete blood count is performed to see if there is any blood loss because of anemia or elevated white blood cells stemming from infection/s.

Blood tests:
In general, blood tests are performed to acquire information about your overall health. It can also be used to check whether you have hypoglycemia or anemia, as these can lead to low blood pressure.

Urine culture:
Urine cultures are performed to see if you have septicemia and bladder infections, which cause hypotension.

Electrocardiograms (EKG or ECG):
An electrocardiogram is performed to identify irregularities in your heart rhythm, the presence of pericarditis, and damage to the heart muscle. It can also tell you if you're having a heart attack or if you've had a heart attack in the past.

Holter monitor recordings:
Holter monitor is used to detect abnormally slow or rapid heart beats. It shows if the rhythm of the heart is abnormal and occurs intermittently. A holter monitor is used for this purpose because an EKG cannot detect these.

Echocardiograms:
This test examines the structures and motion of the heart. It can also detect the presence of pericardial fluid and the extent to which your heart is damaged.

Ultrasound
An ultrasound of the veins in the legs is performed to detect the presence of deep vein thrombosis.

CT scan (Computed Tomography Scan):
A CT scan of the chest is performed to detect pulmonary embolism.

Tilt-table tests:
This type of test is recommended for those who have postural or neurally mediated hypotension. During the test, the patient is supposed to lie on a table tilted to raise the upper part of his body. The patient has an intravenous infusion running while blood pressure and heart rate are monitored simultaneously. This test is basically performed to regenerate postural hypotension.

Valsalva maneuver:
This test analyzes the heart rate and the blood pressure after several cycles of a kind of deep breathing. It monitors the functioning of the autonomic nervous system of the patient with the help of the breathing analysis.