BP Monitor
Ways To Diagnose Hypotension
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.