| Definition: |
An abnormal condition in which the blood pressure is lower than 90/60 or is low enough to cause symptoms or interfere with well-being.
|
| Alternative Names: |
Hypotension; Low blood pressure
|
| Considerations: |
The blood pressure is normally above 90/60 mmHg (millimeters of mercury). When the blood pressure is too low there is inadequate blood flow to the heart, brain, and other vital organs.
Borderline low blood pressure for one person may be normal for another. The most important factor is how the blood pressure changes from the baseline or normal condition. A fall of 20 mmHg or more from a person's baseline is considered very significant.
|
| Common Causes: |
- drugs including anesthesia, antianxiety agents, antihypertensives, calcium channel blockers, diuretics, general anesthetics, antiarrhythmics, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, narcotic analgesics, tranquilizers, vasodilators, alcohol
-
dehydration
- heart failure, heart attack or changes in heart rhythm
- response of blood vessels to stimulation of the vagus nerve -- called vasovagal syncope (common faint)
- sudden change in body position, usually from lying down to an upright position (orthostatic hypotension)
-
shock due to internal bleeding, overwhelming infection, heart failure or trauma
- gastrointestinal bleeding
-
allergic reaction to drugs
-
anaphylaxis (a life-threatening allergic response)
|
| Home Care: |
Follow prescribed therapy. Bed rest and some assistance with all activities may be recommended (at least until the condition improves).
|
| Call your health care provider if: |
- there is any sudden drop in blood pressure causing dizziness or fainting spells (shock may accompany trauma or injury). Call an ambulance or your health care provider immediately, and administer first aid.
- You notice dark or bloody stools
- You are having chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, fevers or chills, headaches, stiff neck, new back pain, productive cough, diarrhea, vomiting or burning upon urination and/or foul smelling urine
- Your low blood pressure or dizziness/fainting spells started immediately after a new drug or food
- You are experiencing a new discomfort in any part of your body, along with the low blood pressure
|
| What to expect at your health care provider's office: |
In emergencies, the condition will be stabilized first. Then, a history will be obtained and a physical examination performed. Frequent monitoring of vital signs (temperature, pulse, rate of breathing, blood pressure) and/or hospitalization may be necessary.
Medical history questions documenting low blood pressure include:
- What is the blood pressure?
- What is the person's normal blood pressure?
- What medications does the person take?
- Has the person been eating and drinking normally?
- Is there any recent history of illness, accident, or injury?
- What other symptoms were also present?
- Did the person faint or become less alert?
Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:
After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to low blood pressure to your personal medical record.
|
|
