LOW BLOOD PRESSURE

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.

What is Low Blood Pressure?

Low blood pressure, also known as Hypotension, is an abnormal condition in which the blood pressure is lower than 90/60 mmHg (millimeters of mercury) or is low enough to cause symptoms or interfere with well-being. The blood pressure is normally above 90/60. When the blood pressure is too low there is inadequate blood flow to the heart, brain, and other vital organs.

Call your health care provider if any of the following occur:

  • 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

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.

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