Symptoms Of Low Blood Pressure
We have all heard the warnings of the effects of high blood pressure; but what about those who have symptoms of low blood pressure? Are they at risk for disease?
Low blood pressure does not receive the widespread recognition that high blood pressure does, perhaps because it is less common. And it is more difficult to pinpoint, since some people naturally have a lower blood pressure reading. There may be instances when people exhibit symptoms of low blood pressure while actually having what is considered to be a normal reading for them. So how low can the pressure read before it is considered to be abnormal?
Two numbers combine to provide a blood pressure reading. Systolic pressure is the first number in the reading, and accounts for the pressure exerted on your arteries during a heartbeat. Diastolic pressure measures the pressure between heartbeats. Your blood pressure can be considered to be abnormally low if just one of those numbers drops below an optimal pressure reading of 115/75.
While low blood pressure may be a normal condition for some, it may also be a harbinger of a potentially problematic issue in others. Symptoms of low blood pressure issues can include:
●Depression
●Fatigue
●Dizziness
●Blurred vision
●Nausea
●Lack of concentration
●Rapid breathing
●Clammy and cold skin
●Thirst
When these symptoms of low blood pressure are experienced suddenly in an otherwise healthy and physically fit individual, they could be indicators of heart problems, dehydration, unexplained blood loss, pregnancy, infections, allergic reactions, deficiencies of vitamins and/or minerals. Certain prescription medications can cause low blood pressure, as can some over the counter medications. These are all conditions that could cause a normal blood pressure to plummet and require medical attention.
For those individuals whose readings are normally low, these symptoms of low blood pressure can occur occasionally as well. Doctors have broken down the broad category of low blood pressure into different types that are dependent on their causes. For example, symptoms of low blood pressure on standing up would include dizziness, lightheadedness, blurred vision and fainting; all caused by standing up from either a sitting or prostate condition resulting in a drop in blood pressure. Another instance would be low blood pressure after eating; a condition affecting older adults which also causes dizziness, falling and fainting after a meal has been consumed.
Being aware of your normal blood pressure readings will help you to be more attuned to the signals your body may be sending when things go awry. Just as important as knowing about high blood pressure, knowing the symptoms of low blood pressure can ensure that any problems are recognized and treated early.