Hypertension & more
Hypertension & more :: what is low blood pressure

What is low blood pressure?

In some cases, a person's blood pressure reading is below 90/60 mmHg. In general, that's what low blood pressure is.

Unlike hypertension, however, it cannot be automatically assumed to be a bad thing.

In fact, low blood pressure is often considered to be positive. There is some evidence that people with slightly lower pressure have a greater life expectancy, especially compared to those who tend to have a somewhat higher pressure reading.

What are the symptoms of low blood pressure?

Low pressure need not cause any symptoms. Some people have symptoms like dizziness and fainting spells. In such cases, your doctor may need to investigate -- they could be due to several other problems.

If you have low blood pressure but don't have any symptoms, you may not need any medication at all. Your doctor should advice you about this.

A person with low bp may feel faint when getting up after lying down for a while. This condition is called postural hypotension. Others may faint if they stand in one place for a longish time.

Those are some of the effects of low blood pressure.

What causes this condition?

* Medication. A group of cardiac drugs called beta blockers can sometimes induce hypotension.

* Inadequate nutrition. This can cause the blood vessels to become flabby. It results in lower amounts of oxygen and nutrients being delivered to tissues.

* Age. Our arteries may become stiffer when we age which causes pressure to drop, particularly while standing. Also, if diabetes damages the nerves supplying the blood vessels, it can contribute to low blood pressure.

* Blood loss. Loss of significant amounts of blood can certainly lower the pressure and may even result in death.

That is the broad answer to the question "What is low blood pressure?"

Controlling low pressure is a whole lot easier than controlling hypertension. Home remedies for low blood pressure include using support stockings or sleeping with several pillows to keep the head at a higher level.

Dealing with low blood pressure is usually a matter of making some lifestyle changes, getting proper nutrition, etc. Be sure to take your doctor's advice.






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