The normal flow of blood from the heart to the other body organs and tissues is substantial, as each heartbeat causes blood circulation throughout the body. You might know that extremely high and extremely low blood pressure can be dangerous but do you know when is low blood pressure an emergency? It is important to understand what causes low blood pressure levels to find the answer to this question.
Low blood pressure, also known as hypotension, is not a serious problem. Still, dangerously low blood pressure can cause serious issues such as heart disease, fainting, and dizziness if you get signs and serious symptoms of this problem. It’s better to have reliable information about low blood pressure and when it is an emergency.
What Causes Low Blood Pressure Levels?
The table below details the conditions, events, and medicines that can cause dangerously low blood pressure.
| Conditions | Events | Medicines |
| 1. Pregnancy 2. Endocrine disorders such as thyroid disease, adrenal insufficiency, and diabetes 3. Dehydration and impaired circulation 4. Blood infections and a large amount of blood loss 5. A shocking condition 6. Autonomic dysfunction or anaphylactic shock | 1. Eating a meal 2. Standing up quickly 3. Experiencing shocking events 4. Feeling suddenly afraid 5. Heart failure | 1. Nitroglycerin 2. Beta-blockers 3. Tricyclic antidepressants, diuretics, and erectile dysfunction drugs 4. Recreational drugs |
Dangerously Low Blood Pressure: When is Low Blood Pressure an Emergency
Sometimes, you should not be concerned about blood pressure readings even though you may not be aware that your blood pressure is low as it does not show any serious symptoms. Still, it becomes a matter of concern when you experience dangerously low blood pressure.
There is no significant level of extremely low blood pressure as it varies from person to person. If your blood pressure is lower than 90/60, you are experiencing hypotension (low blood pressure). You should eat the 7 Best Food for Lower Blood Pressure to maintain Blood Pressure Norms. Otherwise, extremely low blood pressure can become a medical emergency.
Types of Low Blood Pressure
Low blood pressure is categorized according to its symptoms and causes. There are several types of blood pressure that you should use to avoid dangerously low blood pressure.
Orthostatic Hypotension
Orthostatic hypotension is the most common form of low blood pressure and is referred to as postural hypotension, which is a drop in blood pressure due to a sudden change in posture. The symptoms might be shown as dizziness and lightheadedness.
Postprandial Hypotension
Postprandial hypotension is also known as a drop in blood pressure that normally occurs after eating. According to the American Journal of Medicine Postprandial hypotension is most common in older adults.
Extremely Low Blood Pressure
Extremely low or severe blood pressure can occur if you experience a sudden shock. The shock can occur due to an infection or a serious injury. The body’s organs do not get enough oxygen and blood to function, so severe hypotension must be treated quickly; otherwise, it can be life-threatening.
Newly Mediated Hypotension
Blood pressure is recognized as a balancing act among the nervous system, other body organs, and hormones. You might face newly mediated hypotension when you experience an abnormal reflex interaction between your brain and heart.
What Are the Symptoms of Dangerously Low Blood Pressure?
Low blood pressure is not a severe problem if you do not face any dangerous symptoms, but extreme blood pressure means the body’s organs do not get enough blood flow. You may feel ill and exhausted due to your low blood pressure level. the other symptoms of low blood pressure include
| Dizziness | when you change your position, such as get up from a seat or feel off-balance |
| Depression | constant feelings of low mood or sadness |
| Nausea | sense of having a vomit or a disturbed stomach |
| Lightheadedness | fainted feeling |
| Blurry vision | hazy or out-of-focus eyesight |
| Fatigue | lack of energy or sense of tiredness |
| Rapid or slow breathing | breathing fast or low due to certain conditions |
| Dehydration | loss of fluid in the body |
| Lack of concentration | lack of focus on daily activities and thoughts |
Can You Treat Dangerously Low Blood Pressure?
You may not treat blood pressure if there are mild or no symptoms of low blood pressure, but the significant conditions need immediate treatment. Certain medication and lifestyle changes can help regulate blood pressure and bring wellness to your life.
Change in Medication
Following medicines can be useful for the treatment of lower blood pressure
- Midodrine (Orvaten)
- Fludrocortisone (Florinef)
Change in Lifestyle
- Drink more water
- Eat small meals
- Add salt to your food
- Wear compression leggings
- Avoid using alcohol
- Change your position slowly
When Do You Need to Call the Doctor?
Several complications can occur if you do not treat your low blood pressure on time or leave it untreated. If you experience any symptoms and doubt about the blood pressure level, you must consult your doctor or the health care provider.
In addition, do not delay calling your doctor if any of the symptoms including chest pain, loss of consciousness, clammy skin, or difficulty breathing, happen to you. These conditions indicate that you need a medical emergency.
Note: Call 9-1-1 in more severe conditions or go to the nearest emergency room.
Conclusion
The problem of severe low blood pressure is manageable if you understand its symptoms and conditions. The treatment of dangerously low blood pressure can be started if you find out the ways why it happens. The only need is to become aware of all the conditions.
Do not waste your time waiting to normalize your blood pressure naturally, but call 9-1-1 or visit your health care provider in emergency conditions. If you become unwell due to lower blood pressure, the doctor will give you treatment or prescribe some changed medications and a changed lifestyle. It is recommended to be concerned about your blood pressure level to avoid any unpredicted results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the considerable level of dangerously low blood pressure?
Normally, the blood pressure level is considered normal if it is 90/60mmHg, but if your blood pressure is extremely lower than this reading, you are experiencing hypotension that must be cured as soon as possible.
How do you manage to treat your low blood pressure?
Treat yourself to identify and manage the symptoms and conditions if you are diagnosed with extremely low blood pressure. Recognizing and treating the hypotension problem is the best way to manage it. Also, change your diet plan by eating healthy food and adding salt to your meals.
What are the significant signs of low blood pressure?
The significant signs of low blood pressure are as follows
- Clammy skin
- Nausea
- Dehydration
- Lack of concentration
- Fainting
- Lightheadedness
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
What is the immediate remedy for low blood pressure?
Drinking more water and taking fluids is the immediate remedy for low blood pressure, as taking fluids helps you to prevent dehydration.
Can low blood pressure cause a stroke?
Yes, extremely low blood pressure can cause a stroke, as with the problem of low blood pressure, you may face permanent heart damage and heart failure. The issue of deep thrombosis can also happen because the blood does not flow in the way it should, so it causes clothes formation.
