Low BP: Common Reasons & How to Manage It

Low BP is a very commonly used terminology whenever somebody develops dizziness or giddiness. The low Blood pressure may be a coincidental finding in many of the cases and we need to look into other causes of giddiness and easy fatigability.

WHAT IS NORMAL BP?

Normal BP varies from 120-140 mmHg systolic & 70-80 mmHg diastolic.

WHAT IS LOW BP?

There is no exact definition for low BP unless it is associated with symptoms. Generally in a person when the systolic BP is less than 90 mmHg or diastolic BP is less than 60 mmHg and are associated with symptoms, they are said to have low BP. So someone can have a BP of less than 90 mmHg systolic due to their thin body built.  Still, if they don’t have any symptoms we don’t call that as low BP.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF LOW BP?

1.Dizziness and sweating
2.Palpitations (Fast heartbeat)
3.Light headedness
4.cold and clammy skin
5.Blurring of vision
6.Lack of concentration

WHAT ARE THE COMMON REASONS FOR LOW BP?

1. Dehydration due to diarrhea or vomiting
2. Vasovagal attack & orthostatic hypotension
3. Blood loss due to trauma or following major surgery
4. Pregnancy
5. Prolonged bed rest
6. Heart diseases like heart valve problems, low pumping of the heart(Low EF), due to problems in the electrical conduction of the heart
7. Infection and sepsis
8. Allergy leading to anaphylaxis
9. Endocrine problems
10. BP and other psychiatric medications

IS ANY TEST NEEDED FOR LOW BP?

Most of the above said conditions are diagnosed by carefully analysing the patient’s history itself. But sometimes basic evaluations like ECG, ECHOCARDIOGRAM, complete blood counts and other blood tests may be needed to rule out other causes of giddiness

HOW TO MANAGE LOW BP?

1. Taking adequate liquids to avoid dehydration
2. Avoid prolonged standing, taking very hot showers, and heavy exercise
3. Getting evaluated and treated for any existing endocrine problems
4. Adjusting the dosage of medicines if they are the cause of low BP as per your doctor’s advice
5. Adding a little more extra salt in diet after getting doctor’s advice