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Hypotension
Medical Questions » Hypotension
| Name: Hypotension |
| Also known as: Low Blood Pressure |
| Excessively low blood pressure. The heart contracts regularly to pump blood through the arteries under high (systolic) pressure. When the heart relaxes between beats, the blood continues to flow due to the lower (diastolic) pressure exerted by the elasticity of the artery walls. Hypotension occurs when one, or both, of these pressures drops to a low level. Blood pressure readings are written as systolic pressure/diastolic pressure (eg. 125/70) and are measured with a sphygmomanometer. Blood pressure varies with exercise, anxiety, age, fitness, smoking and drinking habits, weight and medications. The numbers are a measure of pressure in millimeters of mercury. Low blood pressure only causes concern when it causes symptoms or is detected in the course of investigation of other diseases (eg. someone with a suspected heart attack). Hypotension is a relative condition the blood pressure is low compared to what is should be and not an absolute one. A young woman may have a blood pressure of 90/50 and be perfectly well, but the same pressure in an elderly person may have serious consequences. |
Causes of Hypotension
May be due to a serious injury resulting in blood loss (shock), heart attack, heart failure, dehydration, alcoholism, serious infections, heat stroke, pregnancy, a large number of less common diseases, and some drugs. |
Symptoms of Hypotension
Dizziness, light headedness, fainting and headaches. |
Tests for Hypotension
Measuring the blood pressure, and further investigations to exclude any cause. |
Treatment for Hypotension
The cause of the low blood pressure needs to be treated, rather than the blood pressure itself. In a very small number of people no specific cause can be found, and a medication may be given to raise the blood pressure slightly.
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Complications of Hypotension of its treatment
Fainting may cause falls and serious injury. |
Likely Outcome of Hypotension
Depends on the cause. |
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