BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuLow blood pressureHypotension; Blood pressure - low; Postprandial hypotension; Orthostatic hypotension; Neurally mediated hypotension; NMHLow blood pressure occurs when blood pressure is much lower than normal. This means the heart, brain, and other parts of the body may not get enough blood. Normal blood pressure is mostly between 90/60 mmHg and 120/80 mmHg.The medical word for low blood pressure is hypotension. Causes Blood pressure varies from one person to another. A drop of as little as 20 mmHg can cause problems for some people. There are different types and causes of low blood pressure.Severe hypotension (shock) can be caused by sudden loss of blood (shock), severe infection, heart attack, or severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).ShockShock is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body is not getting enough blood flow. Lack of blood flow means the cells and organs do n...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Heart attackMost heart attacks are caused by a blood clot that blocks one of the coronary arteries. The coronary arteries bring blood and oxygen to the heart. ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article AnaphylaxisAnaphylaxis is a life-threatening type of allergic reaction.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Orthostatic hypotension means your blood pressure drops when you shift from lying down to standing. This type of low blood pressure usually lasts only a few seconds or minutes. If this type of low blood pressure occurs after eating, it is called postprandial orthostatic hypotension. This type most often affects older adults, those with high blood pressure, and people with Parkinson disease.Parkinson diseaseParkinson disease results from certain brain cells dying. These cells help control movement and coordination. The disease leads to shaking (tremors...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Neurally mediated hypotension (NMH) most often affects young adults and children. It can occur when a person has been standing for a long time. Children usually outgrow this type of hypotension.Certain medicines and substances can lead to low blood pressure, including:Alcohol Anti-anxiety medicines Certain antidepressants Diuretics Heart medicines, including those used to treat high blood pressure and coronary heart disease High blood pressureBlood pressure is a measurement of the force exerted against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps blood to your body. Hypertension is the ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Coronary heart diseaseCoronary heart disease is a narrowing of the blood vessels that supply blood and oxygen to the heart. Coronary heart disease (CHD) is also called co...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Medicines used for surgery Painkillers Other causes of low blood pressure include:Nerve damage from diabetes or other disorders Nerve damage from diabetesNerve damage that occurs in people with diabetes is called diabetic neuropathy. This condition is a complication of diabetes.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Changes in heart rhythm (arrhythmias) ArrhythmiasAn arrhythmia is a disorder of the heart rate (pulse) or heart rhythm. The heart can beat too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), or irregul...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Not drinking enough fluids (dehydration) DehydrationDehydration occurs when your body does not have as much water and fluids as it needs. Dehydration can be mild, moderate, or severe, based on how much...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Heart failureHeart failureHeart failure is a condition in which the heart is no longer able to pump oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body efficiently. This causes symptom...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Symptoms Symptoms of low blood pressure may include:Blurry vision Confusion ConfusionConfusion is the inability to think as clearly or quickly as you normally do. You may feel disoriented and have difficulty paying attention, remembe...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Dizziness DizzinessDizziness is a term that is often used to describe 2 different symptoms: lightheadedness and vertigo. Lightheadedness is a feeling that you might fai...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Fainting (syncope) FaintingFainting is a brief loss of consciousness due to a drop in blood flow to the brain. The episode most often lasts less than a couple of minutes and y...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Lightheadedness Nausea or vomiting Nausea or vomitingNausea is feeling an urge to vomit. It is often called "being sick to your stomach. "Vomiting or throwing-up forces the contents of the stomach up t...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Sleepiness WeaknessWeaknessWeakness is reduced strength in one or more muscles.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Exams and Tests The health care provider will examine you to determine the cause of your low blood pressure. Your vital signs (temperature, pulse, rate of breathing, and blood pressure) will be checked frequently. You may need to stay in the hospital for a while.PulseThe pulse is the number of heartbeats per minute.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article The provider will ask questions, including:What is your normal blood pressure? What medicines do you take? Have you been eating and drinking normally? Have you had any recent illness, accident, or injury? What other symptoms do you have? Did you faint or become less alert? Do you feel dizzy or lightheaded when standing or sitting after lying down? The following tests may be done:Basic metabolic panel Basic metabolic paneThe basic metabolic panel is a group of blood tests that provides information about your body's metabolism.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Blood cultures to check for infection Blood culturesA blood culture is a laboratory test to check for bacteria or other germs in a blood sample.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Complete blood count (CBC), including white blood cell differential CBCA complete blood count (CBC) test measures the following:The number of white blood cells (WBC count)The number of red blood cells (RBC count)The numb...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article White blood cell differentialThe blood differential test measures the percentage of each type of white blood cell (WBC) that you have in your blood. It also reveals if there are...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Electrocardiogram (ECG) ECGAn electrocardiogram (ECG) is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Urinalysis UrinalysisUrinalysis is the physical, chemical, and microscopic examination of urine. It involves a number of tests to detect and measure various compounds th...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article X-ray of the abdomen X-ray of the abdomenAn abdominal x-ray is an imaging test to look at organs and structures in the abdomen. Organs include the liver, spleen, stomach, and intestines. Wh...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article X-ray of the chestX-ray of the chestA chest x-ray is an x-ray of the chest, lungs, heart, large arteries, ribs, and diaphragm.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Treatment Lower than normal blood pressure in a healthy person that does not cause any symptoms often does not need treatment. Otherwise, treatment depends on the cause of your low blood pressure and your symptoms.When you have symptoms from low blood pressure, sit or lie down right away. Then raise your feet above heart level.Severe hypotension caused by shock is a medical emergency. You may be given:Blood or other fluids through a needle (IV) Medicines to increase blood pressure and improve heart strength Other medicines, such as antibiotics Treatments for low blood pressure after standing up too quickly include:If medicines are the cause, your provider may change the dosage or switch you to a different medicine. Do not stop taking any medicines before talking to your provider. Your provider may suggest drinking more fluids to treat dehydration. Wearing compression stockings can help keep blood from collecting in the legs. This keeps more blood in the upper body. Compression stockingsYou wear compression stockings to improve blood flow in the veins of your legs. Compression stockings gently squeeze your legs to move blood up your...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article People with NMH should avoid triggers, such as standing for a long period of time. Other treatments include drinking fluids and increasing salt in your diet. Talk to your provider before trying these measures. In severe cases, medicines may be prescribed. Outlook (Prognosis) Low blood pressure can usually be treated with success. Possible Complications Falls due to low blood pressure in older adults can lead to a broken hip or spine fracture. These injuries can reduce a person's health and ability to move about.Sudden severe drops in your blood pressure starves your body of oxygen. This can lead to damage of the heart, brain, and other organs. This type of low blood pressure can be life threatening if not treated right away. When to Contact a Medical Professional If low blood pressure causes a person to pass out (become unconscious), seek treatment right away. Or call 911 or the local emergency number. If the person is not breathing or has no pulse, begin CPR.CPRCPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It is an emergency life-saving procedure that is done when someone's breathing or heartbeat has stoppe...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Call your provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms:Black or maroon stools Chest pain Chest painChest pain is discomfort or pain that you feel anywhere along the front of your body between your neck and upper abdomen.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Dizziness, lightheadedness Fainting Fever higher than 101°F (38.3°C) Irregular heartbeat Irregular heartbeatPalpitations are feelings or sensations that your heart is pounding or racing. They can be felt in your chest, throat, or neck. You may:Have an unpl...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Shortness of breathShortness of breathBreathing difficulty may involve:Difficult breathing Uncomfortable breathingFeeling like you are not getting enough airImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Prevention Your provider may recommend certain steps to prevent or reduce your symptoms including:Drinking more fluids Getting up slowly after sitting or lying down Not drinking alcohol Not standing for a long time (if you have NMH) Using compression stockings so blood does not collect in the legs Open ReferencesReferencesCalkins H, Everett TH, Chen P-S. Hypotension and syncope. In: Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL, Tomaselli GF, Bhatt DL, Solomon SD, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 71.Schrigern DL. Approach to the patient with abnormal vital signs. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 7.AllVideoImagesTogTracking your blood pressure at homeAnimation Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsersTracking your blood pressure at home - Animation Following your blood pressure at home has gotten a lot easier in the last few years. I'm Dr. Alan Greene. I'd like to share with you a little bit about that. Not too long ago when you wanted to follow your blood pressure at home, you had to have the old fashion sphygmomometer, and the device was a complex as that word sounds. You had to pump something up, and put a stethoscope in your ears, and fumble all these different tubes and even so wouldn't get a very accurate reading. Now, there are simple, high quality, digital blood pressure cuffs. They're easy to use at home. They're built so they snap on the arm very easily, just press a single button, and the chip inside does the work for you. It blows it up, it gives you the reading, and some of the newer models even connect it to your PC and track the readings for you. Now, how accurate are they? They're really pretty good. I wouldn't trust a single reading that much if you get one that's high or low. I wouldn't be either reassured or panicked. But, I would trust the pattern of readings. So, if you have one that tracks it for you, that's great, if not, just write them down what date and time you took it and see what the pattern is over time. If there's anything of concern, be sure to report it to your physician.Tracking your blood pressure at homeAnimation Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsersTracking your blood pressure at home - Animation Following your blood pressure at home has gotten a lot easier in the last few years. I'm Dr. Alan Greene. I'd like to share with you a little bit about that. Not too long ago when you wanted to follow your blood pressure at home, you had to have the old fashion sphygmomometer, and the device was a complex as that word sounds. You had to pump something up, and put a stethoscope in your ears, and fumble all these different tubes and even so wouldn't get a very accurate reading. Now, there are simple, high quality, digital blood pressure cuffs. They're easy to use at home. They're built so they snap on the arm very easily, just press a single button, and the chip inside does the work for you. It blows it up, it gives you the reading, and some of the newer models even connect it to your PC and track the readings for you. Now, how accurate are they? They're really pretty good. I wouldn't trust a single reading that much if you get one that's high or low. I wouldn't be either reassured or panicked. But, I would trust the pattern of readings. So, if you have one that tracks it for you, that's great, if not, just write them down what date and time you took it and see what the pattern is over time. If there's anything of concern, be sure to report it to your physician.A Closer Look High blood pressure(Alt. Medicine)High blood pressure - InDepth(In-Depth)Atherosclerosis(Alt. Medicine)Diabetes - type 2 - InDepth(In-Depth)Stroke(Alt. Medicine)Diabetes - type 1 - InDepth(In-Depth)Myocardial infarction(Alt. Medicine)Stroke - InDepth(In-Depth)Diabetes(Alt. Medicine)Self Care Cooking without saltUnderstanding the DASH dietType 2 diabetes - self-careFast food tipsHigh blood sugar - self-careDiabetes - preventing heart attack and strokePre-existing diabetes and pregnancyLow-salt diet Long-term complications of diabetesGestational diabetes - self-care Tests for Low blood pressure Aldosterone blood testCBC blood testRenin blood testBlood cultureCerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collectionMagnesium blood testFibrin degradation products blood testCortisol blood testAntidiuretic hormone blood testACTH blood testRelated Information Shock(Injury) Review Date: 2/2/2023 Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. © 1997- All rights reserved. A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.
Low blood pressureHypotension; Blood pressure - low; Postprandial hypotension; Orthostatic hypotension; Neurally mediated hypotension; NMHLow blood pressure occurs when blood pressure is much lower than normal. This means the heart, brain, and other parts of the body may not get enough blood. Normal blood pressure is mostly between 90/60 mmHg and 120/80 mmHg.The medical word for low blood pressure is hypotension. Causes Blood pressure varies from one person to another. A drop of as little as 20 mmHg can cause problems for some people. There are different types and causes of low blood pressure.Severe hypotension (shock) can be caused by sudden loss of blood (shock), severe infection, heart attack, or severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).ShockShock is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body is not getting enough blood flow. Lack of blood flow means the cells and organs do n...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Heart attackMost heart attacks are caused by a blood clot that blocks one of the coronary arteries. The coronary arteries bring blood and oxygen to the heart. ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article AnaphylaxisAnaphylaxis is a life-threatening type of allergic reaction.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Orthostatic hypotension means your blood pressure drops when you shift from lying down to standing. This type of low blood pressure usually lasts only a few seconds or minutes. If this type of low blood pressure occurs after eating, it is called postprandial orthostatic hypotension. This type most often affects older adults, those with high blood pressure, and people with Parkinson disease.Parkinson diseaseParkinson disease results from certain brain cells dying. These cells help control movement and coordination. The disease leads to shaking (tremors...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Neurally mediated hypotension (NMH) most often affects young adults and children. It can occur when a person has been standing for a long time. Children usually outgrow this type of hypotension.Certain medicines and substances can lead to low blood pressure, including:Alcohol Anti-anxiety medicines Certain antidepressants Diuretics Heart medicines, including those used to treat high blood pressure and coronary heart disease High blood pressureBlood pressure is a measurement of the force exerted against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps blood to your body. Hypertension is the ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Coronary heart diseaseCoronary heart disease is a narrowing of the blood vessels that supply blood and oxygen to the heart. Coronary heart disease (CHD) is also called co...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Medicines used for surgery Painkillers Other causes of low blood pressure include:Nerve damage from diabetes or other disorders Nerve damage from diabetesNerve damage that occurs in people with diabetes is called diabetic neuropathy. This condition is a complication of diabetes.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Changes in heart rhythm (arrhythmias) ArrhythmiasAn arrhythmia is a disorder of the heart rate (pulse) or heart rhythm. The heart can beat too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), or irregul...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Not drinking enough fluids (dehydration) DehydrationDehydration occurs when your body does not have as much water and fluids as it needs. Dehydration can be mild, moderate, or severe, based on how much...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Heart failureHeart failureHeart failure is a condition in which the heart is no longer able to pump oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body efficiently. This causes symptom...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Symptoms Symptoms of low blood pressure may include:Blurry vision Confusion ConfusionConfusion is the inability to think as clearly or quickly as you normally do. You may feel disoriented and have difficulty paying attention, remembe...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Dizziness DizzinessDizziness is a term that is often used to describe 2 different symptoms: lightheadedness and vertigo. Lightheadedness is a feeling that you might fai...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Fainting (syncope) FaintingFainting is a brief loss of consciousness due to a drop in blood flow to the brain. The episode most often lasts less than a couple of minutes and y...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Lightheadedness Nausea or vomiting Nausea or vomitingNausea is feeling an urge to vomit. It is often called "being sick to your stomach. "Vomiting or throwing-up forces the contents of the stomach up t...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Sleepiness WeaknessWeaknessWeakness is reduced strength in one or more muscles.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Exams and Tests The health care provider will examine you to determine the cause of your low blood pressure. Your vital signs (temperature, pulse, rate of breathing, and blood pressure) will be checked frequently. You may need to stay in the hospital for a while.PulseThe pulse is the number of heartbeats per minute.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article The provider will ask questions, including:What is your normal blood pressure? What medicines do you take? Have you been eating and drinking normally? Have you had any recent illness, accident, or injury? What other symptoms do you have? Did you faint or become less alert? Do you feel dizzy or lightheaded when standing or sitting after lying down? The following tests may be done:Basic metabolic panel Basic metabolic paneThe basic metabolic panel is a group of blood tests that provides information about your body's metabolism.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Blood cultures to check for infection Blood culturesA blood culture is a laboratory test to check for bacteria or other germs in a blood sample.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Complete blood count (CBC), including white blood cell differential CBCA complete blood count (CBC) test measures the following:The number of white blood cells (WBC count)The number of red blood cells (RBC count)The numb...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article White blood cell differentialThe blood differential test measures the percentage of each type of white blood cell (WBC) that you have in your blood. It also reveals if there are...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Electrocardiogram (ECG) ECGAn electrocardiogram (ECG) is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Urinalysis UrinalysisUrinalysis is the physical, chemical, and microscopic examination of urine. It involves a number of tests to detect and measure various compounds th...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article X-ray of the abdomen X-ray of the abdomenAn abdominal x-ray is an imaging test to look at organs and structures in the abdomen. Organs include the liver, spleen, stomach, and intestines. Wh...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article X-ray of the chestX-ray of the chestA chest x-ray is an x-ray of the chest, lungs, heart, large arteries, ribs, and diaphragm.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Treatment Lower than normal blood pressure in a healthy person that does not cause any symptoms often does not need treatment. Otherwise, treatment depends on the cause of your low blood pressure and your symptoms.When you have symptoms from low blood pressure, sit or lie down right away. Then raise your feet above heart level.Severe hypotension caused by shock is a medical emergency. You may be given:Blood or other fluids through a needle (IV) Medicines to increase blood pressure and improve heart strength Other medicines, such as antibiotics Treatments for low blood pressure after standing up too quickly include:If medicines are the cause, your provider may change the dosage or switch you to a different medicine. Do not stop taking any medicines before talking to your provider. Your provider may suggest drinking more fluids to treat dehydration. Wearing compression stockings can help keep blood from collecting in the legs. This keeps more blood in the upper body. Compression stockingsYou wear compression stockings to improve blood flow in the veins of your legs. Compression stockings gently squeeze your legs to move blood up your...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article People with NMH should avoid triggers, such as standing for a long period of time. Other treatments include drinking fluids and increasing salt in your diet. Talk to your provider before trying these measures. In severe cases, medicines may be prescribed. Outlook (Prognosis) Low blood pressure can usually be treated with success. Possible Complications Falls due to low blood pressure in older adults can lead to a broken hip or spine fracture. These injuries can reduce a person's health and ability to move about.Sudden severe drops in your blood pressure starves your body of oxygen. This can lead to damage of the heart, brain, and other organs. This type of low blood pressure can be life threatening if not treated right away. When to Contact a Medical Professional If low blood pressure causes a person to pass out (become unconscious), seek treatment right away. Or call 911 or the local emergency number. If the person is not breathing or has no pulse, begin CPR.CPRCPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It is an emergency life-saving procedure that is done when someone's breathing or heartbeat has stoppe...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Call your provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms:Black or maroon stools Chest pain Chest painChest pain is discomfort or pain that you feel anywhere along the front of your body between your neck and upper abdomen.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Dizziness, lightheadedness Fainting Fever higher than 101°F (38.3°C) Irregular heartbeat Irregular heartbeatPalpitations are feelings or sensations that your heart is pounding or racing. They can be felt in your chest, throat, or neck. You may:Have an unpl...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Shortness of breathShortness of breathBreathing difficulty may involve:Difficult breathing Uncomfortable breathingFeeling like you are not getting enough airImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Prevention Your provider may recommend certain steps to prevent or reduce your symptoms including:Drinking more fluids Getting up slowly after sitting or lying down Not drinking alcohol Not standing for a long time (if you have NMH) Using compression stockings so blood does not collect in the legs Open ReferencesReferencesCalkins H, Everett TH, Chen P-S. Hypotension and syncope. In: Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL, Tomaselli GF, Bhatt DL, Solomon SD, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 71.Schrigern DL. Approach to the patient with abnormal vital signs. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 7.