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We have all heard the warnings about high blood pressure, but what about the other end of the spectrum and low blood pressure or hypotension? It may seem like low blood pressure is a good thing, but are there potential health hazards that come with this seemingly “good” blood pressure reading? It turns out that there are some potentially hazardous health issues that low blood pressure can present. Understanding these numbers can help you head off any potential problems from fainting to shock.
The peril of high blood pressure is well documented, but not many people talk about the potential hazards of having low blood pressure. What exactly constitutes low blood pressure? When you have your blood pressure taken there are two numbers of importance: systolic pressure and diastolic pressure. All these fancy words mean is blood pressure of your heart at rest (diastolic) and pressure of your heart when beating (systolic). Low blood pressure or hypotension is considered when there is a reading of 90 mmHg for systolic pressure and 60 mmHg for diastolic pressure.
Symptoms of hypotension can include:
The symptoms can be caused by a number of issues including medication, dehydration, and other potentially serious medical issues. While high blood pressure can present its own of health issues, the effects of hypotension should not be ignored. Extreme hypotension or low blood pressure can lead to shock which can be life-threatening. In fact, one German study determined that in elderly people with high blood pressure there was no tangible risk of fatal issues, but a higher rate of issues in those with lower blood pressure, especially during pregnancy (including low birth weight and perinatal mortality). Seems counterintuitive, doesn’t it?
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If you suspect you suffer from hypotension, your doctor may decide on a series of tests to determine if you truly suffer from this disorder or if it is a temporary condition. Some tests that he may order include, but are not limited to:
The results of these tests can help determine the course of action taken to treat low blood pressure or hypotension. If your hypotension is caused by medication, simply a change or adjustment in your medication may be all that is required. Other steps that could be taken include lifestyle changes such as increasing salt in your diet, drinking more water, compression stockings, or prescription medication.
A low blood-pressure reading may seem like a godsend, but there may be underlying causes that could be detrimental to your health. Before starting any treatment should always consult with your physician to be sure that you are indeed taking the correct steps.
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