Here at Activebeat, we talk a lot about the dangers of high blood pressure, or hypertension. However, we don’t often mention low blood pressure, or hypotension, with the same tone of caution. While lowering blood pressure may be a goal for those at risk of heart disease and stroke, low blood pressure can indicate an underlying health issue, such as a heart problem, thyroid condition, or a neurological disorder, and may begin with symptoms of dizziness, nausea, and scary bouts of fainting.
Let’s learn more about the symptoms, common causes, and treatments for low blood pressure…
1. When is Blood Pressure Considered Low?
Blood pressure (high or low) refers to the force of blood on the artery walls as the heart pumps blood. Blood pressure readings vary from patient to patient. For instance, low blood pressure in athletes or those who regularly exercise can be an indication of prime health.
The Mayo Clinic stipulates that hypotension (or low blood pressure) exists when blood pressure reads 90 mm Hg (which is millimeters of mercury) or less in systolic blood pressure (when the heart contracts) and 60 mm Hg or less diastolic blood pressure (when the heart relaxes). In other words, less than 90 (as the top number) and less than 60 (as the bottom number) on your blood pressure reading (typically read as “90 over 60”). However, low blood pressure is only concerning if accompanying symptoms (i.e., dizziness and/or fainting) exist.