Dizziness, Confusion and Other Symptoms of Low Blood Pressure

Low blood pressure, also known as hypotension, is constituted by blood pressure that is lower than 90/60. While low blood pressure may not be dangerous to some, for others, it can cause symptoms and can even lead to a life-threatening condition, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.

One would think that low blood pressure is a good thing to achieve. High blood pressure puts individuals at risk for heart disease, heart attack, and stroke, so it would logically follow that achieving a low blood pressure would reduce your risk of developing these serious health problems. However, sometimes low blood pressure can be dangerous to one’s health or even fatal.

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, physicians are generally not concerned about chronic low blood pressure, unless it causes symptoms for the person who has hypotension. The symptoms of low blood pressure include dizziness and fainting. An individual may also develop shock as a result of hypotension.

Shock is a condition in which not enough blood and oxygen can reach organs in the body, which can cause damage to the organs or even death, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. The signs of shock include cold feet and hands, unconsciousness, a sudden increased heartbeat, skin that is pale, a weak pulse, sweating, decreased or no urine, and rapid breathing.

Sometimes, hypotension is an indication of an underlying condition, such as an endocrine disease, heart condition, or neurological disorder, according to Mayo Clinic, so doctors of individuals with hypotension may check for these conditions.

According to Mayo Clinic, other causes of low blood pressure include severe infection, dehydration, allergic reactions, pregnancy, medication side-effects, nutritional deficiencies, and loss of blood through injury or internal bleeding.

It is not uncommon, therefore, for an individual’s blood pressure to drop when he or she donates blood. I used to donate blood a lot in college. Many times when I donated blood, my blood pressure dropped dramatically, and I experienced the symptoms of low blood pressure. I experienced dizziness, fainting, pale skin, and a loss of awareness of my surroundings. Luckily, I had good nurses who helped elevate my blood pressure to its normal state right away.

I have also experienced sudden drops in my blood pressure when I stand up too fast, as I’m sure many people have. When this happens, I feel dizzy and lightheaded, but I feel better when I sit back down or steady myself by holding onto something sturdy until my blood pressure gets back to normal.

While chronic hypotension is generally not a problem, sometimes low blood pressure is an indicator of neurological, heart, or endocrine diseases. Some individuals experience symptoms of low blood pressure including dizziness and fainting. Low blood pressure can also lead to shock, which is potentially life threatening. It is important to talk to your doctor if you think you are experiencing the symptoms of low blood pressure. Your physician will be able to help you examine your options, figure out any underlying cause of hypotension, and properly treat the condition.

Sources:

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: What is Hypotension?:
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/hyp/hyp_whatis.html

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: What is Shock?:
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/shock/shock_what.html

Mayo Clinic: Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension):
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/low-blood-pressure/DS00590

Mayo Clinic: Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension): Causes:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/low-blood-pressure/DS00590/DSECTION=3