Low blood pressure, or hypotension, may be less common than its high counterpart, but its potential impact on health is equally significant, raising concerns about heart attacks and strokes. Health experts highlight the challenge in diagnosing hypotension, as it often lacks noticeable symptoms, leaving many unaware of their condition even with a blood pressure reading below 90/60 mm Hg.
Sneaky Signs of Hypotension
- Constant Dizziness: Feeling off-balance, especially when transitioning from a reclined or seated position to standing, is a common indicator of low blood pressure. Experts link this to lower blood volume resulting from reduced sodium and carbohydrate levels in the body.
- Blurry Vision and Headaches: Hypotension can lead to severe headaches and blurry vision, particularly during position changes. Orthostatic hypotension, a drop in blood pressure when moving from sitting or lying down to standing, is a known contributor to these symptoms.
- Fatigue and Lightheadedness: Insufficient blood flow to the brain can cause feelings of tiredness, lightheadedness, and even unconsciousness. Experts note that the symptoms, although similar in both men and women, can be easily confused with other health issues by females.
- Abnormal Heart Rate: Low blood pressure often triggers abnormal heart rhythms as the body struggles to deliver oxygen-rich blood to vital organs. The heart compensates by pumping blood more quickly, resulting in an increased pulse despite lower blood pressure.
- Excessive Sweating: Hypotension can cause excessive sweating, particularly in hot weather, leading to a rapid loss of sodium through sweat. This imbalance can lower blood volume, contributing to hypotension.
Understanding Hypotension Causes
Experts highlight that drops in blood pressure can occur due to the body’s internal regulation of blood flow. Some individuals may have consistently low blood pressure without symptoms, and the cause remains unknown. However, certain conditions can lead to prolonged periods of hypotension, posing potential dangers if left untreated. These include pregnancy, heart attacks, dehydration, endocrine disorders like diabetes, prolonged bed rest, shock, and significant blood loss through injury or infection.
As awareness grows around the subtle signs of low blood pressure, individuals are encouraged to monitor their health closely, seek medical advice, and address potential underlying causes promptly.
