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How Do I Know if I Have Low Blood Pressure?

Low Blood pressure, also called hypotension, refers to a medical condition where the blood pressure in the body is so low that flow of blood to different organs is inadequate. However, low blood pressure without symptoms is NOT considered unhealthy. In fact, within certain limits, the lower your blood pressure is, the better.

Common Symptoms of Low Blood Pressure

Most doctors consider chronically low blood pressure dangerous only if the condition causes the following symptoms;

• Dehydration and unusual thirst

Dehydration can easily cause blood pressure to drop. Even mild dehydration can cause dizziness, laziness, and fatigue. However, dehydration alone cannot be an automatic signal of blood pressure. Vomiting, fever, severe diarrhea, strenuous exercise and overuse of diuretics can all lead to dehydration.

• Lack of concentration

It is also possible to lose concentration if sufficient blood doesn’t reach the brain. Again, lack of concentration can be caused by other medical conditions and can’t therefore be used as a primary symptom of low blood pressure.

• Dizziness and light-headedness

Dizziness and light-headedness can also be signs of low blood pressure. Affected persons may experience faintness, confusion, or blurred vision. Some may even fall, faint, or (very rarely) have a brief seizure. Dizziness and light-headedness have both been associated with decreased ability of the heart to pump blood, and decreased blood volume.

• Fainting

Also known as syncope, fainting is a temporary loss of consciousness and posture. It is usually related to insufficient flow of blood to the brain. It mostly occurs when blood pressure is too low and when the heart doesn’t supply a sufficient amount of oxygen to the brain. However, fainting can also be caused by stress, pain, overheating, and dehydration, among others.

• Cold, clammy, pale skin

A pale skin may also be a symptom hypotension. Also known as pale complexion or pallor, the condition causes an unusual lightness of the skin color. Research shows that it is caused by reduced blood flow or decreased number of red blood cells. There are two types of paleness; generalized paleness that spreads all over and local paleness that affects only one limb.

Other possible symptoms of hypotension include fatigue, rapid shallow breathing, depression, and nausea.

Contact Dr. Seldon

Dr. Seldon, a Heart Doctor and Cardiologist in New York City, offers same day appointments and all testing is done on site. Call us at (212) 367-8000.