Hypotension is low blood pressure, with a reading of 90/60 or lower. It can cause dizziness, fainting, shock, and even death. There are three types: orthostatic, neuromediated, and severe, with different causes and treatments.
Hypotension is the condition of having unusually low blood pressure on a regular or semi-regular basis. Normal blood pressure for the average adult is 120/80 mmHg. Low blood pressure is a reading of 90/60 or lower.
Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and is displayed as two numbers, one above the other, as in 120/80. When blood is pumping through the arteries, the systolic pressure is the higher number, when the pressure is higher on the artery walls. The lower number is your diastolic blood pressure, which is the resting phase of the blood pumping cycle.
Most people are familiar with high blood pressure, also known as high blood pressure, which is a serious medical condition that causes harm over a long period of time. However, many people are unaware that hypotension can sometimes be just as problematic.
In an otherwise healthy person, hypotension without other symptoms usually doesn’t require treatment. Blood pressure can rise and fall continuously in a healthy individual, depending on, but not limited to, activity level, diet, medications, and emotional state. However, low blood pressure can cause dizziness, fainting, shock and, in extreme cases, even death.
There are three main types of hypotension: orthostatic or postural, neuromediated, and severe hypotension.
Orthostatic or postural hypotension is low blood pressure that results from rising abruptly from a sitting or lying position. When an individual stands up rapidly, both arteries and veins must contract to maintain normal blood pressure in the new position. The process usually occurs automatically, but with this condition the reflex is faulty and blood flow to the brain is temporarily reduced. This can cause blurred vision, weakness, nausea, dizziness, or even fainting. Treatments for postural hypotension include special socks or pants that improve circulation, as well as behavioral changes such as getting up slowly and drinking plenty of fluids.
Neuromediated hypotension can result from too long standing or severe emotional stress. Children and young adults are more likely to have this form. Symptoms and treatment are identical to those of orthostatic or postural hypotension.
Severe hypotension is usually associated with shock. Shock is the term that describes what happens to the body when blood pressure drops so low that vital organs cannot get enough blood. This can be the result of severe physical or emotional trauma, as well as a heart attack, infection, or extreme allergic reaction. Symptoms of severe hypotension include light and rapid pulse, clammy skin, confusion, sweating, and sometimes loss of consciousness. Treatments include injections of blood and other fluids into the bloodstream, which restore blood flow to the organs. If not treated quickly, shock can be fatal.
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