What is a dangerously low blood pressure?

LOW blood pressure can have serious consequences as well as high blood pressure.

Here’s what to watch out for.

GettyLow blood pressure can have serious consequences[/caption]

Symptoms of low blood pressure

Get your blood pressure checked if you keep getting symptoms like:

lightheadedness or dizzinessfeeling sickblurred visiongenerally feeling weakconfusionfainting

This might mean your blood pressure is too low.

If you get symptoms when you stand up or suddenly change position, you may have postural hypotension.

How to check your blood pressure

You can check your blood pressure:

by asking if a pharmacist can do itby asking a practice nurse or GP to do itat home yourself using a home blood pressure monitor – Blood Pressure UK has information about choosing a blood pressure monitor

Low blood pressure is a measurement of less than 90/60mmHg.

Treatment for low blood pressure depends on the cause

If a cause can be found, a GP will be able to recommend treatment to ease your symptoms.

For example, they may suggest:

changing medicines or altering your dose, if this is the causewearing support stockings – this can improve circulation and increase blood pressure

Medicine to increase blood pressure is rarely needed because simple lifestyle measures or treating the underlying cause is usually effective.

How to ease low blood pressure symptoms yourself

Do

get up slowly from sitting to standingtake care when getting out of bed – move slowly from lying to sitting to standingraise the head of your bed by about 15cm (6 inches) with bricks or heavy bookseat small, frequent meals – lying down or sitting still for a while after eating may also helpincrease the amount of water you drink

Don’t

do not sit or stand for long periodsdo not bend down or change posture suddenlydo not drink caffeinated drinks at nightdo not drink too much alcohol

Causes of low blood pressure

Your blood pressure can vary depending on the time of day. It gradually increases throughout the day.

What you’re doing and how you’re feeling can also affect it.

There are many possible causes of low blood pressure. It may be low because you’re fit and healthy, or you may have inherited it from your parents.

Some people develop low blood pressure as they get older.

It can also be caused by:

being pregnantsome medical conditions, such as diabetessome medicines