Low Blood Presssure

Hi there peeps,

Following my explanation on Blood Presssure the question was asked about the reverse to high blood Presssure.
Low Blood pressure - whats it all about ?

Having a naturally low blood pressure (normally thought of as being lower than 90/60 mmHg) is unlikely to mean there is anything wrong with you. It may be normal for you and in fact is beneficial in many ways, as it can reduce your chance of getting diseases such as coronary heart disease and stroke.

Low blood pressure is only considered to be a problem when it causes symptoms such as fainting. This usually only happens if there is some underlying problem which means your blood pressure is not being controlled properly.

Symptoms of low blood pressure

If your blood pressure is naturally low, you are unlikely to get any symptoms and will probably feel completely well.
If you have postural hypotension, you may feel faint or dizzy when you stand up. This may happen after eating if you have postprandial hypotension. You should visit your GP for advice if this happens.

Causes of low blood pressure
If you consistently have a low blood pressure, this may be completely normal for you. However if you have postural or postprandial hypotension, there is often an underlying cause. Causes of low blood pressure include:

• taking drugs to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) - especially drugs called diuretics and alpha blockers
• acute illnesses that cause severe blood loss or damage to the heart
• diseases involving the nerves that control the veins in your legs
• diabetes - as diabetes can also damage the nerves
• a disease of the adrenal gland (Addison's disease) - this can cause a loss of salt from your body, resulting in low blood pressure
• early stages of pregnancy
• loss of blood due to serious injury or loss of fluid due to burns

You are also more likely to get postural hypotension as you get older. This is because your arteries become less supple, which can mean they don't respond as quickly when you stand up.

Until da next Tyme