How low is too low for blood pressure?
Within certain limits, the lower your blood pressure reading is, the better. There is also no specific number at which day-to-day blood pressure is considered too low, as long as none of the symptoms of trouble are present.
Symptoms of Low Blood Pressure
Most doctors will only consider chronically low blood pressure as dangerous if it causes noticeable signs and symptoms, such as:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Nausea
- Fainting (syncope)
- Dehydration and unusual thirst
- Dehydration can sometimes cause blood pressure to drop. However, dehydration does not always cause low blood pressure. Fever, vomiting, severe diarrhea, overuse of diuretics and strenuous exercise can all lead to dehydration, a potentially serious condition in which your body loses more water than you take in. Even mild dehydration (a loss of as little as 1 percent to 2 percent of body weight) can cause weakness, dizziness and fatigue.
- Lack of concentration
- Blurred vision
- Cold, clammy, pale skin
- Rapid, shallow breathing
- Fatigue
Causes of Low Blood Pressure
Low blood pressure, or hypotension, can result from various factors.
Diagnoses and Habits: Prolonged bed rest, standing up quickly, depression, Parkinson's disease, pregnancy, and dehydration are common triggers.
Medications: diuretics, beta blockers, Parkinson's drugs, tricyclic antidepressants, erectile dysfunction drugs (especially with nitroglycerine), and narcotics, can also cause low blood pressure.
Heart conditions: bradycardia, heart valve problems, heart attacks, and heart failure
Endocrine issues: underactive thyroid (hypoparathyroidism), Addison's disease, low glucose, and diabetes
Nutritional deficiencies: a lack of vitamins B-12 and folic acid, can cause anemia and lead to low blood pressure
Is Low Blood Pressure A Problem?
Most doctors will only consider chronically low blood pressure as dangerous if a person also has symptoms, or has an accompanying extreme low heart rate.
One reading that is lower than normal is usually not cause for alarm unless you are having other symptoms or problems. If you are dizzy, nauseous or have other symptoms, contact your provider. Record your symptoms and circumstances that may have caused them in the notes section below the blood pressure reading in your Unified Care app. If you are not sure what the cause of your low blood pressure may be, always chat with the dietitian or health coach to help you make sense of it all.