When is bp too low

For example, people who exercise regularly often have lower blood pressure than people who are not as fit. But if your blood pressure drops suddenly or causes symptoms like dizziness or fainting, it is too low. It can cause shock. Shock can be dangerous if it is not treated right away. Blood pressure is a measure of how hard the blood pushes against the walls of your arteries as it moves through your body. Blood pressure consists of two numbers: systolic and diastolic.

Low blood pressure does not have a specific number where it is too low. Most doctors consider blood pressure to be too low when it causes symptoms or drops suddenly. Watch for symptoms of low blood pressure. Tell your doctor when the symptoms happen so he or she can treat them.

Often people learn that they have low blood pressure when their doctor checks it. Or you may find that you have low blood pressure when you check it at home. To check for the causes of your low blood pressure, your doctor will ask about your past health, your symptoms, and the medicines you take. He or she will do a physical exam and may do other tests. Your doctor may check for another health problem that could be causing your low blood pressure. You will likely get treated for low blood pressure only if it is causing symptoms or if your blood pressure drops suddenly.

Treatment depends on your symptoms, how severe they are, and the reasons for the low blood pressure. Be sure to talk with your doctor before you add more salt to your diet or make any changes in your medicines. If you have orthostatic hypotension, your doctor may suggest that you try some simple ways to prevent symptoms like dizziness. For example, you can:. If you feel dizzy or lightheaded, sit down or lie down for a few minutes.

Systolic pressure is the top, or first, number in your blood pressure reading ; it indicates the pressure within your arteries when your heart pumps out blood. Diastolic pressure is the bottom number, showing the pressure in your arteries while your heart is filling with blood. Some adults regularly have blood pressure in the hypotensive range but have no symptoms and do not require treatment.

In serious cases, though, hypotension can result in a decreased supply of oxygen and nutrients to your brain and other essential organs, which can eventually lead to life-threatening shock. Most doctors do not consider hypotension a problem unless it is associated with certain signs and symptoms:. According to the AHA, there is no specific number at which day-to-day blood pressure is considered too low.

However, when low blood pressure is accompanied by any of the above listed dangerous symptoms, it is time to seek medical care. Some people have naturally low blood pressure, and they don't experience any symptoms. But for those who are used to having high blood pressure, a sudden decrease in blood pressure can signal a problem and can cause the symptoms listed above. In others, low blood pressure results from an underlying disease or a severe reaction.

Changing dietary habits may be enough to treat temporary causes of low blood pressure. Alternatively, a doctor may prescribe medication or change an existing treatment plan if it is likely responsible for this symptom.

Anyone with symptoms of low blood pressure, such as dizziness and fatigue , should receive medical attention. Below, learn what counts as low blood pressure, what underlying factors may be at play, and what the treatments involve.

The heart pumps blood around the body, continuously delivering oxygen and other nutrients. Blood pressure refers to the force of blood pushing against the artery walls as the heart pumps. In a person with low blood pressure, blood flows through the veins and arteries with too little force.

Doctors use two figures to denote blood pressure. The first refers to systolic blood pressure, which is the force of the blood against artery walls when the heart beats. The second refers to diastolic blood pressure, which is the force of the blood when the heart rests between beats. Healthcare professionals measure blood pressure readings in millimeters of mercury mm Hg. It is possible to have low blood pressure without any symptoms.

However, some people with this issue may experience :. Blood pressure also declines with age, and some people have naturally low blood pressure due to genetic factors.

However, if your blood pressure drops suddenly or you experience symptoms, it may cause serious side effects. The U. National Library of Medicine indicates that a drop as little as 20 mmHg can cause problems. So what causes your blood pressure to drop and when does it put you at risk?

Minor and temporary things can affect blood pressure, like getting up too fast after sitting, standing for long periods of time, or dehydration. Similarly, certain health conditions are risk factors for hypotension, including:. The UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute has long been a leader in cardiovascular care, with a rich history in clinical research and innovation.