What is the danger of low blood pressure in a person - causes and consequences of low blood pressure

nutritionist, gastroenterologist, Candidate of Medical Sciences, clinical pharmacologist, head of AlfaBiom company

What can be dangerous low blood pressure? What to do about it?

Before we talk about the dangers of low blood pressure, let’s define what “pressure” is and why it can be low.

Pressure is the force with which blood presses on the walls of blood vessels. Upper pressure is determined during the process of blood being pushed out by the heart – the contraction of the heart muscle. Lower – in the intervals between contractions. So, the pressure from 90/60 to 120/80 is considered normal. However, these indicators are quite individual, so it can not be said that the established limits are the absolute norm.

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Is low blood pressure dangerous

It is usually considered that the danger is hypertension – an increase in pressure. Hypotension (low blood pressure) is a fairly common syndrome.

Many women live with it, often with low body weight. And in general, hypotension is easily corrected by non-serious drugs, special diet, sometimes physical activity.

However, by old age, this condition can worsen and lead to more serious problems:

insufficient nutrition of brain cells, cognitive impairment;
malnutrition of the kidneys, kidney failure;
risk of stroke.

In general, even at a young age, hypotension is troublesome: confusion, weakness and increased fatigue, fainting, headaches and migraines, and drowsiness.

Low blood pressure is not the only reason why you feel sleepy all the time. Read about other possible causes in the article at the link.

Why pressure can be low

Before treating hypotension, it is important to find the cause of its appearance.

Features of the place of residence

For residents of highland areas, polar regions and tropics, low blood pressure is considered a physiological norm. In most of these cases, there is no cause for concern.

Certain types of medication

Low blood pressure can also be provoked by the use of certain groups of medications: nitrates, diuretics and others. To rule out this cause, it is worth consulting with your doctor.

Some diseases

Dangers begin when hypotension is pathological. Chronic decrease in pressure is associated with thyroid problems, adrenal insufficiency, anemia, stroke, head injuries, poisoning, diabetes mellitus.

A sharp drop in blood pressure can also be caused by heart attack, arrhythmia, allergies, blood loss, burns.