How Much Do You Know About the Dangers of Low Blood Pressure?

Normal blood pressure in adults is less than 120/80 mm Hg. The exact level that marks low blood pressure differs from person to person. But the definition of low pressure is a blood pressure below 90/60, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI). The American Heart Association (AHA) goes further. The AHA says that low blood pressure is blood pressure that is low enough to cause symptoms of lightheadedness or fainting. The body uses several mechanisms to regulate blood pressure. It can:

• Expand or narrow (constrict) blood vessels
• Change the amount of blood pumped from the heart
• Change the amount of blood pumped through blood vessels

These mechanisms help blood pressure return to normal after changes brought on by eating, exercise, sleep, or position. Ongoing (chronic) low pressure may be a sign of disease. But it also can mean good physical conditioning. Athletes often have low blood pressure.

In addition to these medicine, other medicines that can cause hypotension include medicines for heart disease and diuretics, medicines for erectile dysfunction, and opioid medicines. Depending on how long you take a medicine, the low blood pressure can be short-term or chronic.

Damage to the nervous system, which can occur in diabetes and Parkinson disease, can interfere with the body's normal methods of regulating blood pressure. A heart valve disorder can decrease the amount of blood the heart pumps. Other health problems such as hypothyroidism, parathyroid disease, and Addison disease can also cause low blood pressure.

Fainting (syncope) occurs with low blood pressure. With this condition, the heart isn't able to pump enough oxygen to the brain. The brain is the organ highest up in the body, where it is hardest for blood to overcome the effect of gravity. So the brain is the first to feel the effect of low blood pressure. When a person faints from low blood pressure, they fall to the floor. This puts their head on the same level as their heart. Blood flow then can increase to the brain.

A heart rate that is too slow can be corrected with a pacemaker. This is an electronic device put in place by a surgeon that stimulates heartbeats. A heart rate that is too fast can be slowed by using medicines such as beta blockers.

This is called postprandial hypotension. Older adults with Parkinson disease or high blood pressure should be especially careful when standing up after eating. Sometimes eating small, low-carbohydrate meals may help reduce symptoms.