{"id":747,"date":"2023-02-01T06:27:54","date_gmt":"2023-02-01T06:27:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/?p=747"},"modified":"2023-02-03T06:44:23","modified_gmt":"2023-02-03T06:44:23","slug":"what-is-hypotension","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/hypotension-medications\/what-is-hypotension\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure)?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><b>Highlights<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Hypotension, or low blood pressure, is common, but it can be a major medical concern in some circumstances.<\/b><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Several factors can contribute to hypotension, such as age and certain chronic conditions.<\/b><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Hypotension can be managed with medication and lifestyle changes.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While high blood pressure (hypertension) is much better known, low blood pressure, or hypotension, can be just as complicated to manage and live with. Be informed about its symptoms, how it\u2019s caused, and how to treat it so you can spot and manage hypotension.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>What Is Hypotension?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hypotension is <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/for-patients-and-visitors\/patient-information\/conditions-treated-a-to-z\/low-blood-pressure\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">generally defined<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> as blood pressure under 90 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) when your heart pumps blood out to arteries (systolic pressure) or 60 mmHg when the heart fills with blood (diastolic pressure). This is not an exact definition; everyone\u2019s body is different and hypotension is diagnosed differently from one individual to another. Because of its dual definition, it\u2019s common to have both hypertension and hypotension.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are several types of hypotension that affect different groups:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Orthostatic.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> After lying down or sitting for a long time, you might feel faint standing up. This is due to a sudden drop in blood pressure due to changing positions. Orthostatic hypotension is most common among adults over 45.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Postprandial.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Most common in older adults, particularly if they have hypertension or diseases affecting the nervous system, this is when blood pressure drops one to two hours after a meal.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Neurally mediated.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Most common in younger people, this is a drop in blood pressure after standing for a long time, believed to be caused by miscommunication between the heart and brain.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Multiple system atrophy.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Formerly called Shy-Drager Syndrome, this is a rare disorder affecting the involuntary functions of the nervous system.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Hypotension Symptoms<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-751\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2.jpeg-59.jpg\" alt=\"Woman measuring her own blood pressure\" width=\"512\" height=\"341\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hypotension doesn\u2019t always have symptoms, but many people will experience one or more of the following:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dizziness or lightheadedness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Blurry or faint vision<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fainting<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fatigue<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Problems concentrating<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nausea<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An extreme drop in blood pressure is better known as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/first-aid\/first-aid-shock\/basics\/art-20056620\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">shock<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. If you\u2019re in shock, your organs aren\u2019t getting needed oxygen and nutrients due to limited blood flow.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you observe any of these symptoms in yourself or others, call a doctor immediately:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Confusion<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pallor, a draining of color from the skin<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Skin that feels cold or clammy<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Quick and shallow breaths<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rapid and weak pulse<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Hypotension Causes<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are a number of factors that can affect your blood pressure, right down to the time of day. Some common causes of sudden changes are:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Change in position.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Going from lying down or sitting to standing can cause blood to suddenly drop to your feet.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Breathing.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Hyperventilation can drive down blood pressure by constricting blood vessels, especially in the brain.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Dehydration.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Even mild dehydration can reduce blood pressure. As the body filters and recirculates the blood, water is lost, resulting in less blood volume.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Carbohydrate-heavy meals.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> As the body scrambles to manage carbohydrates and break them down, blood pressure can drop.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Medications.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> A number of medications, such as vasodilators or erectile dysfunction medications, can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Hypotension Risk Factors<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-750\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/3.jpeg-56.jpg\" alt=\"Nurse measuring female patient's blood pressure\" width=\"512\" height=\"341\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While anybody can experience hypotension, there are a few factors that can make it more likely.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Age.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Adults older than 65 are more likely to experience certain forms of hypotension.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Medications.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Hypotension is a risk with some medications. Closely monitor drugs that might interact and take action quickly if you think your blood pressure is dropping.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Disease.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and Parkinson\u2019s disease can interfere with the regulation of blood pressure.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Poor diet.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> A diet low in nutrients that the body needs to make red blood cells, such as B-12, iron, and folic acid, can cause blood pressure to drop.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Hypotension Diagnosis<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hypotension is usually diagnosed with a blood pressure test. The exact cause can often be narrowed down with blood or urine tests.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re experiencing fainting or dizziness when you stand up, ask for a tilt table test. This is just what it sounds like: You will be strapped to a table and then tilted to mimic various body positions.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Hypotension Complications<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Complications from hypotension will depend on the cause and the treatment course. Before starting any new treatment, ask your doctor for a detailed list of potential complications.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Hypotension Treatment<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-749\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/4.jpeg-27.jpg\" alt=\"Measuring blood pressure\" width=\"512\" height=\"341\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In many cases, treatment isn\u2019t necessary for isolated cases of hypotension. For a consistent problem, your doctor might recommend one of these treatment options:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Recognition.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Spotting incidents of hypotension can be difficult if you\u2019re not looking for them. Knowing when you experience symptoms and being able to determine if it\u2019s your blood pressure that\u2019s the problem is the first step in management.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Medication management.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> If your hypotension is due to your medications, ask your provider about switching medications or changing dosages.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Position training.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> If dizziness due to position changes is a common problem, a physiotherapist can help you learn a different way to stand to give your body time to catch up.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Compression garments.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Because hypotension with positional changes is due to blood pooling in your lower body, compression garments can help. They limit how much blood can drop and keep your circulatory system in balance.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Hypotension Prevention<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No matter what the type of hypotension you have, there are several ways to mitigate it.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Hydration.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Stick to a hydration schedule. You need to drink enough water to prevent dehydration and keep blood volume consistent.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Diet.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> A diet high in the building blocks of red blood cells increases blood volume and reduces the chances of going into shock. Increasing your sodium intake may also help, but check with your doctor first.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Regular exercise.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Light exercise, at least thirty minutes a day, will help your circulatory system and offer overall health benefits.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Limiting or eliminating alcohol.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Alcohol dehydrates and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8130994\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">interferes with blood pressure<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, even when used in moderation.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Get the Lowest Price for Hypotension Medications<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re treating your hypotension, or conditions causing it, with medication, BidRx can help you find the lowest prices for them. With BidRx, you submit a bid and pharmacies across the country compete to give you their best price. You choose the bid that works for you, and your prescriptions are shipped to your door.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">See how it works by visiting our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/home\/Contents\/medication\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">medication page<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to get started.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Highlights Hypotension, or low blood pressure, is common, but it can be a major medical&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":748,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[51],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-747","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-hypotension-medications"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/747","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=747"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/747\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":757,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/747\/revisions\/757"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/748"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=747"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=747"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=747"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}