The words "low blood pressure" and "hypotension" mean the same thing and both are used on this page

It can be difficult to define what is meant by low blood pressure. There are clear definitions for high BP but no corresponding figure that signifies a formal diagnosis of hypotension or low BP.

So - what is a low BP?

Well, if 1000 people had their BP measured we might expect to find a spread of readings ranging from as high as 200 / 120 down to as low as 80 / 50 with most people clustering around the middle of the range at around 130 / 85. The vast majority of these people would have no symptoms of any kind – no matter what their BP reading actually was.

In many countries – the UK and the USA included – a low blood pressure in itself is regarded as a sign of excellent health. Provided of course that there is not some underlying other disease or medication that is causing the BP to drop in an abnormal way. Many “super fit” athletes develop a very low resting BP level as a result of their excellent heart fitness.

Is it normal or abnormal to have a low BP level?

The answer to whether it is normal or abnormal to have a low blood pressure depends on what is the normal reading for that individual.

Normal low blood pressure

If you have always have low BP readings of around 90 / 50 (or even lower perhaps) for the whole of your life then without doubt you have “low blood pressure” but there is nothing wrong with you or with your low BP reading. You should be pleased that your risk of stroke or other disease will be much less than many others in the population and it is very unlikely indeed that you will experience any symptoms. Your level is normal for you and needs no investigation or treatment.

Symptoms found with “normal low BP ”?

None. This BP level may be low but it is normal for you and your body has adapted to it. There are no particular symptoms of a low BP associated with this version of the condition.

What are the causes of “normal low BP ”?

None. This low BP level is simply a reflection of the way you are made genetically and many of your family may show similar readings

Abnormal low blood pressure

If your BP is usually around 130 / 80 and suddenly or gradually drops to a level around
90 / 50 then it is very likely that you will become aware of hypotension symptoms related to this change.

As in the above example you have “low blood pressure” but in this instance it is not normal for you to have readings this low. You may need to see your doctor for tests because it is quite likely that some other disease or perhaps a medication has caused your BP to drop. Someone who develops a low BP level like this will often experience symptoms such as those listed below.

Low blood pressure symptoms when the BP level is abnormally low

Light headed

Dizzy

Fatigue on exertion

Fainting

Transient blurring of vision

Transient confusion

Low BP: Possible causes of an abnormally low BP level

Medications for anxiety

Medications for blood pressure

Heart medications

Diuretics or “water tablets”

Some anti-depressant medications

Some painkillers

Alcohol (although you should note that alcohol can also be a cause of high blood pressure)

Dehydration

Heart disease

Heart valve disease

Recent heart attack

Changes in heart rhythm

Bacterial infection in the system

Kidney diseases

Diabetes mellitus

Haemorrhage or bleeding

Diseases of the nervous system like Parkinson's Disease

As you can see, the list above is extensive and you should consult with your doctor if you are concerned in any way. Above all – don't try to diagnose your own condition – seek help if you are worried.

If you need information about an effective and proven treatment for low BP - one that doesn't involve using medications - then take a look at the Resperate page on this site.

The treatment of hypotension or a low BP level

Until recently it was difficult to provide clear advice about low blood pressure treatment.

In some European countries doctors used powerful drugs to treat the symptoms of hypotension but this approach never really took root in the USA or in the UK. Patients with hypotension symptoms often simply had to adapt their lives to try to cope with them. No one seemed able to give clear advice on how to raise BP levels in those who suffered from it.

Things are beginning to change and a new device called Resperate has shown great promise in its ability to treat the symptoms of a low BP.

Resperate uses the principles of biofeedback to make the user more aware of their own blood pressure and has given successful results in both lowering hypertension levels and in its ability to raise low BP to a more normal level. Above all it's completely natural and drug free in its method of action.

Postural Low BP or Postural Hypotension

Some people – particularly the elderly – suffer from a sudden drop in blood pressure when they change posture quickly. This is called posture related or “postural” low blood pressure. The term “orthostatic” hypotension is also sometimes used.

This kind of low BP happens most often when people get up quickly from sitting to standing (to answer the doorbell or telephone for example) or first thing in the morning when getting out of bed.

The BP level can drop quite markedly in these situations and may lead to a profound dizzy spell, a faint or a fall. If you think you might be suffering from this sort of low blood pressure then please see your doctor for tests and to discuss treatment strategies.

Post Prandial low blood pressure or low blood pressure after eating

Up to thirty percent of people over the age of sixty can experience a drop in their blood pressure or a low blood pressure after eating from time to time. For most this is just a transient nuisance and does not cause any major problems. It may happen with some meals but not with others. Low blood pressure of this kind is most likely to happen to people who are already on blood pressure medication or who have some other disease that makes it difficult for their nervous system to control how much blood goes to the gut after a meal is ingested. (Nerve related diseases such as Parkinson's disease or severe diabetes mellitus can cause this).

In simple terms this low blood pressure after eating or “post prandial low blood pressure” is caused by the fact that a lot of blood moves towards the gut to help with digestion – leaving not enough in the system to prevent a drop in the blood pressure. Patients who suffer from this may feel faint or light headed or sweaty after eating. Your doctor can diagnose this condition by checking your blood pressure before and thirty minutes after you have eaten. Alternatively – if you have a home blood pressure monitor – you can look at these low blood pressure readings yourself.

Eating smaller meals more often may help and there are powerful medications available which might help counteract this kind of low blood pressure problem

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