Causes and symptoms of low blood pressure

Low blood pressure also referred to as hypotension is the pressure of blood that falls to extreme low levels in an individual, so much so, that it causes various abnormalities through the arteries and the veins. Lack of blood flow to the organs can affect the absorption of vital nutrients to the brain, the heart and kidney. Low blood pressure is dangerous as it can cause permanent damage to the vital organs of the body, if not treated on time.

Most people who suffer from hypotension or low blood pressure experience symptoms of dizziness and light-headedness and may even faint. Severe low blood pressure or hypotension is extremely critical as it can deprive the brain and other important organs of necessary oxygen and nutrients. In some cases low blood pressure has even led to life-threatening conditions known as shock.

Even though the flow of blood pressure is dependent from person to person, a reading that shows 90 mm of Mercury or less systolic blood pressure or 60 mm less diastolic blood pressure is generally considered as low blood pressure. There are a number of reasons that can cause hypotension ranging from dehydration to disorders in the brain signals from the heart to the pumping of the blood. Although hypotension is treatable it is critical to know the reason behind the condition in order to treat it accordingly.
Some important symptoms of low blood pressure include

• dizziness

• lack in concentration

• blurry vision

• feeling of vomiting

• sudden shivers and cold clammy skin

• shallow breathing that is rapid in nature

• intense thirst

• fatigue

• depression

In some cases low blood pressure is also attributed to heart disease. Some of the key factors that cause hypotension are

• dehydration

• heat stroke or heat exhaustion

• intense exercise

• intense perspiration

• renal failure

• acidosis

• moderate or severe intestinal bleeding

• gastrointestinal disorders such as ulcers or tumors

• intense inflammation of pancreas or acute pancreatitis

• weekend muscles of the heart due to heart attack

• infections of the heart muscles caused by virus

• pulmonary embolism

• slow heart rate than normal

• heart blockages

• toxicity due to drugs

• specific medications such as beta-blockers or calcium channel brokers

• extreme use of diuretics

• alcohol consumption and narcotic use

• Endocrinal disorders

• severe infection entering the bloodstream

• septic shock

• intense allergic reaction

• extreme lack of nutrients in the diet especially vitamins B12 and folate leading to anemia.