Hypotension or low BP – why is it dangerous?

Hypotension or low blood pressure (BP) can be as dangerous as hypertension. This post will deal with the symptoms of the condition and the complications it can lead to. To know more about how this con

By: Mita Majumdar | | Updated: April 8, 2015 2:01 pm

Tags: High Blood Pressure Low BP complications Symptoms of low blood pressure Understanding heart disease

Hypotension why is it dangerous Hypotension or low blood pressure (BP) can be as dangerous as hypertension. This post will deal with the symptoms of the condition and the complications it can lead to. To know more about how this condition is caused, click here.

Symptoms

The symptoms may come very quickly and are varied.

‘The need for water became imperative. This was not a ‘normal thirst’, meaning where one begins to feel a dry throat giving indication that the body needs to be replenished with fluids. This was a strange thirst. My whole body felt like it was literally crystallizing, for lack of a better word,’says Shan-Lyn who felt the symptoms suddenly while she was jogging in the morning.

That was not all. ‘My heart seemed to be skipping a few beats in its constant palpitation (rapid shallow breathing). My vision became slightly blurred. It became an obsession for me in not wanting to lose consciousness. I was virtually fighting for this not to happen,’ she continued. These are typical signs and symptoms of hypotension.

Fainting and feeling dizzy or lightheaded are signs indicating underlying problems. Additionally, nausea and fatigue are also common symptoms of low blood pressure.

‘It’s important to see your doctor if you experience any signs or symptoms of hypotension because they sometimes can point to more-serious problems. It can be helpful to keep a record of your symptoms, when they occur and what you were doing at the time’ suggests Mayo Clinic.

Complications if hypotension is left untreated

Just like any other disease if low blood pressure is not treated timely, it can cause complications. Long term damage to the brain, heart and other organs can occur if low blood pressure is severe and untreated.

Hypotension in pregnancy can cause complication such as stillbirth. For example, an Australian study revealed that pregnant women in their third trimester whose diastolic blood pressures (lower reading) fell in a borderline range of 60 to 70 mm Hg were at greater risk of stillbirth as compared with those who have normal blood pressure during pregnancy.

Orthostatic hypotension can also cause complication such as stroke, dementia, and other brain disorders because of fluctuating blood pressure when you are sitting down and then getting up a number of times. And not only brain disorders, orthostatic hypotension also increased the risk of chronic kidney disease and albuminaria, as reported by Nora Franceschini and her colleagues in their study published in the journal Hypertension.

Again, low blood pressure can also cause death in people with heart disease and diabetes. A study from Imperial College London found that ‘Blood pressure below 130/80 mm Hg was not associated with reduced risk of all cause mortality in patients with newly diagnosed diabetes, with or without known cardiovascular disease. Low blood pressure, particularly below 110/75 mm Hg, was associated with an increased risk for poor outcomes.

Read more about causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of hypertension.

For more on heart disease, check out our heart disease section. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest updates! For daily free health tips, sign up for our newsletter. And to join discussions on health topics of your choice, visit our forum.

Published : May 23, 2013 10:48 am | Updated:April 8, 2015 2:01 pm

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