Is my blood pressure too low? Or is my blood pressure normal?

If your blood pressure is too low, you may be at risk of hypotension, or low blood pressure. So how low is too low?

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What Is Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is the measure of how hard your blood pushes against the walls of your arteries as it moves through your body. Your body is designed to adjust your blood pressure to make sure your organs and tissue receive enough oxygen.

Blood pressure is indicated by two numbers formatted as a fraction, like 120/80. The systolic number (the top number) indicates how hard your blood pushes when your heart pumps, and the diastolic number (the bottom number) measures how hard your blood pushes between heartbeats when your heart relaxes and fills with blood.

Check your heart with the help of the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute. 

Is My Blood Pressure Too Low?

Most doctors agree that a healthy blood pressure is anything under 120/80 mmHg. But how low is too low for blood pressure? Hypotension can occur when blood pressure drops below 90/60 mmHg.

This isn’t a hard and fast rule, though. Since factors, like age, weight, and level of physical activity contribute to blood pressure, your doctor may not diagnose you with hypotension even if your blood pressure is a little low.

Low blood pressure typically becomes an issue only if you’re experiencing symptoms, such as:

  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Excessive thirst
  • Blurred vision
  • Fatigue
  • Confusion
  • Rapid breathing
  • Cold, clammy skin

If you have one or more of these symptoms and suspect your blood pressure is low, talk to your doctor.

Causes of Low Blood Pressure

It’s important to know what causes your blood pressure to drop. Hypotension occurs when your body can’t bring your blood pressure back to normal fast enough after an event causes it to drop.

Factors that lower blood pressure can vary from person to person. In some cases, being dehydrated is enough to cause a dip. For others, certain medicines can lower pressure. Other things that can affect blood pressure include:

  • Exercise
  • Stress
  • Sleep
  • Dehydration
  • Some prescription medicines
  • Over-the-counter cold medicines

Who Is at Risk of Having Low Blood Pressure?

Low blood pressure typically isn’t a problem for most adults. However, if your blood pressure drops suddenly or you experience symptoms, it may cause serious side effects. The U.S. National Library of Medicine indicates that a drop as little as 20 mmHg can cause problems.

So what causes your blood pressure to drop and when does it put you at risk? Minor and temporary things can affect blood pressure, like getting up too fast after sitting, standing for long periods of time, or dehydration. Similarly, certain health conditions are risk factors for hypotension, including:

  • Heart conditions
  • Thyroid disease
  • Severe infections
  • Diabetes
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Intestinal bleeding
  • Severe burns
  • Serious trauma
  • Shock caused by blood loss

If you experience low blood pressure, you’re at a higher risk for fainting and shock, which can require medical treatment if vital organs. Keep track of your blood pressure regularly so you get to know what’s normal for you and what may be too low. A single measurement lower than normal isn’t cause for alarm but if you experience other symptoms, talk to your doctor.

For more information about low blood pressure or to find a doctor, contact the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute.

 

About Heart and Vascular Institute

The UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute has long been a leader in cardiovascular care, with a rich history in clinical research and innovation. As one of the first heart transplant centers in the country and as the developer of one of the first heart-assist devices, UPMC has contributed to advancing the field of cardiovascular medicine. We strive to provide the most advanced, cutting-edge care for our patients, treating both common and complex conditions. We also offer services that seek to improve the health of our communities, including heart screenings, free clinics, and heart health education. Find an expert near you.