9 Quick Facts About Hypotension

Most people worry about hypertension or high blood pressure for the risks it poses to one's health and pay less attention to hypotension (low blood pressure), which is equally harmful.

According to MyHealth portal, blood pressure is measured as systolic and diastolic pressures. Systolic blood pressure is the pressure when the heart beats while pumping blood. Diastolic blood pressure is the pressure when the heart is at rest between beats.

For adults, the normal reading for blood pressure is lower than 120/80 mmHg.

However if the reading is lower than 90/60 mmHg, that person has hypotension.

Here are 9 quick facts about hypotension that you should know:

1. Most forms of hypotension happen because your body is unable to bring blood pressure back to normal or unable to it fast enough.

2. Some people have low blood pressure all of the time and yet they show no signs nor symptoms, and their low blood pressure is normal for them.

3. Hypotension is a medical concern only if it causes signs or symptoms, such as dizziness, fainting, or, in extreme cases, shock.

4. Hypotension can be dangerous. It can make a person fall because of dizziness or fainting.

5. Shock, a severe form of hypotension, is a condition that’s often fatal if not treated right away.

6.  People who take certain medicines, such as high blood pressure medicines, are at higher risk for hypotension.

7. People who have central nervous system disorders (such as Parkinson’s disease) or some heart conditions also are at higher risk for hypotension.

8. Other risk factors for hypotension include being immobile for long periods.

9. Hypotension during pregnancy is normal and goes away after delivery.

Source: MyHealth Portal