Dangerously low blood pressure, also known as hypotension, is a medical condition in which a person’s blood pressure drops to a level that is below the normal range. When blood pressure is too low, the body cannot get enough oxygen and nutrients to its cells, leading to serious health complications. As a result, low blood pressure can cause dizziness, fainting, fatigue, confusion, blurred vision, chest pain, and even a heart attack or stroke.
Blood pressure is typically measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). A normal blood pressure reading is considered to be between 90/60 mmHg and 120/80 mmHg. Anything below 90/60 mmHg is considered low. A reading of 80/50 mmHg or lower is considered dangerously low and requires immediate medical attention.
Dangerously low blood pressure can be caused by a number of conditions, including dehydration, shock, severe infection, anemia, certain medications, and endocrine disorders. It can also be a side effect of certain medical procedures, such as spinal anesthesia. In some cases, the cause of dangerously low blood pressure may not be known.
If you have dangerously low blood pressure, you should seek medical attention immediately. Your doctor may order tests to determine the cause of the low blood pressure and create a treatment plan to correct the issue. Depending on the cause, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes such as increasing your salt and fluid intake, or medications such as diuretics or vasopressors.
In some cases, severely low blood pressure can be life-threatening and require hospitalization and intensive care. Therefore, it is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of dangerously low blood pressure and seek medical attention if needed.