Hypotension – What it is, Symptoms and Treatments

Hypotension – What it is, Symptoms and Treatments of this condition. Also, Hypotension means that your blood pressure is lower than expected. In most healthy adults, low blood pressure causes no problems or symptoms. In some cases, it may even be normal. For example, people who exercise regularly may have lower blood pressure than people who are sedentary.

Hypotension is good  in most cases. But hypotension  can sometimes make you feel tired or dizzy. In such cases, hypotension may be a sign of an underlying condition that must be treated.

Blood pressure is measured when the heart beats , and in the rest periods between heartbeats. The measure of your blood that pumps through your arteries when your heart ‘s ventricles squeeze is called systolic pressure, or systole. The measurement for periods of rest is called diastolic pressure, or diastole.

Systole supplies your body with blood , and diastole supplies your heart with blood , filling your coronary arteries. Blood pressure is written with the systolic number above the diastolic number. Hypotension in adults is defined as blood pressure of 90/60 or lower.

Causes of Hypotension: Everyone’s blood pressure drops at one time or another. And it often causes no visible symptoms. Certain conditions can cause prolonged periods of Hypotension that can become dangerous if left untreated. These conditions include:

• Pregnancy, due to increased demand for blood from the mother and growing fetus;
• Large amounts of blood loss from injury;
• Decreased circulation caused by heart attacks or defective heart valves;
• Weakness and a state of shock that sometimes accompanies dehydration;
• Anaphylactic shock, a severe form of allergic reaction;
• Bloodstream infections;
• Endocrine disorders such as diabetes, adrenal insufficiency and thyroid disease.

Medications can also cause Hypotension . Beta-blockers and nitroglycerin, used to treat heart disease, are common culprits. Diuretics, tricyclic antidepressants, and erectile dysfunction drugs can also cause Hypotension .

Some people have hypotension for unknown reasons. This form of hypotension , called chronic asymptomatic hypotension , is usually not harmful.

Symptoms of Hypotension: People with hypotension may experience unpleasant symptoms when their blood pressure drops below 90/60. Symptoms of Hypotension can include:

• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Pallor
• Depression
• Loss of consciousness
• blurry split

Symptoms can vary in severity. Some people may be a little uncomfortable, while others may feel quite sick.

Diagnoses of Hypotension: To check the causes of hypotension , your doctor will ask about your health history, symptoms, and the medications you take. He or she will have a physical exam and may do other tests. The purpose of tests is to find the underlying cause. This helps determine appropriate treatment and identify any heart , brain , or nervous system problems that are causing hypotension . To reach a diagnosis, the doctor may recommend one or more of the following tests:

• blood pressure reading
• Electrocardiogram (ECG);
• Echocardiogram;
• Stress test;
• Valsalva Maneuver;
• Tilt test.

Hypotension Treatments: Your treatment will depend on the underlying cause of your hypotension . Treatment may include medications for heart disease, diabetes, or infection.

• Drink plenty of water to avoid hypotension from dehydration, especially if you are vomiting or have diarrhea .
• Staying hydrated can also help treat and prevent the symptoms of neurate-mediated hypotension . If you suffer from hypotension when standing still for long periods, be sure to take a break to sit down. And try to reduce your stress levels to avoid emotional trauma.
• Treat orthostatic hypotension with slow, gradual movements. Instead of standing up quickly, make your way to a sitting or standing position using small movements. You can also prevent orthostatic hypotension by not crossing your legs when you sit.

Shock -induced hypotension is the most serious form of the condition. Severe hypotension must be treated immediately. Emergency personnel will give you fluids and possibly blood products to raise your blood pressure and stabilize your vital signs.