Blood Pressure Guide » Circulatory system

What are the Causes of Low Blood Pressure

admin — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 02:55:13 +0000

Blood pressure is the force exerted by the blood on the walls of arteries while pumping the blood and during the resting position. Heart beat, temperature, rate of breathing and blood pressure are vital signs of life. The pressure of blood circulated by the heart is regulated by the response of arteries to the blood flow.
Blood pressure is represented as the ratio of systolic/diastolic pressure. Systolic pressure represents the pressure inside arteries when the heart contracts and pumps blood. Diastolic pressure is the pressure inside arteries when heart relaxes after contracting.
Various Causes of Low Blood Pressure
The normal range of systolic pressure lies in the range of 90-120 mm/Hg for healthy adults, and diastolic pressure ideal range is 60-80 mm/Hg. If the lower blood pressure is too low, the oxygen and nutrients supply to brain and other vital organs is not adequate, resulting in improper functioning, and in certain cases, permanent damage of the organs. The low blood pressure is defined by signs and symptoms associated with low blood supply.
Dehydration is one of the most common causes of low blood pressure. Dehydration is common among the people suffering from prolonged diarrhea, vomiting and nausea. If the water is not replenished, large amounts of water is lost from the body due to vomiting and diarrhea. Heat exhaustion, excessive sweating and fever are other causes of dehydration.
Another cause of low blood pressure is the moderate or severe bleeding, as it can rapidly deplete the blood from the body. Bleeding can be caused due to trauma, gastrointestinal abnormalities or surgical complications. At times, the bleeding can be so rapid or severe that it can cause shock or even death.
Severe inflammation of internal organs, such as acute pancreatitis can also be the cause of low blood pressure. The blood pressure can also drop due to weakened heart muscles, Pericarditis, pulmonary embolism, slow heart rate, or abnormally fast heart rate.
There are certain medications that can be the cause of low blood pressure. These medications include beta blockers, calcium channel brokers and digoxin. Vasovagal reaction is another cause of low blood pressure, and is a condition where a normal person develops the slow heart rate, low blood pressure and at times, fainting. The reaction is caused due to emotion of pain or fear such as starting the intravenous infusion, having blood drawn or due to gastrointestinal upset.
Some of the other causes of low blood pressure include postural hypotension, micturition syncope, adrenal insufficiency, septicemia and anaphylaxis.
There are many dangers of low blood pressure if it drops below a certain level. When the blood pressure drops, the sudden change can cause the interruption in the supply of the blood to the heart, brain and kidneys, and can prove fatal.

A Guide to Low Diastolic Blood Pressure

admin — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 02:16:44 +0000

Blood pressure and heart rate are related to each other. Blood pressure is the pressure exerted by the blood on the arteries of the body. Blood pressure is the key force that drives blood flow through the body from arteries, into the organs and then into veins. Pumping of blood by the heart generates blood pressure. Systolic pressure is the amount of pressure generated by heart while pumping the blood through arteries and diastolic pressure is the pressure of blood inside arteries when heart is at rest.
Symptoms and Treatment for Low Diastolic Blood Pressure
Low diastolic blood pressure has been linked with increased cardiovascular risk. Diastolic blood pressure fluctuates depending on the physical exertion and other strenuous activities. Regular monitoring of blood pressure is essential to determine the average reading. Average diastolic reading less than 60 mmHG is considered low diastolic blood pressure, and this condition is also called hypotension.
In low diastolic blood pressure condition, the blood flow to the body tissues and cells is decreased, and hence the supply of nutrients and oxygen is also reduced. Among elderly people, low diastolic blood pressure accompanies cardiovascular disease. The causes of low diastolic blood pressure include stiffening of arterial walls, abnormality in coronary blood flow, side-effects of medications or any other underlying medical condition such as organ inflammation or dehydration. If low diastolic blood pressure is ignored for long, it can lead to cell damage. Nausea, lightheadedness, and vomiting are some of the common effects of low blood pressure.
Sudden dip in the blood pressure can be dangerous, and just a change of 20 mm HG can cause nausea, dizziness and fainting, as brain does not get required supply of blood. If the big plunge is due to severe infection, uncontrolled bleeding or allergic reactions, the condition can be life-threatening.
If suffering from low diastolic blood pressure, the aim is to raise the blood pressure using various means such as taking more salt, wearing compression stocking, drinking more water or with the help of medications. To treat low diastolic blood pressure, you must follow a healthy diet, which is the right combination of various foods, and avoid high-carbohydrate diets. To reduce lightheadedness or dizziness, try changing the body positions slowly. Take few deep breaths before getting up from lying down position.
Some of the treatments for low diastolic blood pressure include balloon angioplasty, dialysis, carotid endarterectomy and carioverions. Commonly prescribed medications and drugs to treat low blood pressure are Pramlintide, Insulin, Glyburide, Glucagon, Mecasermin, and Human placental lactogen. Ackee, vitamin b12, gymnema, and Brewer s yeast are most commonly used herbal and natural treatments for low diastolic blood pressure.

A Guide to Low Blood Pressure

admin — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 05:16:37 +0000

Blood pressure is the force with which the blood pushes against the walls of the arteries. Each time the heart beats, it pumps the blood into arteries, and blood pressure is highest when heart is pumping the blood. This is known as systolic pressure. Between the beats, the heart is at rest and the blood pressure falls, this is known as diastolic pressure. Both these pressure are important for the body. The normal range for blood pressure is 120/80, and if your blood pressure reading is 90/60, you have low blood pressure. Some people suffer from low blood pressure all the time, and for some people, the blood pressure falls due to medical condition or some event. Low blood pressure is a problem only if it causes fainting, dizziness or in rare cases, shock.
Causes of Low Blood Pressure
Blood pressure varies from person to person, depending on sex, race, age and environment. People who exercise regularly and athletes tend to have low blood pressure, and their heart rate is slower. In rare instances, it can be a sign of a serious or life-threatening disorder.
There are many conditions that can cause low blood pressure. During pregnancy, the circulatory system of the woman expands rapidly, and blood pressure tends to drop by 5-15 points. Some heart conditions such as heart valve problem, low heart rate and heart failure also lead to low blood pressure as these conditions prevent the body from circulating enough blood.
Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) or underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can also cause low blood pressure. In some cases, diabetes, low blood sugar and adrenal insufficiency can also cause blood pressure to fall. Dehydration, severe infection, blood loss, lack of nutrients in the diet and severe allergic reactions can also cause low blood pressure.
There are certain medications such as diuretics, beta blockers, alpha blockers, sildnafil and few anti-depressants that can cause low blood pressure.
Some of the most common symptoms of low blood pressure include dizziness, lack of concentration, fainting, nausea, blurred vision, rapid and shallow breathing, cold and pale skin, depression, thirst and fatigue. In many cases, low blood pressure is not a cause of concern, however if you often feel the symptoms of hypotension, it can be an indication of other underlying health problem.
Treatment of Low Blood Pressure
Using more salt, wearing compression stocking, drinking more water, and taking medications are few things that you can do to raise you blood pressure. Drug fludrocortisones is used to treat the drop in blood pressure when you stand up. It boosts the blood volume, raising blood pressure. To treat low blood pressure, you can make some lifestyle changes such as avoiding alcohol, drinking more water, changing the body positions slowly, following a healthy diet, and eating small, low carbohydrate meals throughout the day.