Can your bp be too low

Other things that can affect blood pressure include:. However, if your blood pressure drops suddenly or you experience symptoms, it may cause serious side effects. The U. 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:. 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.

Symptoms of low blood pressure Most doctors will only consider chronically low blood pressure as dangerous if it causes noticeable signs and symptoms, such as: Dizziness or lightheadedness Nausea Fainting syncope Dehydration and unusual thirst Dehydration can sometimes cause blood pressure to drop.

However, dehydration does not always cause low blood pressure. Fever, vomiting, severe diarrhea, overuse of diuretics and strenuous exercise can all lead to dehydration, a potentially serious condition in which your body loses more water than you take in.

Even mild dehydration a loss of as little as 1 percent to 2 percent of body weight can cause weakness, dizziness and fatigue. Lack of concentration Blurred vision Cold, clammy, pale skin Rapid, shallow breathing Fatigue Depression. Lowering the Risk Your donation helps empower people everywhere to learn the facts and take action to lower their risk of heart problems. Donate Now. Decreases in blood volume: A decrease in blood volume can also cause blood pressure to drop.

A significant loss of blood from major trauma, dehydration or severe internal bleeding reduces blood volume, leading to a severe drop in blood pressure.

Other prescription and over-the-counter drugs may cause low blood pressure when taken in combination with high blood pressure medications. Heart problems: Among the heart conditions that can lead to low blood pressure are an abnormally low heart rate bradycardia , problems with heart valves , heart attack and heart failure. Severe infection septic shock : Septic shock can occur when bacteria leave the original site of an infection most often in the lungs, abdomen or urinary tract and enter the bloodstream.

The bacteria then produce toxins that affect blood vessels, leading to a profound and life-threatening decline in blood pressure. Low blood pressure symptoms can disrupt daily life, and they generally become more serious with age.

It is important to contact a doctor if any of these symptoms, such as dizziness and fatigue, occur. A doctor can identify the cause and recommend the best treatment approach. People experiencing any specific signs of anaphylactic or septic shock require emergency care. Signs of anaphylactic shock include:. Low blood pressure refers to the blood circulating with a low level of force. It can cause a range of symptoms, including dizziness and nausea.

Blood pressure naturally fluctuates throughout the day, and it declines with age. Longer lasting low blood pressure may result from a temporary issue, a chronic illness, or an emergency, such as septic shock. Anyone who has persistent symptoms of low blood pressure should consult a doctor. Anyone experiencing a sudden, significant drop in blood pressure should receive urgent care.

When a person's blood pressure is low enough to cause symptoms, it can have serious health consequences, including shock and kidney failure. Hypotension, or low blood pressure, can stem from a number of causes. Severe hypotension may indicate an underlying condition that needs treatment.

Low diastolic blood pressure is when blood pressure between heartbeats is too low. It may cause dizziness and fatigue. Learn about causes, diagnosis…. Learn about healthy blood pressure ranges and when to see a doctor in this…. Understanding blood pressure readings can be confusing if a person does not know what the numbers mean. This article explains the numbers in more….