{"id":14412,"date":"2020-03-27T09:28:24","date_gmt":"2020-03-27T09:28:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=14412"},"modified":"2021-05-06T18:11:27","modified_gmt":"2021-05-06T18:11:27","slug":"14-common-causes-of-low-blood-pressure","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/14-common-causes-of-low-blood-pressure\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Common Causes of Low Blood Pressure"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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As your heart beats, it pumps blood throughout your body, giving the oxygen and energy it needs to thrive. As blood moves throughout the body, it pushes against the walls of the blood vessels. The force that\u2019s exerted on the blood vessel walls by circulating blood is known as blood pressure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Blood pressure readings are expressed as a fraction; 120\/80, for example. The top number represents systolic blood pressure, the amount of pressure placed on the arteries when the heart muscles contract. The bottom number, diastolic blood pressure, represents blood pressure in between heartbeats. Blood pressure is considered normal when the top number is between 90 and 120 and the bottom number is between 60 and 90. A reading that\u2019s lower than 90\/60 is considered hypotension, or low blood pressure. There are several factors that can cause low blood pressure. Here\u2019s a look at some of the most common.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Bradycardia<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Bradycardia, or slow heart rate, is one of the most common causes of low blood pressure<\/a>. A heart rate that\u2019s considered too slow varies and depends on each individual\u2019s age and overall health; for instance, older people are more prone to a slow heart rate. For the average adult, a resting heart rate that\u2019s less than 60 beats per minute (BPM) is considered a slow heart rate, though there are exceptions to this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, an otherwise healthy average adult\u2019s heart rate may fall under 60 BPM while they are sleeping. When the heart beats too slowly, lower levels of blood is being pushed through the heart, and as a result, less pressure is being placed on the walls of the arteries. Therefore, bradycardia can be marked by low blood pressure. In addition to low blood pressure, other bradycardia symptoms include fatigue, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, and confusion. 
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2. Heart valve disease<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The human heart is comprised of four valves. These valves are responsible for maintaining proper blood flow. In individuals who suffer from heart valve<\/a> disease, one or more of the valves do not function properly; they either don\u2019t open properly, close properly or both. As a result, blood flowing through your heart to the rest of your body may be disrupted. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, it\u2019s not uncommon for people who suffer from heart valve disease to experience low blood pressure, as the blood isn\u2019t being pushed out hard enough to push enough force on the artery walls. Causes of heart valve disease vary; they can be congenital, meaning that they are present at birth, or they can be the result of complications, such as infections and other conditions of the heart. Other symptoms of heart valve disease include chest pain, fatigue, dizziness, edema (swelling), and shortness of breath. 
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3. Heart attack<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When the flow of blood to the heart becomes blocked, the result is a heart attack. Often, a blockage is the result of an accumulation of cholesterol or fat. These accumulated substances create plaque within the coronary arteries. Over time, the plaque breaks off and creates a clot that can interrupt blood flow and damage parts of the muscles within the heart. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because the flow of blood to the heart is blocked, blood pressure can drop during a heart attack. There are a couple of factors that can contribute to hypotension <\/a>during a heart attack. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, the heart may pump less blood, and therefore, lower levels of force are being placed against the artery walls. Heart attack-related hypotension may also be a response to pain. Or, heart attack-related hypotension can occur if your parasympathetic nervous system, the system responsible for your body\u2019s resting state, becomes over-active. 
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4. Pregnancy<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

\u00a0It\u2019s not uncommon for pregnant women to experience low blood pressure. Like virtually every other part of your body changed during pregnancy<\/a>, so, too, can your blood pressure. While pregnant, a woman\u2019s circulatory system rapidly expands in order to meet the increased metabolic demand of the tissues throughout the body. As a result of the rapid expansion of the circulatory system, the blood that\u2019s pumping through the heart may not be putting enough pressure on the arteries, which can result in lower blood pressure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s most common for pregnant women to experience lower than normal blood pressure during the first 24 weeks of gestation. There are several other factors that can lead to hypotension during pregnancy; dehydration, bed rest for prolonged periods of time, nutritional deficiencies, and anemia, and conditions of the heart (such as those described above), for example, are some factors that can contribute to pregnancy-related hypotension. 
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5. Parathyroid disease<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The thyroid gland<\/a> is a butterfly-shaped gland that is located within the base of the neck, and it\u2019s an important part of the endocrine system. At the pack of the thyroid gland are four small glands that are equivalent to the size of a pea. These glands are known as parathyroid glands and they\u2019re also an important part of the endocrine system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The parathyroid glands are responsible for the production of parathyroid hormone (PTH). This hormone helps maintain the proper balance of phosphorous and calcium in the body. If the parathyroid glands make too much or don\u2019t make enough PH, the balance of these calcium and phosphorous can be disrupted. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is known as parathyroid disease. The parathyroid disease can result in low blood pressure, as it can impact blood flow, which then reduces the amount of pressure placed on the artery walls, resulting in low blood pressure. 
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6. Low blood sugar<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Medically known as hypoglycemia, low blood sugar is marked by low levels of glucose in the bloodstream. When you consume carbohydrates<\/a>, your body turns those carbohydrates into glucose (sugar). Glucose is then transported through the bloodstream to the cells of the body, providing them with energy. Insulin, a hormone, allows the cells throughout the body to absorb and utilize glucose. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are several reasons why hypoglycemia can occur, but it often occurs as a result of certain medications. For example, diabetics who use insulin to regulate high blood sugar may use too much insulin, which can result in low blood sugar. When blood sugar levels are too low, the flow of blood can be disrupted, which can lead to low blood pressure. Other symptoms of low blood pressure include increased hunger, shaking, trembling, heart palpitations, paleness, dizziness, confusion, coordination problems, mouth-tingling, irritability, and blurred vision. 
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7. Addison\u2019s disease<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>Also known as adrenal insufficiency, Addison\u2019s disease is an uncommon condition, but it is one that can be marked by low blood pressure. With this disorder, the body does not produce the proper amount of cortisol and in many cases, aldosterone, hormones that play a vital part in the function of the endocrine system. Addison\u2019s disease occurs when the adrenal glands become damaged. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The adrenal glands are responsible for the production of cortisol <\/a>and aldosterone. These hormones provide instructions for almost every organ and tissue within the body, including the heart. As a result, when the adrenal glands are damaged and the production of cortisol and aldosterone are insufficient, blood pressure can fall. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other symptoms of Addison\u2019s disease include excessive fatigue, unintentional weight loss, decreased appetite, hyperpigmentation (skin darkening), hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), pain in the abdominal region, pain in the joints and muscles, and gastrointestinal upset. 
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8. Dehydration<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Dehydration<\/a>, low fluid levels in the body, can severely affect your overall health and well-being. This condition is most commonly marked by excessive thirst, but it can also trigger low blood pressure. Dehydration occurs when you aren\u2019t taking in an adequate amount of fluids to replenish fluid levels or when you are losing fluids faster than they can be replaced. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dehydration can lead to a decrease in blood volume, which can result in low blood pressure. Blood volume refers to the amount of fluid that circulates throughout the blood vessels. When you are severely dehydrated, blood volume can decrease to the point that blood pressure can also decrease, as your blood isn\u2019t placing enough pressure against the walls of the arteries.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to excessive thirst and hypotension, other symptoms of dehydration include low urine output, dark-colored urine, excessive fatigue, sluggishness, confusion, irritability, dizziness, and lightheadedness. 
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9. Anaphylaxis<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Anaphylaxis <\/a>is the medical term for a severe allergic reaction that has the potential to be life-threatening if prompt treatment is not administered. Allergies occur when your immune system overreacts to an allergen, a substance that you are allergic to. The reaction of the immune system causes an excessive release of chemicals that are stored within the cells of the blood and tissues that can negatively impact several of the body\u2019s essential systems, resulting in anaphylaxis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Certain individuals may even experience anaphylactic shock, a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. The chemicals that the immune system releases act on the blood vessels, which can cause swelling. Histamine is one of the chemicals released during anaphylaxis, and it can cause the blood vessels to widen excessive, which can lead to a sudden and serious decrease in blood pressure.  Other symptoms include itching, hives, flushed skin, nausea, and dizziness. 
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10. Septicemia<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Septicemia<\/a>, also known as blood poisoning, is a severe infection of the bloodstream. It\u2019s a very serious condition that can become life-threatening without proper treatment. Blood poisoning occurs when a bacterial infection develops in another part of the body \u2013 the skin, for example \u2013 travels into the bloodstream. Infections contain bacteria and toxins, and once they enter into the bloodstream, they can travel into every other part of your body. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If left untreated, septicemia can turn into sepsis, a very serious complication that can result in inflammation throughout the entire body. Inflammation can then lead to blood clots, which can block and prevent oxygen from reaching vital organs, including the heart, which can then fail. When the heart is affected, it can\u2019t produce enough blood, and thus blood flow is compromised; hence why low blood pressure can occur. Other symptoms of septicemia include chills, rapid breathing, fever, and chills. 
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11. Excessive blood loss<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Yet another common cause of low pressure is excessive blood loss. Blood loss can occur as a result of a severe external or internal injury, a large wound, blunt trauma, or a fracture<\/a>, for example. These injuries can result in excessive blood loss. When the body loses more blood than it can produce and replace, low blood pressure can occur, as the amount of force put on the walls of the arteries isn\u2019t enough to maintain a healthy blood pressure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Signs of excessive blood loss from an external injury are obvious, as the blood is visible. However, signs of internal bleeding may not be as obvious, as the blood loss isn\u2019t visible. The signs of internal blood loss depend on the cause; however, in addition to low blood pressure, signs may include shortness of breath, severe headache, blood in the stool, blurred vision, weakness, and confusion.  
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12. Anemia<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Anemia <\/a>is a medical condition that is marked by low levels of healthy red blood cells. Without an adequate amount of red blood cells, your bloodstream cannot carry the proper amount of oxygen to the tissues throughout your body. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are several different types and causes of anemia. Anemia can occur when your body doesn\u2019t make enough red blood cells when excessive bleeding results in losing more red blood cells than your body can produce and replace, and when the body destroys red blood cells. Examples of types of anemia include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. Iron deficiency anemia.<\/em><\/strong> The most common type of anemia. It\u2019s caused by an inefficient amount of iron in the body. <\/li>
  2. Aplastic anemia.<\/em><\/strong> A rare, but life-threatening condition, occurs when the body fails to produce a sufficient amount of red blood cells. <\/li>
  3. Vitamin deficiency anemia. This occurs as a result of a lack of vitamin B-12 and folate.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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    13.Excessive bed res<\/strong>t<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Believe it or not, being laid up in bed for a prolonged period of time can also lead to low blood pressure. There are several health problems that can lead to the need for excessive periods of bed rest; heart conditions, stroke, surgeries, and traumatic physical injuries, and complications during pregnancy<\/a>, for example. While the goal of bed rest is to provide the body with the opportunity to recover from whatever type of affliction that is ailing you, it can also pose a number of complications. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    One such complication may be issued with the circulatory system, which can result in low blood pressure. The heart needs to remain active in order to stay healthy and strong. During extended periods of bed rest, a patient is unable to get the exercise that he or she needs. This can weaken the heart, slow blood flow, and cause hypotension. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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    14. Diuretics<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Diuretics<\/a>, also known as water pills, help to remove sodium (salt) and water from the body. They work by increasing the amount of sodium the kidneys release into the urine. With that sodium, water is also taken from the blood. This decreases the amount of fluid that flows through the arteries and veins; hence why diuretics are often used as a treatment for high blood pressure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    While they are effective for hypertension, diuretics may be too<\/em> effective and can lead to hypotension, or low blood pressure. For example, if you aren\u2019t taking an adequate amount of diuretics, your kidneys can draw too much water from the blood. As a result, you may not have enough fluid in your blood. Low levels of fluid in the blood prevent an adequate amount of pressure from being applied to the walls of the arteries, which can lead to low blood pressure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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