Your heart is constantly pumping blood through your body, and the force with which your blood presses against the walls of your blood vessels determines your blood pressure. It can be high, normal, or low. Low blood pressure is less common than high blood pressure and is usually less dangerous. Low blood pressure can even be healthy, provided it does not cause you any symptoms and is not a symptom of an underlying problem, such as blood loss or reduced heart function.
How does blood pressure occur?
Your blood pressure is caused by the contraction of the heart muscle, which pumps blood into the blood vessels. This pushes the blood against the walls of the blood vessels. Blood pressure is expressed in two values: the upper pressure (systolic pressure) and the lower pressure (diastolic pressure). The upper pressure is measured when your heart contracts and pumps blood through the arteries, while the lower pressure is measured when your heart relaxes. A normal blood pressure is around 120/80 mmHg (upper/ lower pressure).
Fluctuations in blood pressure
Your blood pressure varies constantly and is affected by factors such as age, health, lifestyle (smoking, drinking, sleep) and weight. In children, a blood pressure of 80/45 is normal, while in the elderly, a blood pressure of 180/85 can still be considered normal. Blood pressure also changes with stress, strenuous exercise, body posture, and emotions such as fear and anger.
When is your blood pressure too low?
A blood pressure of around 90/60 is usually considered low. In some people, especially young women, low blood pressure is normal and does not cause problems. Low blood pressure is not considered too low until it causes symptoms. In fact, low blood pressure without symptoms is healthy and protects blood vessels.
Complaints due to low blood pressure
Although low blood pressure does not always cause symptoms, the following symptoms may occur:
- Dizziness
- Light feeling in the head
- Seeing stars
- Fainting
- Fatigue
These symptoms usually occur suddenly, such as when standing up quickly. Symptoms such as pale vision, a weak pulse and dilated pupils may also occur, especially in the elderly or people taking medication for high blood pressure. Extreme heat can worsen symptoms, as blood flows to the skin to cool the body, reducing blood flow to the heart and brain.
Causes of low blood pressure
- Dehydration: Dehydration due to heavy sweating, high fever, blood loss, severe burns, diarrhea, or extreme heat.
- Allergic reactions: Can drastically reduce the amount of fluid in the body.
- Medications: Especially antihypertensive drugs (medications for high blood pressure) can cause low blood pressure.
- Cardiac arrhythmias and blood flow blockages: Can also lead to low blood pressure.
Severely lowered blood pressure can indicate shock, a life-threatening situation in which the pressure in the blood vessels is so low that vital body functions can no longer be maintained.
What to do for low blood pressure
If symptoms such as dizziness and fainting persist, it is wise to see your family doctor. The family doctor can measure your blood pressure and, if necessary, prescribe medication to raise it. However, this does not happen often.
To reduce symptoms:
- Get enough sleep.
- Drink plenty of water, especially in hot weather or illness.
- Avoid caffeinated beverages and alcohol.
- Eat light meals and rest after eating.
- Stand up slowly.
- Sports regularly.
- Avoid long hot baths and saunas.
If you get dizzy or faint, lie down with your legs up so blood can flow to your brain again and the symptoms usually disappear on their own.
