Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)

 

Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)

(In continuation to my previous blog Blood Pressure-Hypertension)

                   Blood Pressure is the silent killer and is the leading cause of several serious ailments like Heart Disease, Stroke, Paralysis, kidney problem, eye problems, etc. on the other hand Blood-Pressure is treatable for everyone, but curable for a lucky few! The ratio of Blood Pressure suffering people is very high. As such general awareness regarding Blood Pressure was felt essential.

                      Keeping in view the above facts in my mind, I had tried to sketch a clear a brief picture of Blood Pressure in my previous blog (Blood Pressure-Hypertension) for general awareness to viewers about Blood Pressure  in which a brief study of the following was given:-

§  What is Blood?

§  What is Blood Pressure?

§  Types of Blood Pressure-Systolic & Diastolic pressure.

§  The normal range of Blood Pressure.

§  High & Low Blood Pressure

§  Types of Hypertension, Essentials Hypertension,

§  Causes of Hypertension.  

§  Hypertension & Hypotension.

§  Prone to hypertension.

§  Symptoms of Hypertension.

§  Untreated Hypertension

§  How to control/Overcome Hypertension

Now, we have to think over Low Blood Pressur Hypotension

Low Blood Pressure-Hypotension:-

Hypotension is the medical term for Low Blood Pressure. A blood pressure reading lower than 90 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) for Systolic (top no)  or 60 mm Hg for the bottom number i.e. Diastolic is generally considered Low Blood Pressure. Sometimes, it may become life-threatening as it is itself not a disease rather to associate with several other serious ailments.

                           Low Blood Pressure without any symptom is not usually a concern in healthy people even and does not need to be treated. But it may be a sign of underlying problems especially in the old age where it may cause inadequate blood flow to the heart, brain, and other vital organs. Chronic low blood pressure with no symptoms is almost never serious. But health problems can occur when blood pressure drops suddenly.

Types/Classification of Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure)

                               Hypotension is divided into several different classifications which                       are as follows:-

1.  Orthostatic Hypotension: - It occurs when the transition from sitting or lying down to standing position and is common to all age people. There may be a brief period of dizziness. Some people refer to as seeing stars” when they get up. It is called Postural Hypotension.

         Orthostatic hypotension is especially common in older adults, but it also affects young, otherwise healthy people who stand up suddenly after sitting with their legs crossed for long periods or after squatting for a long time.

2.  Postprandial Hypotension: - This type of blood pressure occurs one to two hours after eating and affects mostly older adults. It is more likely to affect people with high blood pressure or autonomic nervous system disorders such as Parkinson's disease.

            Normally, the body increases the heart rate and constricts certain blood vessels to help to maintain normal blood pressure. But in some people these mechanisms fail, leading to dizziness, faintness, and falls. However, eating small low-carbohydrate meals; drinking more water; and avoiding alcohol might help to reduce symptoms.

3.  Neurally mediated Hypotension: - This type of Blood Pressure causes after standing for long periods due to faulty brain signals. It mostly affects young adults and children.

4.  Hypotension due to damage to the nervous system (multiple system atrophy with orthostatic hypotension): -

             This rare disorder is called Shy-Dragger syndrome which has many Parkinson's disease-like symptoms. It causes progressive damage to the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary functions such as rare disorder blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, and digestion. It's associated with having very high blood pressure while lying down.

5.  Severe Hypotension: - It is related to shock. Shock occurs when your organs do not get the blood and oxygen they need to function properly. This can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

Causes & Reasons of Hypotension: -

 Following are the main causes and reasons for Hypotension:-

 

•          Pregnancy Due to increased demand for blood from both   mother                 and the growing fetus.
•          Weakness and a state of shock that comes sometimes                                 with dehydration.
•          Infections of the bloodstream.
•          Large amounts of blood loss through injury.
•          Impaired circulation caused by heart attacks or faulty heart valves.
•          Severe form of allergic reaction - Anaphylactic Shock
•          Endocrine disorders such as Diabetes adrenal insufficiency, and                     thyroid disease.
•          Medication and/or Drug reaction.
•          Unknown reasons - called chronic Asymptomatic Hypotension, isn’t               usually harmful.
•          Any Illness.
•          Heart attack/Heart failure or other heart problems.
•          Anemia
•          Depression and Anxiety
•          Dehydration
•          Blood a clot in the lungs.
•          Bleeding in any forms
•          Prolonged Bed rest.
•          Decrease in Blood Volume
•          Allergic reaction.
•          Lack of nutrients in your diet.
•          Liver disease.
•          High or Lw body Temperature

 One thing is to mention very clearly that reasons for Hypotension maybe whatever is, but definitely very dangerous and needs serious attention to be paid.

 

Risk factors of Hypotension

Low blood pressure (hypotension) can occur in anyone, though certain types of low blood pressure are more common depending on your age or other factors: -

·         Age. Drops in blood pressure on standing or after eating occur primarily in adults older than 65. Neurally mediated hypotension primarily affects children and younger adults.

·         Medications. People who take certain medications, for example, high blood pressure medications such as alpha-blockers, have a greater risk of low blood pressure.

·         Certain diseases. Parkinson's disease, diabetes, and some heart conditions put you at a greater risk of developing low blood pressure.

Symptoms of Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure)

 Specific symptoms of Hypotension areas under: -

• Dizziness
• Light-headache   
• Blurred vision
• Fainting
• Falling
• Nause
• Fatigue
• Depression and Anxiety
• Dehydration and unusual thirst.
• Lack of concentration 
• Cold, clammy, pale skin.
• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Weak and rapid pulse

Prevention in Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)      

a)           a)  Moving from being seated or lying down to standing slowly.

b)   Raising the head of the bed by 6 inches by placing bricks or books underneath.

c)   Eating small meals frequently.

d)   Increasing water intake.

e)   Avoiding long periods of sitting or standing still.

f)     Not suddenly changing posture or position.

g)   Avoiding excessive alcohol intake and drinking caffeinated beverages late in the day.

Complications

 Low Blood Pressure even in the moderate form can cause dizziness,    weakness, fainting and a risk of injury from falls and severely low blood pressure can deprive your body of enough oxygen to carry out its functions, leading to damage to your heart and brain.

How to control/Overcome Hypotension: -

a)   Rising slowly from a sitting or lying position may help ease symptoms.

b)   Avoiding alcohol.

c)   Drinking plenty of water.

d)   Eating small but more frequent low-carbohydrate meals along with fruits and vegetables may also help.

e)   Use more salt.

f)    Fluids increase blood volume and help prevent dehydration.

g)   Get regular light exercise to promote blood flow.

h)   Elevate the head of your bed at night by placing bricks or blocks under the head of the bed.

i)     Avoid heavy lifting.

j)    Avoid straining while on the toilet.

k)   Avoid prolonged exposure to hot water, such as hot showers and spas.

l)     Meditation or/and sit for deep breathing regularly.

m) Medications.