The 11 Causes of Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)

Low blood pressure is only considered a problem if it brings about negative side effects. Read more about the 9 symptoms of low blood pressure here; which can include low energy, lack of concentration, poor blood circulation leading to cold hands and feet, sensitivity to cold temperatures, nausea, fainting and more.

Blood pressure refers to the amount of pressure between blood and blood vessels, similar to the way that pressure allows water to flow through pipes and out of taps when opened. Low blood pressure may reduce the amount of blood made available to the rest of the body. Normal blood pressure should create a good blood flow without any blockage.

Why does blood pressure drop? 

Our blood pressure naturally fluctuates throughout the day. It should be the lowest at night before and during sleep, while increasing in the morning and slowly tapering off towards the end of the day. Changes in body position, breathing rate, stress level, physical activity and food or water consumption affect blood pressure. Overall health affects blood pressure as well - a healthier body is better able to regulate blood pressure and heart rate.

Causes of Low Blood Pressure:

1) Dehydration

Dehydration reduces blood volume and therefore blood pressure. This can result in weakness, vomiting, fainting and eventually death. You can get dehydrated from being in hot climates or exercising for too long with replenishing liquids. Illness is another cause for dehydration. Sweating and urination lead to water loss. It is also important to replenish electrolytes and minerals, not just water.

2) Loss of Blood

Sever blood loss can be fatal as blood pressure drops below what the body needs to circulate oxygen, nutrients and by-products like carbon dioxide. In healthy individuals, a small drop in blood pressure from a little blood loss through a cut or scrape is not potentially fatal - as long as the bleeding is stopped through a band aide or bandage as soon as possible.

3) Not Enough Nutrients

A lack of sodium and other electrolytes can reduce the body's ability to hold onto water and therefore decreases blood pressure. This is why it is important to replace electrolytes after strenuous exercise or sweating, or after diarrhea or vomiting. Other nutrients obtained through food are also important in maintaining blood volume. B vitamins, iron and folate are needed to produce red blood cells. Lack of these nutrients can lead to anemia and cause low blood pressure.

4) Poor Heart Health

Your heart is responsible for pumping blood through your body continuously. Blood pressure could drop as a result of a heart complication or poor hear health. Bradycardia, for example, is a slower-than-normal heart rate which decreases the amount of times that blood is pumped throughout the body. Other heart problems like heart attacks and heart failure dramatically decrease blood pressure.

5) Unbalanced Hormones

Hormones have a large effect of blood pressure. The thyroid hormone regulates heart rate, body temperature, metabolism and blood pressure. According to Mayo Clinic, thyroid conditions like parathyroid disease, adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease), low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and diabetes can trigger low blood pressure.

6) Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening, allergic reaction to a specific food, medication or insect bite. Anaphylaxis causes breathing problems, itching, a swollen throat, hives and a potentially dangerous drop in blood pressure.

7)  Septic Shock

Spesis, or septicemia, occurs when an infection spreads to the blood and then spreads throughout the rest of body. This can drop blood pressure down to life-threatening levels.

8) Pregnancy

Blood pressure can drop during pregnancy as circulatory systems rapidly expand. Blood pressure should start returning to normal after giving birth.

9) Drugs and Medication

Certain drugs can cause blood pressure to drop. These include diuretics, drugs used to lower high blood pressure, Parkinson's disease medication, some antidepressants, sexual enhancement drugs, other medications and some heart drugs.

Examples of these drugs include furosemide (Lasix), hydrochlorothiazide (Maxzide, Microzide), prazosin (Minipress), atenolol (Tenormin), propranolol (Inderal, Innopran XL), pramipexole (Mirapex), levodopa, doxepin (Silenor), imipramine (Tofranil), sildenafil (Revatio, Viagra), tadalafil (Adcirca, Cialis) and nitroglycerin.

10) Standing (Orthostatic or Postural Hypotension)

When blood pressure drops after moving from a seated or lying position to a standing position, it is called orthostatic or postural hypotension. In these cases, blood pressure drops when you stand up after a relatively long period of time.

Blood pressure can also drop when standing for too long, as gravity pulls blood to the lower parts of the body. This is usually regulated by constricting blood vessels and increasing heart rate, but people with orthostatic hypertnsion can get dizzy or light headed after standing for too long because the body is not bale to regulate the drop in blood pressure properly. In severe cases, this can lead to fainting.

Neurally Mediated Hypotension 

Neurally mediated hypotension can also lead to low blood pressure from standing for too long. This happens because of distorted brain signalling which creates a miss-connect between the brain, heart and legs.

11) Food Intake (postprandial hypotension)

Postprandial hypotension is a condition that refers to dropped blood pressure after a meal. This happens because blood is directed to the digestive system after eating for the digestive process to take place. The body usually regulates this by increasing heart rate and constricting blood vessels. Postprandial hypotension refers to the failure of these mechanisms to increase blood pressure after the drop from food intake. Ironically, postprandial hypotension is more common in people with high blood pressure. Eating smaller meals more regularly, instead of larger meals less often, may help to reduce the effects of postprandial hypotension.


If you feel like your blood pressure is too low or too high, consult with your medical practitioner immediately. Stay Strong!

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