9 Signs and side effects of low blood pressure (hypotension)

There are signs and symptoms that you can use to determine whether your blood pressure is too low.

Since high blood pressure is so common, it is possible to overlook the dangers of low blood pressure. According to WebMD, normal blood pressure is anything below 120/80. Having blood pressure that is a little lower than average is okay, and many people with lower than usual blood pressure don't experience any negative symptoms. Blood pressure that is too low, though, can lead to symptoms like dizziness, fainting and death. According to Mayo Clinic, anything below 90/60 is considered low blood pressure. Low blood pressure is only considered to be a problem when negative symptoms appear as a result. Many times, there are no negative side effects.

Normal blood pressure is anything between 90/60 and 120/80.

Blood pressure is measured in two numbers, systolic and diastolic. The first one, systolic, measures the pressure of blood against blood vessels when pressure is at its highest: when the heart beats and pushes blood through vessels. Diastolic blood pressure measures the pressure of blood when the heart relaxes before beating again.

Symptoms of low blood pressure

Common symptoms of low blood pressure include:

1. Weakness and fatigue

Our whole body needs nutrients and oxygen. Oxygen is our primary source of energy. It is converted into carbon dioxide and the energy that is released during this conversion is used to power our cardio-vascular energy systems. A decrease in blood pressure leads to a decrease in flood flow or blood circulation. This, in turn, decreases the amount of oxygen and nutrients that our organs can use to create energy.

2. Lack of concentration

For the same reason listed above, low blood pressure can result in less oxygen reaching the brain, leading to decreased mental performance and ability.

3. Cold hands and feet

This happens because of lowered blood circulation, which regulates body temperature. Blood carries warmth. When we are hot, our skin goes red because blood is moved closer to the surface of the skin so that the excess heat can dissipate. When we are cold, we go pale because the warm blood is held closer to our core to keep our internal organs warm. Low blood pressure decreases blood circulation, which limits the amount of warm blood that reaches extremities like the hands and feet.

4. Higher sensitivity to cold temperatures

Lower blood pressure often results in lower body temperature, since less blood is pumped throughout the body. This results in a greater sensitivity to the cold. People with lower body temperatures struggle more to generate body heat.

5. Tiredness after eating

People with low blood pressure may experience tiredness and fatigue after eating food as blood is redirected to be the digestive system.

6. Blurred Vision

Your vision can become blurred because of a lack of oxygen from the blood to the eyes and the brain.

7. Nausea

Nausea is also a common symptom associated with low blood pressure. It is linked to symptoms of dehydration and loss of important electrolytes and minerals.

8. Dizziness and feeling light headed

Dizziness and feeling light headed occurs when you have low blood pressure because not enough oxygen-rich blood reaches to the brain. Abrupt changes in blood pressure is why many people feel light headed or dizzy after doing certain exercises like squats and dead lifts. People with low blood pressure often feel light headed after standing for long periods of time as well.

9. Fainting 

Fainting because of lack of oxygen to the brain is known as syncope. This can be caused by low blood pressure, along with other reasons like a decreased heart rate or loss of blood.

Severe hypotension can lead to death

If blood pressure drops too low, it can be fatal. Fatality through low blood pressure usually occurs because of severe blood loss, extremely low amounts of electrolytes and minerals, too much of a certain chemical or toxin, or because of disease.

If you suspect that your blood pressure is too low, consult your medical practitioner. Stay Strong!

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