Hypotension: low blood pressure

Low blood pressure (hypotension) is defined as blood pressure readings that regularly fall below 90/60 mmHg. In many cases, this is harmless—especially in young, healthy, or physically active people. However, if symptoms occur or underlying health conditions are present, hypotension should be taken seriously. In this blog, you’ll learn what low blood pressure means, what symptoms may appear, and how it can be diagnosed and treated.

Table of Contents

• What is blood pressure?
• What is hypotension?
• What are the symptoms of hypotension?
• What causes hypotension?
• How is hypotension diagnosed?
• How is hypotension treated?
• Summary

What is blood pressure?

Blood pressure refers to the force with which blood pushes against the walls of the blood vessels. It depends on:

• how strongly the heart pumps

• how narrow or wide the vessels are

• how much blood circulates in the body

• how viscous (thick) the blood is

• how elastic the vessel walls are

Blood pressure is measured in mmHg and expressed with two values:

• Systolic: the pressure when the heart beats

• Diastolic: the pressure when the heart relaxes

A healthy blood pressure is around 120/80 mmHg, but it can vary depending on age and overall health (Britannica, 2022).

What is hypotension?

Hypotension is defined as a systolic value below 90 mmHg or a diastolic value below 60 mmHg. What matters most, however, is whether symptoms are present. Without symptoms, low blood pressure is often harmless.

Types of hypotension:

• Orthostatic hypotension: A drop in blood pressure when standing up quickly, often accompanied by dizziness or fainting.

• Postprandial hypotension: A drop in blood pressure after eating, more common in older adults.

• Neurally mediated hypotension (NMH): Often occurs in young people after prolonged standing.

• Supine hypotension: A drop in blood pressure while lying down, especially during pregnancy or in cases of autonomic nervous system dysfunction.

Sources: NHS, 2023; Mayo Clinic, 2022

What are the symptoms of hypotension?

Not everyone with low blood pressure experiences symptoms. Typical symptoms include:

• Dizziness, lightheadedness

• Fainting (syncope)

• Blurred vision

• Nausea

• Rapid, shallow breathing

• Fatigue and weakness

Important: These symptoms can lead to falls and injuries—especially in older adults. Other conditions may also cause similar symptoms (NHLBI, 2022).

What causes hypotension?

Medical causes

• Heart problems: e.g., heart failure or valve disorders that impair the heart’s pumping ability

• Pregnancy: due to rapid expansion of the circulatory system

• Hormonal disorders: thyroid disease, Addison’s disease, diabetes

• Severe infections (sepsis): can trigger a dangerous drop in blood pressure (septic shock)

• Vitamin deficiencies: A lack of B12, folate, or iron can cause anemia, which may indirectly lower blood pressure

Medications

• Blood pressure medications: e.g., diuretics → increase fluid loss, lower blood volume, and reduce blood pressure

• Heart medications: beta blockers, calcium channel blockers

• Parkinson’s medications

• Certain antidepressants

Other factors

• Dehydration: fluid loss due to sweating, illness, or inadequate intake

• Malnutrition: insufficient calories or nutrients

Source: Cleveland Clinic, 2023

How is hypotension diagnosed?

Evaluation typically includes:

• Medical history and physical examination

• Blood pressure measurement (several times, while sitting, lying down, and standing)

• Blood tests (to check for anemia, infections, hormones)

• ECG / echocardiogram (to assess heart function)

• Stress test (to evaluate the circulatory response to exertion)

• 24-hour monitoring to identify patterns

Seek medical attention if symptoms occur frequently, lead to falls, or appear suddenly (PennMedicine, 2021).

How is hypotension treated?

Therapy depends on the underlying cause and the severity of symptoms:

Lifestyle & diet

• Drink enough fluids

• Avoid alcohol

• Get up slowly and change positions carefully

• Eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of large portions

• Consume caffeinated beverages in moderation

• Wear compression stockings for orthostatic hypotension

• Follow a balanced diet with vitamins and minerals

• Ensure adequate vitamin B12 and folate (to prevent anemia if deficient)

Medications

• Fludrocortisone: increases blood volume

• Midodrine: constricts blood vessels, raising blood pressure

• Treating the underlying condition: e.g., adjusting medications, treating infections or hormonal disorders

Source: Mayo Clinic, 2022

Homed-IQ Tests

The Homed-IQ Vitamin Deficiency Test measures vitamin D, B12, and folate. A deficiency in these vitamins may indirectly be linked to hypotension, for example through anemia or nervous system dysfunction.

This test is a practical way to gain initial insights – but it does not replace medical evaluation.

Summary

Hypotension means blood pressure below 90/60 mmHg. It is often harmless but can be risky if symptoms like dizziness or fainting occur. Causes include heart or hormonal issues, infections, medications, or dehydration. Diagnosis involves blood pressure checks, blood tests, and heart exams. Treatment may include more fluids, a salt-adjusted diet, small meals, or medication. If symptoms appear, always seek medical advice.