Low Blood Pressure

Within limits, the lower your blood pressure reading is, the better. In most people blood pressure isn't too low until it causes symptoms such as lightheadedness or fainting. In certain conditions or disease states, blood pressure can become too low, as in these examples:
  • certain nervous system disorders (orthostatic hypotension, autonomic failure)
  • endocrine disorders (parathyroid disease)
  • heart attack and heart failure
  • prolonged bed rest
  • fainting (syncope) (SIN'ko-pe)
  • decreases in blood volume due to severe bleeding (hemorrhage) or dehydration
  • effects of certain drugs
  • severe infections (sepsis)
  • shock

Normal blood pressure with respect to cardiovascular risk is less than 120/80 mm Hg. Unusually low readings should be evaluated to rule out medical causes.

Related AHA publications:

 



See also:

Autonomic Nervous System
Blood Pressure
Blood Pressure -- Buying and Caring for Home Equipment
Blood Pressure Testing and Measurement
Heart Attack
High Blood Pressure
High Blood Pressure in Children
High Blood Pressure, Factors That Contribute to
High Blood Pressure Statistics
High Blood Pressure, What Can Be Done
High Blood Pressure, Why It Is Bad
J-Curve Phenomenon
Kidneys and Kidney Function
Syncope
Hypertension Primer, Third Edition



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