Why bp is low

Blood flows to your digestive tract after you eat. Ordinarily, your body increases your heart rate and constricts certain blood vessels to help maintain normal blood pressure.

But in some people these mechanisms fail, leading to dizziness, faintness and falls. Postprandial hypotension is more likely to affect people with high blood pressure or autonomic nervous system disorders such as Parkinson's disease. Eating small, low-carbohydrate meals; drinking more water; and avoiding alcohol might help reduce symptoms.

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:. Even moderate forms of low blood pressure 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. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.

This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Low blood pressure might seem desirable, and for some people, it causes no problems. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Symptoms of hypotension Substantial blood loss can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure shock.

Symptoms include: Light-headedness, when standing from a sitting or lying position Unsteadiness Dizziness Weakness Blurred vision Fatigue Fainting. Causes of hypotension Blood pressure is measured using a device known as a sphygmomanometer. Orthostatic hypotension Generally, when you stand upright from a sitting or lying position, the blood vessels in your body respond to gravity by constricting. Causes include: Nervous system diseases, such as neuropathy Prolonged bed rest Dehydration Irregular heart beat heart arrhythmia.

Treatment for hypotension Treatment depends on the cause. Where to get help Your doctor Things to remember Hypotension, or low blood pressure, means that the pressure of blood circulating around the body is lower than normal or lower than expected.

Low blood pressure is only a problem if it has a negative impact on the body and produces symptoms. Some causes of hypotension include blood loss, dehydration and certain medications, such as antihypertensive drugs. Low blood pressure , MedlinePlus. More information here. Low blood pressure hypotension , Mayo Clinic US. Give feedback about this page.

Severe hypotension can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. Your treatment will depend on the underlying cause of your hypotension. Treatment could include medications for heart disease, diabetes, or infection.

Drink plenty of water to avoid hypotension due to dehydration, especially if you are vomiting or have diarrhea. Staying hydrated can also help treat and prevent the symptoms of neurally mediated hypotension. If you experience low blood pressure when standing for long periods, be sure to take a break to sit down. And try to reduce your stress levels to avoid emotional trauma.

Treat orthostatic hypotension with slow, gradual movements. Instead of standing up quickly, work your way into a sitting or standing position using small movements. You can also avoid orthostatic hypotension by not crossing your legs when you sit. Shock-induced hypotension is the most serious form of the condition. Severe hypotension must be treated immediately. Emergency personnel will give you fluids and possibly blood products to increase your blood pressure and stabilize your vital signs.

Most people can manage and prevent hypotension by understanding the condition and being educated about it. Learn your triggers and try to avoid them. If you have low blood pressure, you may want to consider changing your diet. Learn which foods to eat and what to avoid.

Learn what your blood pressure reading means. Checking your blood pressure at home with a manual or automated device can help you monitor your health between doctor visits. Official sodium recommendations have been controversial.

Back to Health A to Z. It does not always cause symptoms, but you may need treatment if it does. If you get symptoms when you stand up or suddenly change position, you may have postural hypotension. If you're 40 to 74 years old, you should have your blood pressure checked at least once every 5 years as part of the NHS Health Check.