Low Blood Pressure: Causes and When to Seek Help

I'm not sure what to do?

Hello, my blood pressure is getting lower and lower.
It was originally not high, around 100/95, then it stabilized at 95/87, and recently it measured 82/52.
I have a poor lifestyle, smoking and often staying up late.
People say that this would lead to high blood pressure, but it’s the opposite.
Additionally, I experience shortness of breath while sleeping, with tears flowing, which is very distressing.
Whenever I have a busy day at work, I feel dizzy.
I don't know what's going on or what kind of specialist I should see.
Could you please help me with this?

Yi Ling, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2003/04/23

Dr. Zhong Yuxun reply Cardiology

Dear user,
At 25 years old, you are still considered young, and younger individuals typically have lower blood pressure; the younger you are, the lower it tends to be.
Additionally, blood pressure can fluctuate at any time, with variations of 10-15 mmHg being common.
There may also be a difference of 5-10 mmHg between the left and right arms, and blood pressure readings can vary depending on whether you are sitting, standing, or lying down.
The symptoms you experience while sleeping may be related to smoking and staying up late, so it is advisable to consult an internal medicine or pulmonology specialist as soon as possible.

Wishing you good health,
Dr.
Chung Yu-Hsuan, Cardiology, Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan

Reply Date: 2003/04/23

More Info

Low blood pressure, or hypotension, can be a concerning condition, especially when it leads to symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, or difficulty breathing. Your reported blood pressure readings of 82/52 mmHg are significantly lower than normal, which typically ranges from 90/60 mmHg to 120/80 mmHg. Understanding the causes of low blood pressure and when to seek medical help is crucial for your health.

Causes of Low Blood Pressure
1. Dehydration: Insufficient fluid intake can lead to decreased blood volume, resulting in lower blood pressure. This is often exacerbated by lifestyle factors such as smoking and poor sleep habits, which can further dehydrate the body.

2. Nutritional Deficiencies: Low blood pressure can also be caused by deficiencies in essential nutrients, particularly vitamin B12 and folate, which are vital for red blood cell production. A diet lacking in these nutrients can lead to anemia, contributing to low blood pressure.

3. Heart Issues: Conditions such as bradycardia (slow heart rate), heart valve problems, heart attack, or heart failure can prevent the heart from pumping blood effectively, leading to low blood pressure.

4. Hormonal Changes: Disorders of the adrenal glands, such as Addison's disease, can disrupt hormone levels that regulate blood pressure.

5. Medications: Certain medications, including diuretics, beta-blockers, and antidepressants, can lower blood pressure as a side effect.

6. Severe Infection (Septicemia): Infections that enter the bloodstream can lead to a life-threatening drop in blood pressure.

7. Neurological Disorders: Conditions like Parkinson's disease can affect the autonomic nervous system, leading to low blood pressure.

Symptoms to Watch For
You mentioned experiencing dizziness, difficulty breathing, and emotional distress (crying). These symptoms can indicate that your body is not receiving adequate blood flow, which can be dangerous. Other symptoms of low blood pressure may include:
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Nausea
- Confusion

When to Seek Help
Given your symptoms and the significant drop in your blood pressure, it is essential to seek medical attention promptly. You should consider visiting a healthcare provider, such as a primary care physician or a cardiologist, who can evaluate your condition more thoroughly. Here are some specific signs that warrant immediate medical attention:
- Persistent dizziness or fainting spells
- Difficulty breathing or chest pain
- Severe fatigue or weakness
- Any new or worsening symptoms

Management and Treatment
1. Lifestyle Modifications: Improving your diet to include more fluids and electrolytes can help. Increasing your intake of salt (under medical supervision) may also assist in raising blood pressure. Regular, moderate exercise can improve circulation and overall cardiovascular health.

2. Medication Review: If you are on medications, review them with your doctor to determine if any could be contributing to your low blood pressure.

3. Monitoring: Regularly check your blood pressure at home to track any changes and report these to your healthcare provider.

4. Addressing Underlying Conditions: If your low blood pressure is due to an underlying health issue, such as anemia or a heart condition, treating that condition will be crucial.

In conclusion, while low blood pressure can sometimes be benign, your symptoms and the degree of hypotension you are experiencing suggest that it is important to seek medical evaluation. A healthcare professional can help identify the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan tailored to your needs.

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