What happens if bp is low

Even mild dehydration a loss of as little as 1 percent to 2 percent of body weight can cause weakness, dizziness and fatigue. Lack of concentration Blurred vision Cold, clammy, pale skin Rapid, shallow breathing Fatigue Depression. Lowering the Risk Your donation helps empower people everywhere to learn the facts and take action to lower their risk of heart problems.

Donate Now. Decreases in blood volume: A decrease in blood volume can also cause blood pressure to drop. A significant loss of blood from major trauma, dehydration or severe internal bleeding reduces blood volume, leading to a severe drop in blood pressure.

Other prescription and over-the-counter drugs may cause low blood pressure when taken in combination with high blood pressure medications. Heart problems: Among the heart conditions that can lead to low blood pressure are an abnormally low heart rate bradycardia , problems with heart valves , heart attack and heart failure.

Severe infection septic shock : Septic shock can occur when bacteria leave the original site of an infection most often in the lungs, abdomen or urinary tract and enter the bloodstream. The bacteria then produce toxins that affect blood vessels, leading to a profound and life-threatening decline in blood pressure.

Allergic reaction anaphylaxis : Anaphylactic shock is a sometimes-fatal allergic reaction that can occur in people who are highly sensitive to drugs such as penicillin, to certain foods such as peanuts or to bee or wasp stings. This type of shock is characterized by breathing problems, hives, itching, a swollen throat and a sudden, dramatic fall in blood pressure. Neurally mediated hypotension: Unlike orthostatic hypotension, this disorder causes blood pressure to drop after standing for long periods, leading to symptoms such as dizziness, nausea and fainting.

If a cause can be found, a GP will be able to recommend treatment to ease your symptoms. Medicine to increase blood pressure is rarely needed because simple lifestyle measures or treating the underlying cause is usually effective.

Your blood pressure can vary depending on the time of day. It gradually increases throughout the day. There are many possible causes of low blood pressure. Feeling more thirsty than usual. Having blurry vision. Feeling weak. Being confused. Being tired. Having cold, clammy skin. Breathing very fast. If you have symptoms of low blood pressure, especially dizziness or fainting, call your doctor.

How is low blood pressure diagnosed? Will your doctor treat low blood pressure? Your doctor may have you: Add more salt to your diet. Get fluid through an intravenous IV line if you are very dehydrated. Change or stop medicines that lower your blood pressure. Take medicine to treat the problem that is causing low blood pressure.

For example, you may need antibiotics to treat infection or medicines to stop vomiting or diarrhea. How can you prevent low blood pressure symptoms?

For example, you can: Stand up slowly. Drink more water. Drink little or no alcohol. Limit or avoid caffeine. Wear compression stockings. Low blood pressure. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

Accessed March 21, Shen W-K, et al. Circulation, published online March 9, DOI: Accessed March 30,