Hypotension

 

General information

A person's blood pressure depends upon many factors including:

  • Age
  • Sex
  • Weight
  • Smoking
  • Exercise
  • Genetic predisposition

Blood pressure tends to increase with age. An average blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg. The higher number (systolic pressure) represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart is contracting. The lower number (diastolic pressure) represents the pressure in between heart beats when the blood vessels are dilated.

There are several situations in which low blood pressure may be found:

  • Low blood pressure is often found in young healthy people. This merely reflects a physically fit person with a healthy cardiovascular system.
  • Orthostatic (or postural) hypotension occurs when the blood pressure decreases upon standing. This briefly causes a reduced blood flow to the brain, and may be accompanied by dizziness and faintness. This is a common phenomenon in elderly people, and may be related to the current medication being taken.

The diagnosis is confirmed by measuring the blood pressure in the standing as well as the lying or sitting position. Management of the condition may include:

  • Stopping or changing any medication that may be precipitating the problem
  • Standing up slowly from sitting or lying
  • Wearing full length elastic stockings

Low blood pressure may also be associated with other medical problems such as

  • Heart disease
  • Pulmonary embolism
  • Addison's disease
  • Liver failure
  • Bacterial infections and septicaemia
  • Hypothermia
  • Malaria
  • Spinal cord injury or head injury

Other symptoms will be usually present in such situations.