Low blood pressure: what it means and what to do when you have symptoms

Have you ever heard someone say they had “low blood pressure”?! This is a popular term used to designate the drop in blood pressure to levels below normal – arterial hypotension –, as highlighted by Thiago Germano, cardiologist at Hospital Anchieta.

Such a condition can cause symptoms such as feeling faint, pale skin, cold sweating, among others.

Fausto Stauffer, coordinator of Cardiology at Hospital Santa Lúcia Norte, in Brasília, and director of Research at the Brazilian Society of Cardiology of the Federal District, points out that the term low blood pressure means that the individual has his blood pressure level below the usual. “We consider pressures less than 90 x 60 mmHg (popular 9 × 6) to be low blood pressure,” he explains.

“It’s good to know that low blood pressure (hypotension) can happen to anyone, and it doesn’t always mean a disease and can also be asymptomatic”, explains Stauffer.

“This is more common in certain situations of emotional stress, exposure to the sun, prolonged standing in the standing position, among other diverse causes that can trigger hypotension in susceptible people”, adds Germano.

Main causes of low blood pressure

The specialist, Fausto Stauffer, highlights the main causes of the drop in pressure:

• Dehydration: this is, according to the Cardiology coordinator, the main cause of low blood pressure, when the volume of fluid circulating in the blood vessels decreases.
• Postural hypotension: This occurs when a person stands up too quickly.
• Excessive heat: causes blood vessels to dilate with a drop in pressure.
• Neurocardiological syndromes: such as vasovagal syndrome, which occurs due to a deregulation between cardiac and neurological neurotransmitters.
• Serious infectious conditions: such as septicemia (blood infection that happens when a bacterial infection in another part of the body spreads through the bloodstream).
• Heart failure situations: as in arrhythmias and acute myocardial infarction.

Germano reinforces that the drop in blood pressure or hypotension can occur for several reasons, and may be related to cardiovascular disorders or even to an episodic, momentary situation with no pathological significance.

What are the symptoms of low blood pressure?

Stauffer explains, first, that the drop in blood pressure can be asymptomatic. But when present, symptoms are related to low blood flow to organs, especially the brain. So the person can have:

• Dizziness;
• Feeling faint;
• Fatigue;
• Somnolence;
• Low disposition;
• Cold sweat;
• Paleness of the lips;
• Tachycardia (feeling of the heart beating fast).

What to do when the pressure is low?

Cardiologist Germano explains that, during the pressure drop, some measures can be taken to temporarily relieve symptoms, such as:

• Lie down and raise the legs to a position above the trunk;
• Drink liquids;
• In some cases, a small addition of sublingual salt can help restore blood pressure levels.

So, in case any family member or friend is with you and has symptoms of low blood pressure. You can also help, as Stauffer points out:

“Immediately lay the subject down and ask him to lift his legs to increase blood flow to the brain. Also, guide him to drink water in small amounts, as much as he can.”, he explains.

It’s important to stay calm, both in case you’re feeling sick with low blood pressure, and if you’re next to someone who complains about the problem. But, if symptoms persist, a doctor should be sought to indicate the proper treatment.

How to handle the problem?

Germano explains that the treatment of low blood pressure requires a clinical evaluation to define the possible cause and, consequently, the treatment directed towards that diagnosis.

Stauffer reinforces that the treatment of low blood pressure consists of treating its cause. “As an example, if it is dehydration, perform hydration through the vein. If it is excessive heat, cool the room when possible. If it is an infection, treat it with antibiotics. In those very serious cases that require hospitalization, we have venous medications to raise blood pressure and that can only be used in intensive care settings,” he explains.

low blood pressure in pregnancy

Germano explains that low blood pressure during pregnancy may be related to the physiology of pregnancy itself, with hormone production that generates a decrease in blood pressure levels. “Usually, simply increasing fluid intake can reduce symptoms,” he says.

Stauffer points out that low blood pressure during pregnancy is a common phenomenon, considered non-pathological and that it does not lead to a direct risk of life for the mother or the fetus, as in the case of high blood pressure (hypertension).

“Hypotension occurs by redistribution of blood flow to the placenta. The greatest risk of low blood pressure is the case of fainting of the pregnant woman with abdominal trauma. The recommendation is the same in the case of symptoms: lie down, lift your legs, drink liquids and, if necessary, consume some salty food – avoid salt directly, as it can lead to a peak in pressure “, guides the cardiology coordinator of Hospital Santa North Lucia.

Now you know that anyone can have low blood pressure at some point in their lives, whether or not it will cause symptoms. It may also be a momentary drop in pressure, without pathological significance, or it may be related to a health problem. Therefore, in case of symptoms, the ideal is to look for the doctor to make a complete diagnosis and obtain the correct treatment indications.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.