Low blood pressure (hypotension)
Overview
Low blood pressure is a reading of less than 90/60mmHg. It does not always cause symptoms, but you may need treatment if it does.
Symptoms
Get your blood pressure checked if you keep getting symptoms like: lightheadedness or dizzinessfeeling sickblurred visiongenerally feeling weakconfusionfainting This might mean your blood pressure is too low. If you get symptoms when you stand up or suddenly change position, you may have a type of low blood pressure called postural hypotension. There are things you can do to help with symptoms of low blood pressure. get up slowly from sitting to standing get up slowly from sitting to standing take care when getting out of bed – move slowly from lying to sitting to standing take care when getting out of bed – move slowly from lying to sitting to standing eat small, frequent meals – lying down or sitting still for a while after eating may also help eat small, frequent meals – lying down or sitting still for a while after eating may also help increase the amount of water you drink increase the amount of water you drink do not sit or stand for long periods do not sit or stand for long periods do not bend down or change posture suddenly do not bend down or change posture suddenly do not drink too much alcohol do not drink too much alcohol
Causes
Your blood pressure can vary depending on the time of day. What you're doing and how you're feeling can also affect it. There are many possible causes of low blood pressure. It may be low because you're fit and healthy, or you may have inherited it from your parents. Some people develop low blood pressure as they get older. It can also be caused by: being pregnantsome medical conditions, such asdiabetessome medicines
Treatment
If a cause for low blood pressure can be found, a GP will be able to recommend treatment to ease your symptoms. For example, they may suggest: changing medicines or altering your dose, if this is the causewearing support stockings – this can improve circulation and increase blood pressure Medicine to increase blood pressure is rarely needed because simple lifestyle measures or treating the underlying cause is usually effective.