Monday, October 20, 2008

low blood pressure symptoms

Low blood pressure, or hypotension, doesn't get as much media attention as high blood pressure, or hypertension. But hypotension is a significant health risk for millions of people nonetheless.

Low blood pressure is a condition in which the heart doesn't force enough blood through the blood vessels, and as a result, vital organs like the brain don't get the oxygen and nutrients they need.

Fainting and dizziness are typical symptoms of low blood pressure because there's not enough oxygen flowing to the brain. If you notice that you get faint or dizzy often when you stand up from a sitting position, you may have low blood pressure. This type of dizziness happens to everyone occasionally when they stand up too quickly, but if you notice it more than you used to, it would be a good idea to get a blood pressure reading as soon as possible to see if your blood pressure is in the normal range or not.

In first step in low blood pressure treatment is finding the cause. Typical causes include:

  • dehydration,
  • inflammation of the organs,
  • heart disease,
  • moderate-to-severe bleeding
  • irregular heartbeat,
  • certain medications

If you have low blood pressure, or hypotension, talk with your doctor immediately. The longer you wait, the more you risk damage to your organs and other significant health consequences.

No comments: