Low blood pressure (hypotension) is when you have a blood pressure reading below 90/60mmHg.

When you have low blood pressure, the force of blood pushing through your blood vessels and against your artery walls is too slow. This means blood isn’t pumping around your body quickly enough to reach vital organs, including the brain.

Hypotension is not always an indicator of any problems, as many healthy adults have low blood pressure due to medication or certain lifestyle factors. Excessive low blood pressure, however, can be a sign of a medical issue or condition that needs addressing.

There are many causes of low blood pressure, which include:

Everyday causes

• Your age
• Your genetics
• Eating
• Standing up too quickly (known as postural or orthostatic hypotension)
• The external environment temperature
• Exercise
• Levels of stress
• Dehydration
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Alcohol or recreational drug use

Medication

Some medications can cause side effects, including lowering blood pressure. Some medications that can cause these side effects include beta blockers, alpha blockers, and some types of antidepressants.

Speak to a healthcare professional you trust about your symptoms and any changes you’ve noticed over the course of taking your prescribed medication.

Illnesses or conditions

Anaemia – When your blood’s red blood cell or haemoglobin count is low due to low levels of vitamin B-12, folate, and iron, you can experience low blood pressure.

Pregnancy – Orthostatic hypotension is expected during the first and second trimesters of pregnancy. Any bleeding or complications can also cause low blood pressure. You should return to normal once your pregnancy is over.

Central nervous system diseases – Conditions like Parkinson’s disease or multiple system atrophy can affect how your nervous system controls your blood pressure.

Heart and lung conditions – If your heart is beating too slowly or your lungs aren’t functioning correctly, this can trigger low blood pressure.

Diabetes – This condition can affect your hormones and nerves, leading to your blood vessels. Issues with the blood vessels can make you susceptible to orthostatic hypotension.

Problems with your adrenal glands – These glands produce hormones that help control blood pressure. If the glands are damaged, this can lead to hypotension.

Life-threatening conditions – Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), heart attacks, a collapsed lung, and pulmonary embolism (PE) can all affect your blood pressure. Serious allergy attacks (anaphylaxis) and reactions to severe infections, such as sepsis, can also cause hypotension.

Low blood pressure without symptoms rarely needs treatment.

The best treatment for your low blood pressure will depend on the cause. These might include changing medication, hormone replacement, or medication to lower your blood pressure or stimulate your nerves.

We will tailor your treatment plan based on your individual needs, so you get the best outcome possible.