Low blood pressure, also known as hypotension, is a condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is abnormally low.
While high blood pressure (hypertension) is more commonly discussed due to its prevalence and association with cardiovascular disease, hypotension can also pose significant health risks. Recognizing when low blood pressure requires emergency intervention is crucial for preventing severe complications, including shock and organ failure.
What Is Low Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is the force exerted by circulating blood against the walls of the body’s arteries, the major blood vessels in the body. It is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and recorded with two numbers: systolic pressure (the pressure when the heart beats) over diastolic pressure (the pressure when the heart rests between beats).
A normal blood pressure reading is typically around 120/80 mmHg. Hypotension is generally considered to be present when blood pressure readings fall below 90/60 mmHg. However, what is considered low can vary from person to person. Some individuals may naturally have lower blood pressure without any symptoms, while for others, a sudden drop can lead to serious health issues.
SEE ALSO: Which Things Reduce Blood Pressure
Symptoms of Low Blood Pressure
Low blood pressure may not always cause noticeable symptoms. When it does, symptoms can include:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fainting (syncope)
- Blurred or narrowing vision
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Lack of concentration
Severe hypotension can deprive the brain and other vital organs of oxygen and nutrients, leading to a condition called shock. Signs and symptoms of shock include:
- Confusion, especially in older people
- Cold, clammy, pale skin
- Rapid, shallow breathing
- Weak and rapid pulse
- Causes of Low Blood Pressure
Several factors can contribute to low blood pressure, including:
Dehydration: When the body loses more water than it takes in, it can cause weakness, dizziness, and fatigue.
Heart problems: Some heart conditions can lead to low blood pressure, including extremely low heart rate (bradycardia), heart valve problems, heart attack, and heart failure.
Endocrine problems: Certain glandular issues, such as adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease), low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), and diabetes, can trigger low blood pressure.
Severe infection (septicemia): When an infection in the body enters the bloodstream, it can lead to a life-threatening drop in blood pressure.
Blood loss: Losing a lot of blood from a major injury or internal bleeding reduces the amount of blood in your body, leading to a severe drop in blood pressure.
Lack of nutrients in your diet: A lack of the vitamins B-12 and folate can prevent your body from producing enough red blood cells, causing low blood pressure.
When to Call 911
Not all instances of low blood pressure require emergency medical attention. However, there are specific scenarios where calling 911 is essential. These include:
1. Sudden and Severe Drop in Blood Pressure
A sudden, severe drop in blood pressure can be life-threatening. This could happen due to severe bleeding, dehydration, an allergic reaction, or a serious heart condition. If a person experiences a rapid decline in blood pressure accompanied by symptoms such as severe dizziness, fainting, confusion, or signs of shock (such as cold, clammy skin, rapid shallow breathing, and a weak pulse), it is critical to seek emergency medical help immediately.
2. Symptoms of Shock
Shock is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention. It can result from a variety of conditions, including severe infection, anaphylaxis, or significant blood loss. If someone is exhibiting signs of shock, such as confusion, clammy skin, rapid breathing, and a weak pulse, calling 911 is imperative. Shock can quickly lead to organ failure and death if not treated promptly.
3. Chest Pain
Chest pain is a red flag for cardiovascular emergencies. If low blood pressure is accompanied by chest pain, it could indicate a heart attack or another serious heart condition. Immediate medical attention is crucial to prevent irreversible damage to the heart or other vital organs.
4. Severe Dehydration
Severe dehydration can lead to dangerously low blood pressure. If a person is unable to keep fluids down due to vomiting or diarrhea, and symptoms of severe dehydration such as extreme thirst, dry mouth, dizziness, and decreased urine output are present, emergency medical services should be contacted. Intravenous fluids may be necessary to restore normal blood pressure levels.
5. Loss of Consciousness
Fainting or loss of consciousness is a serious symptom that should not be ignored. If someone loses consciousness due to low blood pressure, it is important to call 911 immediately. This could indicate a severe underlying condition that needs urgent medical intervention.
6. Persistent and Severe Symptoms
If symptoms of low blood pressure persist and are severe, such as continuous dizziness, nausea, fatigue, or blurred vision, it is important to seek medical help. These symptoms can impact a person’s ability to perform daily activities and may signify a more serious health issue.
What to Do While Waiting for Emergency Help
While waiting for emergency services to arrive, there are several steps you can take to help stabilize the person experiencing low blood pressure:
Lie the person down: Position them on their back and elevate their legs to improve blood flow to the heart and brain.
Keep them warm: Use a blanket or coat to keep them warm and prevent hypothermia, which can worsen hypotension.
Monitor their condition: Keep an eye on their symptoms, breathing, and pulse. If they lose consciousness, check for breathing and pulse, and be prepared to perform CPR if necessary.
Avoid giving them food or drink: Do not give the person any food or drink, as it may cause choking if they are not fully conscious or if their condition worsens.
Preventing Low Blood Pressure
While not all causes of low blood pressure can be prevented, there are measures that can help manage and reduce the risk:
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially in hot weather or when exercising.
Eat small, frequent meals: Large meals can cause blood pressure to drop suddenly, particularly in older adults.
Monitor medications: Be aware of medications that can lower blood pressure and discuss any concerns with a healthcare provider.
Rise slowly: Take time to move from lying down or sitting to a standing position to prevent dizziness and falls.
Wear compression stockings: These can help improve blood flow and reduce the symptoms of orthostatic hypotension.
Conclusion
Understanding when to call 911 for low blood pressure is crucial for preventing severe complications and ensuring timely medical intervention. While low blood pressure can often be managed with lifestyle changes and medical treatment, certain situations require immediate emergency care. Recognizing the signs of a medical emergency, such as a sudden severe drop in blood pressure, symptoms of shock, chest pain, severe dehydration, loss of consciousness, and persistent severe symptoms, can save lives. Always err on the side of caution and seek professional medical help if in doubt about the severity of hypotension symptoms.