$Unique_ID{BRK02451}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{What About Low Blood Pressure?}
$Subject{low blood pressure systolic arteries heart diastolic cardiovascular
orthostatic hypertension lightheadedness dizziness circulatory system
circulation artery pressures lightheaded dizzy}
$Volume{G-4}
$Log{
Anatomy of Blood Pressure*0009501.scf}

Copyright (c) 1992,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What About Low Blood Pressure?


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QUESTION:  Although I can find all the information I want about high blood
pressure, nothing much seems to be written about low pressure, which is my
problem.  What does low pressure mean, and is it dangerous?  I am not on any
medication, and frankly do not know what to do about it.  Please help.

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ANSWER:  An average normal for blood pressure is the famous 120/80, where the
higher number (systolic pressure) represents the pressure in the arteries each
time the heart contracts, and the 80 (diastolic) shows the pressure between
beats.  While this is considered the average normal, "normal" blood pressure
depends upon many factors, including age and sex.  However, any pressure above
140/90 is considered "high" and deserves medical attention and treatment.
Pressure that is too high places undue stress on the arteries of the body, the
heart, and kidneys as well.  A diagnosis of "low blood pressure" may be
considered when the pressure drops below the 120/80 mark in an adult.  And it
may not be a problem at all.
     Generally, a finding of a lower pressure in an individual who is
otherwise in a good state of health may be a positive sign.  It is frequently
found in people who are physically fit as the result of regular exercise, or
have recently lost weight.  It is a sign of fine cardiovascular condition.
And it is also a sign that the patient is relaxed and at ease during the
examination.  When a person is tense during the blood pressure examination,
the blood pressure may be temporarily elevated, a condition that is referred
to as "white coat hypertension".
     There is one type of low pressure that can be classified as a problem
though.  It is called "orthostatic hypertension".  It this situation the
pressure drops to low levels when a person stands up quickly, or gets out of
bed too rapidly.  There is a sensation of lightheadedness, or dizziness, due
to the sudden drop in pressure.  The situation can usually be avoided by
rising more slowly and deliberately.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.