What Causes a Sudden Drop in Blood Pressure?

An occasional dip in blood pressure is usually nothing to worry about. Some of us have even felt a mild drop when we stand up too quickly. But if you’re experiencing frequent or severe drops in blood pressure, you could be dealing with a dangerous condition. The first step to getting your blood pressure under control is understanding what causes drops. Here’s what you need to know about a sudden BP drop and possible hypotension symptoms.

What Qualifies as Low Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. A “normal” reading is typically considered to be less than 120/80 mm Hg. Low blood pressure, or hypotension, generally occurs when your reading falls below 90/60 mm Hg. However, the numbers alone don’t tell the whole story. Some athletes or young people naturally have low blood pressure and feel perfectly fine. Doctors usually consider low blood pressure a problem only when it’s accompanied by negative hypotension symptoms or occurs suddenly.

Low Blood Pressure Causes You Should Know

Your circulatory system is constantly adjusting to your movements, diet, and environment. When something disrupts this regulation, your blood pressure can plummet. Here are some common low blood pressure causes to be aware of:

• Dehydration—This is perhaps the most common culprit. When your body loses more water than it takes in, your total blood volume decreases. Even mild dehydration from sweating during a workout or not drinking enough water throughout the day can lead to a sudden BP drop.
• Medications—Several prescription drugs can lower blood pressure as a side effect. These commonly include diuretics, beta-blockers, and certain antidepressants.
• Heart Conditions—Heart failure and heart valve disease can significantly impact blood pressure, often causing sudden drops.
• Severe Infections—Serious infections that have entered the bloodstream can lead to a life-threatening drop in blood pressure.
• Dietary Concerns—Are you getting enough vitamin B-12 and iron? Low levels can lead to low blood pressure. Remember to consult your doctor before taking any supplements, which may interact negatively with your current medications.

Symptoms to Watch for

When we think about cardiovascular risk factors, we usually focus on high blood pressure. However, it’s equally important to know the symptoms of low blood pressure. The most prevalent symptoms include:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Fainting
• Blurry vision
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Inability to concentrate

Serious Signs That Require Medical Attention

Things like dehydration are usually easy to take care of with blood pressure management. However, other causes of sudden BP drops require immediate medical attention. If you’re concerned about any of these conditions, head to the emergency room right away:

• Septic shock
• Severe allergic reactions
• Blood loss or internal bleeding
• Extremely low heart rate

Supporting Your Heart Health

Blood pressure is only one aspect of heart health. The team at Cardiovascular Specialists of New England can help you identify the issues most likely to affect you and find proper treatment. We specialize in a wide range of conditions and proudly support New Hampshire patients as they work toward better heart health. Contact us today to learn more about becoming a patient.