Most people have had their blood pressure dip below normal from time to time. If it’s a regular occurrence though, something serious could be wrong. Here’s a look at what low blood pressure looks like and when you need to get in touch with your doctor.
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What Does Low Blood Pressure Mean?
Blood pressure is used to describe what happens when your heart is active and resting during each heartbeat. The systolic reading shows how much your heart is working to pump blood through the arteries.
The diastolic reading shows the residual pressure in the arteries when your heart is at rest. When testing the blood pressure, the top number is systolic while the bottom number is diastolic.
Ideally, normal blood pressure is at or close to 120/80. For adults, low blood pressure is considered to be 90/60 or lower. This number will likely differ for children or older adults.
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General Symptoms of Low Blood Pressure
If you’re dealing with low blood pressure, it’s likely that you’ll experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- Fainting
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- An inability to concentrate
- Chest pain
- Increased thirst
In extreme cases, the symptoms will be more significant. These are:
- Having cold or clammy skin
- Being confused
- A weak and rapid pulse
- Having rapid, shallow breathing
These last set of symptoms are a sign that your body has gone into shock. In that instance, you’ll need medical attention immediately.
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What Can Cause Your Blood Pressure To Drop
Changes in your diet, being dehydrated, or getting up quickly after being seated for a long time can result in a temporary drop in blood pressure. It’s more permanent or life-threatening issues that you’ll need to be concerned with.