10 Causes Of Low Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is the force exerted by circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels. It is recorded using 2 numbers - a higher number meaning the systolic pressure and a lower number referring to the diastolic pressure.

Low blood pressure or hypotension occurs when systolic pressure is less than 90 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) or diastolic pressure less than 60 mmHg. Low blood pressure can cause vital organs such as the brain be deprived of oxygen and nutrients.

Low blood pressure can be divided into a number of types, including orthostatic hypotension (or postural hypotension), postprandial hypotension, and neurally mediated hypotension. The treatment of hypotension usually includes the use of vasopressors and intravenous fluids.

There are a wide range of reasons why your blood pressure drops, and here are 10 common causes of low blood pressure.

Low Blood Pressure Cause #1: Heart Problems

Heart conditions such as heart failure, heart valve defects, and heart attacks can limit the heart's effectiveness, making it unable to circulate blood properly, thus leading to a sudden drop in blood pressure.

Heart arrhythmia is a potential cause of low blood pressure as well. Abnormal heart rhythms can limit your heart's function. As a result, your body doesn't receive an adequate blood flow, causing low blood pressure.