Some people function normally with low blood pressure, but there are times for concern.
About half of American adults have high blood pressure, but low blood pressure may also be cause for concern, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Shaline Rao, MD, a cardiologist at NYU Langone Hospital, Long Island, explains that one’s blood pressure should be kept at levels that are “not too high and not too low,” but in a “healthy range which is typically between 90/60 to 140/80.”
A healthy blood pressure level is essential because blood pressure that’s too high, also called hypertension, puts one at risk for heart attack, heart disease, or stroke. Blood pressure that’s too low, also called hypotension, is less dangerous and life-threatening, but can still pose health risks.
Just as one can lower high blood pressure through diet, behaviors, and lifestyle choices, it’s also possible to raise one’s blood pressure to reduce instances of hypotension.
What is dangerously low blood pressure?
When checking one’s blood pressure, two numbers are always reported: The top number is called systolic blood pressure and measures the pressure in one’s arteries every time the heart beats. The second number, called diastolic blood pressure, measures the pressure in one’s arteries when the heart rests between beats. When one’s blood pressure level goes lower than 90/60, it may be cause for concern in some people.
If one’s blood pressure drops too low, blood is not fully flowing to the brain and arteries, so one’s vital organs will not be getting enough oxygen or nutrients.
What causes low blood pressure?
Hypotension can be caused by various activities or conditions including dehydration, age, pregnancy, blood loss from an injury, diabetes, as a side effect of medications taken to control depression, high blood pressure, or Parkinson’s disease, or as a result of “deficiencies in B12, folate and iron,” says M. Scott Dawson, MD, a cardiologist at Inspira Medical Group Cardiology.
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