Low Blood Pressure Hypotension

Low blood pressure is a reading of less than 90/60mmHg. It does not always cause symptoms, but you may need treatment if it does.

Symptoms of low blood pressure

Get your blood pressure checked if you keep getting symptoms like:

• lightheadedness or dizziness
• feeling sick
• blurred vision
• generally feeling weak
• confusion
• fainting

This might mean your blood pressure is too low.

If you get symptoms when you stand up or suddenly change position, you may have a type of low blood pressure called postural hypotension.

See a GP if:

How to check your blood pressure

You can check your blood pressure:

• by asking if a pharmacist can do it
• by asking a practice nurse or GP to do it
• at home yourself using a home blood pressure monitor

Low blood pressure is a measurement of less than 90/60mmHg.

Find out about monitoring your blood pressure at home and choosing a monitor from Blood Pressure UK

Understanding your blood pressure reading

If you have a recent blood pressure reading use the NHS Check your blood pressure tool to understand what your reading means. You'll also get information about what to do next.

Regular blood pressure check

If you're 40 to 74 years old, you should have your blood pressure checked at least once every 5 years as part of the NHS Health Check.

Treatment for low blood pressure

If a cause for low blood pressure can be found, a GP will be able to recommend treatment to ease your symptoms.

For example, they may suggest:

• changing medicines or altering your dose, if this is the cause
• wearing support stockings - this can improve circulation and increase blood pressure

Medicine to increase blood pressure is rarely needed because simple lifestyle measures or treating the underlying cause is usually effective.

How to ease low blood pressure symptoms yourself

There are things you can do to help with symptoms of low blood pressure.

Causes of low blood pressure

Your blood pressure can vary depending on the time of day.

What you're doing and how you're feeling can also affect it.

There are many possible causes of low blood pressure. It may be low because you're fit and healthy, or you may have inherited it from your parents.

Some people develop low blood pressure as they get older.

It can also be caused by:

• being pregnant
• some medical conditions, such as diabetes
• some medicines

If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.