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February 23, 2010 | Comments: 0

Can Your Blood Pressure Be Too Low?

Low blood pressure, called hypotension, is commonly defined as less than 90/60 (normal is considered below 120/80).

Low blood pressure is not a problem unless you have symptoms, such as dizziness, weakness, fatigue, and palpitations, in which case you need medical attention. In general, it’s good to have low blood pressure—the lower it is, the lower your risk of cardiovascular disease.

Many people with normal or even high blood pressure occasionally experience a form of low blood pressure called orthostatic hypotension, a temporary drop in blood pressure that occurs when they get out of bed or up from a chair. They may feel momentarily faint, but this problem corrects itself in a few seconds.

If you experience orthostatic hypotension, take care to avoid
a fall by not sitting up or standing up too quickly. Before you stand up, try contracting your abdominal muscles or flexing your feet to elevate blood from your legs, or raise your arms over your head to get more blood to your brain. Orthostatic hypotension can be caused by certain medications or by treatable diseases, such as diabetes or, surprisingly, high blood pressure. 

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