Low Blood Pressure |
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Low blood pressure,
or Hypotension, indicates that there
is significantly lower pressure on the
walls of the blood vessels. Normal blood
pressure is 120/80 mmHg, wherein 120
refers to the systolic blood pressure
and 80 refers to the diastolic blood
pressure. A decrease in either of these
numbers results in low blood pressure.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure,
is a well-known risk factor for heart
disease and other conditions. So it
appears that low blood pressure is an
ideal situation to strive for. However,
abnormally low blood pressure is not
a good thing and in rare cases can be
a serious condition.
Causes and Risk Factors of Low Blood
Pressure
A complex
network of veins, arteries, and capillaries
regulates the circulatory system of
our bodies. The main functions of the
heart are to pump the blood and distribute
it to all parts of the body through
this network. When the heart contracts,
it forces blood against the arterial
walls, causing an increase in the blood
pressure and when it relaxes, the pressure
on the walls decreases. Low blood pressure
reduces the flow of blood through arteries
and veins which makes it difficult to
supply necessary oxygen and nutrients
through the blood to the heart, brain,
kidney, and rest of the organs of the
body.
Low blood pressure
is usually caused by the heart pumping
blood in the arteries in a small amount
or by dilated arterioles. Dilated arterioles
indicate that less force is required
for the blood to flow.
Some individuals
may experience low blood pressure if
they suddenly and quickly change their
postures (for example, getting up from
the bed abruptly), after eating a heavy
meal, or if they are suffering from
heart disorders such as congestive heart
failure. Certain medications result
in enlarged blood vessels or reduced
blood volume and thus result in low
blood pressure. Antidepressants, diuretics,
and alcohol may increase susceptibility
to this condition. Dehydration, excessive
workouts or strenuous activities, pregnancy,
hormonal disorders, anemia, excessive
blood loss because of any reason, and
heat exhaustion are some of the other
conditions that may increase the chances
of low blood pressure.
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