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Understanding Low Blood Pressure Readings

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Written by Steven McCarthy

Wednesday, 26 March 2008

by StevenMcCarthy

Understanding the difference between low blood pressure readings ( hypotension) and high blood pressure (hypertension) can be confusing, the two medical terms sound very similar. Although they are complete opposites both have serious medical consequences.

The autonomic nervous system controls your blood pressure using a vast network of hormones, receptors and nerves to control the sympathetic nervous system ( increases blood pressure) and your parasympathetic nervous system (lowers blood pressure) these two systems work together to constantly control your blood pressure while exercising or resting.

Can You Have Low Blood Pressure And Not Know It Many people have had low blood pressure their entire lives with no symptoms what so ever. The reason they experience no symptoms is that it is the normal pressure for their body. A good example would be if someone had a blood pressure reading of 80/50 their whole life and never had a symptom.

The three main triggers, or causes for low blood volume. Hypovolemia is by far the most common and is simply reduced blood flow. The cause of reduced blood flow can result from many different events such as massive blood loss or hemorrhage, or something as simple as not consuming enough fluids and even persistent diarrhea can create reduced blood volume. Another possible answer is extended use of diuretics which cause the body to expel larger amounts of body fluid through urine than would normally take place.

Diuretics can be used to rid the body of excess water weight gain but when used improperly will dehydrate your body. Sweating excessively can also contribute to a loss of body fluids. another cause of dehydration is vomiting or diarrhea from illnesses like the stomach flu. Severe drops in your blood pressure can come from an allergic reaction to medicine or food.

Diuretics although great for losing excess water weight when used excessively can dehydrate the body causing low blood volume. Another trigger that results in low blood pressure is reduced cardiac discharge. Usually the result of heart failure of some kind. This source of low blood volume can speedily lead to cardiogenic shock, caused by reduced blood circulation

Some types of commonly prescribed medicines are Beta Blockers which lower blood pressure by slowing the heart rate or beats of the heart. This is why talking honestly with your doctor about the medicines you are taking is so important.

Postural hypotension and orthostatic hypotension are the most common types of low blood volume. In Orthostatic hypotension the decrease in pressure occurs with rapid changes in body position such as standing up quickly from a seated position and is usually temporary, and most commonly caused by low blood volume.

A simple way to test for this at home would be to test your blood pressure by checking your blood pressure while seated and then again after quickly but safely standing. If you experience symptoms of fainting are feel like you may have been close to it you may be experiencing neurocardiogenic syncope Which is a sudden drop in blood pressure causing low blood pressure.

About the Author:

Steven McCarthy has been probing how to control blood pressure for years and written countless articles on the topic so that quickly grasping blood pressure information is not something that has to be difficult for you. If your looking for answers to the questions you have been probing and not just a bunch of confusing medical jargon. Check out www.howtocontrolbloodpressure.com/