Hypotension Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

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Hypotension(Low Blood Pressure) Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

Understanding

Hypotension is a condition of low blood pressure. Normally, optimal blood pressure is in the range of 120/80 mmHg. Although there are no exact numbers related to hypotension, several sources say blood pressure below 90/60 mmHg is classified as hypotension.

Not all hypotension needs to be treated. If low blood pressure has no symptoms and is not bothersome, it does not require special treatment. New hypotension requires further therapy if there are other complaints such as dizziness, weakness, unsteadiness, or fainting.

Although it can be experienced by anyone, certain groups of people are at a higher risk of experiencing hypotension. These people include:

Symptoms

A person who is experiencing hypotension can show various symptoms as follows:

  • Dizzy
  • Nauseous
  • Faint
  • Constant thirst
  • Lack of concentration
  • Blurred vision
  • Pale skin, cold sweat
  • Weak
  • Do not get excited

Reason

Hypotension can be caused by several conditions, such as:

  • Lay down for a long time.
  • Pregnancy, especially in the early 24 weeks.
  • Heavy bleeding.
  • Severe dehydration.
  • Use of certain drugs – such as Parkinson’s drugs, heart medications such as diuretics, beta-blockers, nitrates, antidepressants, and drugs to treat erectile problems.
  • Heart problems such as low heart rate (bradycardia), heart valve problems, heart attack, and heart failure.
  • Hormonal disorders such as hypothyroidism, adrenal insufficiency, low blood sugar levels and diabetes.
  • Severe infection and spread to the blood ( septic shock ). Toxins from germs can spread to the blood and cause dilation of blood vessels leading to life-threatening hypotension.
  • Allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). If it is caused by drug allergies, food or insect bites.
  • Neurally mediated hypotension. This condition occurs due to miscommunication between the brain and the heart, causing hypotension. It is generally experienced by young people and causes dizziness, weakness, fainting after standing for a long time.
  • Deficiency of B12 and folic acid which causes anemia and in the long term results in hypotension.

Diagnosis

In establishing a diagnosis of hypotension, the doctor will conduct a series of detailed medical interviews to find out the symptoms felt by the patient. Some of the symptoms that can be suspected include weakness, dizziness, nausea, blurred vision and fainting.  

In addition, the doctor will also do a physical examination. The goal is to determine the patient’s blood pressure. If the blood pressure number is below 90/60 mmHg, the doctor can already establish a diagnosis of hypotension.

Treatment

Hypotension is treated based on the cause. For example, changing the type of drug given if hypotension is caused by drugs or installing a pacemaker if hypotension is caused by a low heart rate.

Meanwhile, hypotension caused by pregnancy generally does not require special therapy. This hypotension will disappear by itself after delivery.

Treatment of hypotension generally does not require drugs to increase blood pressure. By administering therapy based on the cause, usually hypotension will improve by itself.

Some things that can be done to relieve the symptoms of hypotension include:

  • Change your body position slowly, for example from sleeping to sitting or sitting to standing
  • Provide support under the head of the mattress so that the head position is higher when lying down
  • Drink a lot of water

Opposite

Instead, avoid things that can exacerbate hypotension such as:

  • Standing for long periods of time
  • Change body position suddenly
  • Drink beverages containing caffeine before going to bed
  • Too much drinking alcoholic beverages

Complications

If the condition of hypotension experienced is quite severe and is not treated immediately, life could be at stake. In cases of shock, hypotension causes insufficient brain oxygen demand. This situation causes the function and work of the brain and other organs to decrease.

Signs and symptoms that generally appear as a result of this shock include dizziness, cold sweat, blurred vision, decreased consciousness and can ultimately result in organ failure. If not resolved immediately, shock can lead to death.

Prevention

Various complications of hypotension can be prevented by treating the cause quickly and appropriately.

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