We often hear and read about the dangers of high blood pressure, but not much is said about the serious problems low blood pressure can cause.
Low blood pressure (hypotension), especially in the elderly, can lead to hip fractures or even spinal fractures. Also, if this drop in blood pressure is sudden and severe, the body is deprived of oxygen. It can damage the heart, brain and other organs and eventually lead to death.
There are different types and causes of low blood pressure which are as follows.
1) Severe hypotension: This can be caused by sudden excessive bleeding due to an accident, severe infection, heart attack or low blood pressure due to a severe allergic reaction.
2) Orthostatic hypotension: In this, blood pressure drops when you stand up immediately from a lying position. This type of low blood pressure usually lasts only a few seconds or minutes.
3) Nerve mediated hypotension (NMH): It mostly affects young adults and children. It happens when a person stands for a long time.
Similarly, certain medications and medical conditions can also cause low blood pressure, such as:
- Anti-anxiety medications
- Certain antidepressants
- Diuretics (medicines that help reduce fluid in the body)
- Medicines related to heart health
- Certain drugs used for surgery
- Painkillers
Medical conditions
- Alcoholism
- Neurological damage caused by diabetes
- A change in the rhythm of the beats
- Dehydration
- Affected heart function
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