High blood pressure is an all-too-common disease plaguing millions of Americans every year. It is so common in fact that you are safe to assume that someone you know is taking blood pressure medicine at this very moment. While most people know at least a little bit about high blood pressure, many know nothing about its opposite, low blood pressure. So in this article, we’ll explore the causes of this not-so-well-known ailment, and its possible dangers.
Before we get started, let me say that low blood pressure is not viewed as a serious ailment compared to high blood pressure, however, it is not advised that your blood pressure go too low regardless. So what is considered low? Well, we know that so-called “perfect” blood pressure is viewed to be about 120/80; so it is recommended to stay at or below that. However, when it gets too low, like 90/60, adjustments may need to be made to bring it up some. There only needs to be one low number (diastolic or systolic) for you to have a low reading. So if either number is consistently lower than normal or “perfect” you might want to consider seeking medical attention to verify that your blood pressure is not a problem.
So what contributes to a low blood pressure reading? According to medical officials, there are a variety of reasons for blood pressure going lower than normal. Exercise can be a contributing factor, as well as balanced diet and lack of smoking. So if you have made major adjustments in your life and your blood pressure was not high to begin with then it could seem a little low when essentially you are still healthy.
On the other hand, low blood pressure can be a sign that you are in need of medical attention. For example, pregnant women (especially in their first 5-6 months) have a lower blood pressure reading than normal. So if you’re blood pressure is low and you are in question of your status, you may want to see a doctor to check for pregnancy.
Even more serious is dehydration, or the life-threatening hypovolemic shock. Dehydration is a result of a lack of water in your system, and of course, water carries oxygen. So when there is a lack of water, there is a lack of oxygen flowing through your blood. If it becomes too low, you can go into hypovolemic shock because no oxygen is reaching your blood tissues. If you go into shock, you can die within a very short period of time. So if your blood pressure is not normally low then it drops suddenly, this is cause for alarm.
Other issues that can contribute to low blood pressure are nutritional deficiencies, allergic reactions, blood loss, and heart problems. This is why it is important to keep tabs on your blood pressure, no matter which direction it is moving. Both and low and high blood pressure readings can cause or be the cause of serious problems, so it is a good idea to watch your blood pressure levels regularly.
But before I scare you into running to the doctor every day, please consider that what is low for some may not be low for others. For example, I’ve had a blood pressure reading of 100/60 the majority of my adult life and doctors always tell me this is normal. But I am a petite person of small frame and light weight so they tell me I’m right on track; blood pressure considered “perfect” for others might be a little high for me.
Just like any other medical issues, you should always treat low blood pressure seriously. Even though it is not as common, and traditionally not deemed as serious as high blood pressure, it is still related to your health and should be treated as such. If you can invest in a small blood pressure gauge, you might want to make the purchase, just to keep tabs on your low blood pressure readings and stay on top of your health.
Jeffrey Meier at Jam727 Enterprises at http://www.thearticlehome.com blog offers even more detailed information on a wide variety of topics.
