Hypotension (low blood pressure)
About Hypotension (low blood pressure)
A blood pressure that is too low to support bodily functions. It is often defined as a systolic pressure reading (the top number) that is less than 90 mmHg. However, some healthy people have blood pressures in this range and higher pressures may be too low for people used to much higher pressures. If insufficient blood is delivered to the cells of the body there will not be enough oxygen and other nutrients and the organs will begin to fail. Low blood pressure has many causes including: severe infection, blood loss, traumatic injuries to the chest or abdomen, heart attack, severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), heart arrhythmia, heart failure, medications, overdoses, and severe spinal cord injury.Symptoms
Confusion, dizziness, weakness, fainting, lethargy, vomiting, sweating.Tests & Diagnostics
A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests will be performed to determine the cause of the low blood pressure. For example, blood cultures may be performed to detect infection and heart tests (including an EKG and ultrasound test) may be recommended to identify a cardiac cause of hypotension.Common tests: Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), EKG, Troponin, Urinalysis (UA), X-ray.
Conventional treatment summary
The goal of therapy is to elevate the blood pressure and reverse the cause of hypotension. Treatment may include: intravenous fluids, blood transfusions, and medications to increase the blood pressure (called `pressors` such as norepinephrine, dopamine, phenylephrine). Antibiotics may be recommended if infection is suspected as the cause.Medical specialties
Cardiology · Pediatric Cardiology
This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Hypotension (low blood pressure).