By: Adekunle Victoria
photo credit: Pinterest
Have we ever wondered why some people have hypertension, or do we simply jump to conclusions about what causes it? Do we take the time to understand why some people have high or low blood pressure, or do we only become concerned when the numbers become abnormal?
Blood pressure is an important part of our health because the body needs adequate blood circulation to function properly. However, low blood pressure, also known as hypotension, can have different causes, and understanding those causes is important.
One possible cause of low blood pressure is dehydration. When the body does not have enough fluids, the amount of blood circulating through the body can decrease, which may contribute to a drop in blood pressure. This is one reason healthcare professionals may advise people who are dehydrated to drink enough fluids.
Blood loss can also affect blood pressure. For example, a woman who experiences very heavy menstrual bleeding may lose a significant amount of blood over time. Significant blood loss can contribute to low blood pressure and may also lead to anaemia. Similarly, when someone sustains a serious injury and loses a considerable amount of blood, the blood loss can cause blood pressure to fall.
However, it is important to understand that anaemia and low blood pressure are not the same thing. Anaemia occurs when the blood does not have enough healthy red blood cells or haemoglobin to carry oxygen effectively. A person can have anaemia without having low blood pressure, although the two conditions can sometimes occur together.
There is also a condition called orthostatic hypotension. In simple terms, this means that a person’s blood pressure drops when they stand up. Someone may be lying down and then stand up suddenly, only to feel dizzy, light-headed or as though they might faint.
Why does this happen?
When we stand, gravity causes some blood to move towards the legs. Normally, the body responds quickly by tightening certain blood vessels and adjusting the heart rate so that enough blood continues to reach the brain. When this adjustment does not happen properly, blood pressure may fall, causing dizziness or fainting.
The heart can also be part of the story. Think of the heart as a pump that helps move blood around the body. If the heart is not pumping effectively, blood pressure may fall. Certain heart conditions and abnormal heart rhythms can contribute to hypotension. Therefore, repeated fainting should not simply be dismissed as weakness. It is important to find out why it is happening.
Hormones can also play a role in regulating blood pressure, fluids and electrolytes. The adrenal glands and thyroid are part of this system. Problems affecting adrenal hormone production, for example, can contribute to low blood pressure.
This is why the question should not always be, “What can I take to raise my blood pressure?” Sometimes, the more important question is, “Why is my blood pressure low in the first place?”
Some medications can also lower blood pressure. Certain medicines are intentionally prescribed to reduce blood pressure, while others may contribute to low blood pressure as a side effect. Diuretics, for example, increase urine production and may contribute to fluid loss in some circumstances.
However, people should not stop taking prescribed medication simply because they notice a low blood pressure reading or read something about their medication online. Medication changes should be discussed with the healthcare professional managing the person’s treatment.
Another serious cause of dangerously low blood pressure is severe infection. In some cases, a severe infection can cause major changes in the blood vessels and circulation, leading to septic shock. This is a life-threatening emergency that requires urgent medical treatment.
It is also important to understand that low blood pressure is not automatically better than high blood pressure.
We should not reason that because high blood pressure can be harmful, having the lowest possible blood pressure must therefore be healthier. The brain, kidneys, heart and other organs all need adequate blood flow to function properly.The goal is not necessarily to have the lowest blood pressure possible.
The goal is to have adequate circulation that supports the body’s needs without abnormally high pressure damaging the organs.When low blood pressure occurs together with symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, confusion, unusual weakness, blurred vision or significant fatigue, it is important to seek medical advice rather than attempting self-treatment.
If someone experiences fainting, severe weakness, confusion, chest pain, severe difficulty breathing, cold or clammy skin, or other signs of shock, urgent medical attention is necessary.Low blood pressure is not a diagnosis by itself. It is a finding that can have different causes.
Therefore, instead of asking only, “How do I raise my blood pressure?” we should sometimes ask:“What is making my blood pressure low?”Understanding the cause is an important part of understanding the condition. When we treat only the number without investigating the reason behind it, we may be treating the smoke while ignoring the fire.