Having low blood pressure is usually something everyone strives for. But when your systolic blood pressure gets too low, it can cause dizziness and fainting, and in some cases, can even be life threatening. If you’ve recently had your blood pressure checked and your systolic number was low, you might be wondering what it means and what you can do about it.
What Is Systolic Blood Pressure?
When you get a blood pressure reading, you’ll see two numbers — one on the top and one on the bottom. The top number is your systolic blood pressure, and this is the amount of pressure your heart creates as it beats to pump blood through your arteries. The bottom number is your diastolic blood pressure, which is the amount of pressure in your arteries in between heartbeats.
Low systolic blood pressure is defined as being lower than 90, and low diastolic blood pressure is any number lower than 60.
Symptoms and Causes
If low blood pressure is not caused by an underlying medical condition, symptoms may not be present. However, if an underlying condition is to blame, low blood pressure can cause symptoms such as:
- Rapid, shallow breathing
- Fainting
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Cold, clammy, pale skin
- Blurred vision
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Lack of concentration
- Depression
- Thirst
The causes of low blood pressure vary, but some common causes include:
- Heart conditions
- Pregnancy
- Endocrine problems
- Dehydration
- Lack of nutrients in diet
- Medications
- Diabetes
Treatment
If a person with low blood pressure does not exhibit symptoms, treatment is rarely needed. However, low blood pressure that causes symptoms may be a sign of an underlying medical condition. Treatment is aimed at fixing the underlying cause.
Depending on the cause, low blood pressure treatment can include:
- Eating more salt
- Drinking more water
- Wearing compression stockings
- Taking medication
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of low blood pressure, you should see a medical professional as soon as possible to determine the cause. FastMed Urgent Care has more than 100 locations across NC, AZ, and TX that are open seven days a week with extended hours.
We’re dedicated to treating you with care and concern, as well as getting you in and out as quickly as possible so you can spend more time at home and less time in a waiting room.
But don’t just take our word for it. Check out what Mary had to say about her experience with FastMed: “The professionals at the urgent care center are courteous, as well as speedy. The facility is very clean and inviting. I have been to the medical center a few times, and have sent friends there. No one’s ever been disappointed.”
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Sources:
WedMD: https://www.webmd.com/heart/understanding-low-blood-pressure-basics
Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/low-blood-pressure/basics/symptoms