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Low Blood Pressure
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Blood Heart Circulation

Low Blood Pressure

While high blood pressure is commonly recognized as a health issue, blood pressure that is too low can also cause problems if it leads to dizziness, fainting, or shock.

Overview

Blood pressure is the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. Each time your heart beats, it pumps out blood into the arteries. Your blood pressure is highest when your heart beats, pumping the blood; this is called systolic pressure. When your heart is at rest, between beats, your blood pressure falls; this is the diastolic pressure.

Your blood pressure reading uses these two numbers, usually written one above or before the other, such as 120/80. If your blood pressure reading is 90/60 or lower, you have low blood pressure.

Symptoms & Impact

Some people have low blood pressure all the time with no symptoms, and their low readings are normal for them. In other cases, blood pressure drops below normal due to a medical condition or certain medicines. Some people may experience symptoms of low blood pressure when standing up too quickly.

Low blood pressure is considered a problem only if it causes:

  • Dizziness
  • Fainting
  • Shock (in extreme cases)

Frequently Asked Questions

Diagnosing the underlying cause of low blood pressure usually involves a thorough medical history and physical exam, including measuring blood pressure in different positions (lying, sitting, standing) to check for orthostatic hypotension. Your doctor may also order blood tests to check for conditions like anemia, blood sugar issues, or electrolyte imbalances. An electrocardiogram (ECG) or echocardiogram might be used to assess heart function, and in some cases, a tilt-table test may be performed to evaluate how your body responds to changes in position.
Beyond simply standing up too quickly, low blood pressure can be caused by various medical conditions and medications. Common causes include heart conditions like a very slow heart rate (bradycardia), heart valve problems, or heart attack; endocrine problems such as thyroid conditions, adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease), or low blood sugar; severe infections (septic shock); dehydration; and significant blood loss. Medications that can lower blood pressure include diuretics, alpha-blockers, beta-blockers, certain antidepressants, and drugs for erectile dysfunction, especially when taken with nitrates.
Yes, for chronic low blood pressure, several lifestyle and dietary adjustments can help. Increasing your fluid intake, especially water, can help boost blood volume. A moderate increase in salt intake (after consulting your doctor) can also be beneficial. Eating smaller, more frequent meals can prevent post-meal blood pressure drops. Avoiding prolonged standing, slowly changing positions (especially when getting up from lying or sitting), and wearing compression stockings can also help improve blood circulation and reduce symptoms.
You should seek immediate medical attention if low blood pressure is accompanied by severe symptoms such as sudden dizziness or fainting, confusion, cold, clammy, pale skin, rapid, shallow breathing, or a weak and rapid pulse. These could be signs of shock, which is a life-threatening condition where organs aren't getting enough blood flow. If you experience any sudden, severe drop in blood pressure with concerning symptoms, it's crucial to get evaluated promptly.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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