Your blood pressure is considered normal if it measures 120/80. The first number refers to the pressure the heart generates as it pumps (systolic), and the second number is the pressure in the arteries between pumps (diastolic) measured in mm Hg, or millimeters of mercury. If the first number (systolic) falls below 90 or the second number (diastolic) falls below 60, the American Heart Association states you may experience symptoms of hypotension (low blood pressure), such as fainting, dizziness, or nausea, which could indicate a serious condition. A physician should find the cause of your low blood pressure to treat the condition properly.
Shock
Your blood pressure could drop due to shock. Severe dehydration can cause hypovolemic shock, which Mayo Clinic staff say is a life-threatening condition. Other forms of shock resulting in a drop in blood pressure include an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) due to a severe food allergy or insect bite and septic shock, when an infection enters your blood stream. You could also suffer shock due to blood loss from internal bleeding.
Medications
Your blood pressure could drop due to the medications you are taking. Drugs called diuretics that treat high blood pressure (hypertension) could cause a drop in your blood pressure. The American Heart Association states other heart medications like beta blockers, antidepressants and drugs that treat Parkinson’s disease could also cause a drop in blood pressure. Your blood pressure could also drop due to erectile dysfunction drugs, especially if used with alcohol or narcotics. Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs may also interact with high blood pressure medications to cause a drop in blood pressure. Check with your doctor before taking any OTC medication if you are taking blood pressure medication.
Underlying Medical Conditions
You may suffer a drop in blood pressure due to underlying medical conditions. Thyroid disorders, heart failure or low blood sugar could each cause a drop in blood pressure, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Other maladies that could cause a drop in blood pressure include Addison’s disease, Parkinson’s disease or a pulmonary embolism.
Pregnancy
You may experience low blood pressure during pregnancy. The volume of a woman’s circulation system tends to expand during pregnancy, causing blood pressure to drop, according to Mayo Clinic staff. Systolic pressure drops 5 to 10 points in the first 24 weeks of pregnancy, while diastolic pressure drops 10 to 15 points. Normal pressure should come back after giving birth.
Neurally Mediated Hypotension
Neurally mediated hypotension (NMH) happens when the link between the brain and the heart muscle is damaged. For instance, when you stand for a prolonged time, blood will pool in your legs, causing a drop in blood pressure. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, the NHM malady makes the brain react as if there is adequate blood pressure and the heart rate slows. With the slowed heart beat, your blood pressure drops even further and you may become dizzy or feel faint.
Poor Nutrition
Not having enough nutrients in your diet can result in reduced blood pressure. Mayo Clinic staff say that the lack of vitamin B-12 and folate can trigger anemia. In this situation, your body doesn’t produce enough red blood cells and this results in lowered blood pressure.
About this Author
Richard Nilsen writes features on business and living topics for The Leader-Herald newspaper in upstate New York. He is also a mental health consultant, directed a mentoring agency and is a black fly control technician in the Adirondack Park where he enjoys hiking and boating.
