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Blood pressure too low
Low blood pressure (medical: arterial hypotension) is a very common phenomenon and exists when the upper (systolic) value permanently falls below 110 mmHg (in men) or 100 mmHg (in women). Low blood pressure can affect children and adults, and is very often measured in young women.
Hypotension can appear as a symptom of an organic disease (secondary hypertension) or can exist without a recognizable cause (primary hypotension). Many people experience low blood pressure in the short term as "blackening in front of their eyes" after getting up from a sitting position. With recurrent occurrence, this special form of hypotension can be understood as an expression of a regulatory disorder of the circulatory system.
Synonyms
Hypotension, low blood pressure; Lower blood pressure, hypotonus; Hypotension; arterial hypotension; orthostatic dysregulation, blood pressure too low.
When is there low blood pressure?
Blood pressure is classified as “low” if it falls below a certain measured value. According to the German Green Cross, this applies to women if the blood pressure values are below 100 to 60 mercury (mmHg). Men are referred to medically as low blood pressure when the values drop below 110 to 60 millimeters of mercury (mmHg).
Hypotension is not a disease in itself and is harmless in most cases. Rather, a low pressure in the blood vessels - in contrast to high blood pressure - has a gentle effect on the heart and circulatory system and can therefore even prolong life. Low blood pressure is usually only classified as a disease when there are typical symptoms such as dizziness or tiredness.
Even if there is usually no cause for concern, those with symptoms should see their doctor and have the causes of low blood pressure checked urgently. Because this can indicate, for example, an underactive thyroid or heart failure.
Symptoms of hypotension
Low blood pressure can occur without any complaints and is only shown when measuring blood pressure, for example when visiting a doctor. But there are also typical symptoms that are repeatedly described by those affected. These are due to the insufficient blood supply to peripheral organs and the often existing vegetative dysregulation.
Dizziness, listlessness, chronic fatigue and dizziness occur, which can even be accompanied by a sudden loss of consciousness (syncope). There is a risk of injury when falling.
There may also be paleness of the face, sweating, fibrillation of the eyes, chills, cold hands and feet, and buzzing in the ears. Those affected often complain of reduced memory and difficulty concentrating, have an irritable effect, feel depressed and depressed and do not perform well.
Because the heart tries to close the supply gap with blood caused by the low pressure by pumping intensely, sometimes there is strong palpitations or palpitations, anxiety and feelings of fear.
Often, however, dizziness and blackening before the eyes when getting up or standing for a long time remain the only complaints - especially in children before and during puberty. Hypotension is a risk factor in pregnant women because if the mother's blood pressure is too low, the child's growth may be delayed. Hypotension also increases the risk of miscarriage.
Causes of low blood pressure
There are various causes for low blood pressure, but often it arises due to the nature of the system for no apparent reason. This form, referred to as "primary hypotension" (also called essential hypotension), is permanent and particularly often affects adolescents and very slim people, but especially young, slim women.
Secondary hypotension
The so-called secondary or symptomatic hypotension, however, occurs as a result of an existing illness or disorder. Here, for example, an underactive thyroid, cardiovascular disorders, an underactive adrenal cortex or infectious diseases come into consideration.
The long-term use of medication (e.g. sleeping pills, sedatives, antidepressants and neuroleptics) can be just as much a cause as incorrectly set antihypertensives. Soothing herbal ingredients can also cause low blood pressure.
Other possible reasons for low blood pressure are heavy bleeding (lack of blood) or a lack of fluid, for example due to excessive sweating, insufficient drinking or as a result of diarrhea or vomiting.
Falling blood pressure when standing up - orthostatic hypotension
A special form is the so-called orthostatic hypotension. In this case, the low blood pressure does not persist, but occurs like a seizure when the body position is changed (especially when getting up from a lying or sitting position). The reason for this is that the regulation of blood pressure when standing up is disturbed ("orthostatic dysregulation"): The blood "sinks" into the lower part of the body, which means that the brain receives less oxygen for a short time.
Due to the sudden drop in blood pressure, a circulatory weakness with dizziness, drowsiness, rapid heartbeat and blackening occurs before the eyes. Other typical symptoms include facial pallor, buzzing in the ears, fatigue, cold sweat and headaches. In an emergency, there may be a brief fainting due to the insufficient supply of oxygen to the brain.
Orthostatic hypotension occurs particularly in the elderly as well as in people with pronounced varicose veins or with low initial blood pressure. People suffering from polyneuropathy in the context of diabetes or Parkinson's disease are often also affected by orthostatic regulatory disorders.
Other possible causes include medication (e.g. vasodilators, beta-blockers, sedatives), alcohol consumption and increased psychological stress or negative stress.
Treatment options and behavioral measures
Too low blood pressure is always in need of treatment if there are symptoms that can be attributed to a chronic circulatory disorder of important organs. If hypotension is the symptom of a known underlying illness, the therapy of this illness should be in the foreground.
Naturopathy for low blood pressure
The primary forms are usually harmless and can be improved with methods from naturopathy. Medications with ingredients that increase blood pressure (e.g. as homeopathic complex remedies) are recommended as basic therapy. Commonly there are aconite (Aconitum), rattlesnake venom (Crotalus), broom (Spartium scoparium) and white hellebore (Veratrum album).
Rosemary is considered an old home remedy for low blood pressure. The medicinal plant can develop its effect, for example, in the form of a bath additive or tea.
- Put a heaped teaspoon of sliced rosemary leaves in a cup
- Pour 200 ml of boiling water over it
- Let the infusion steep for 10 minutes before straining
- Drink two to three cups of the rosemary tea daily
For a bath that raises blood pressure, mix 15 to 20 drops of essential rosemary oil with a mug of cream or liquid neutral soap and pour the whole thing into warm bath water. Vaporizing a few drops of oil in a fragrance lamp also has a stimulating and invigorating effect.
Licorice root, which is contained in many commercially available (Ayurvedic) herbal teas, is often used in natural medicine to treat hypotension. In the field of physical therapy or hydrotherapy, cold applications are possible that increase the venous vascular tone. These can be cold showers, a foot bath, full washes or rising Kneipp showers.
In homeopathy, fluctuations in blood pressure or low values include potassium carbonicum, lachesis and veratrum album. Rejection procedures such as so-called cupping have also proven themselves to regulate blood pressure.
Prevention of dizziness and fainting
There are some useful behavioral tips for affected people to avoid dizziness and fainting spells. It is not uncommon for these symptoms and the associated helplessness to lead into the vicious circle of fear and panic attacks.
If standing for a long time cannot be avoided, activating the leg muscles can be helpful, e.g. by rocking and moving the feet. Make sure you have a regular sleep-wake cycle and always drink enough water (or at least two liters a day) (or tea, fruit juice spritzer). Regular endurance sports (e.g. swimming, cycling or jogging) stimulates the circulation and also has long-term positive effects. Wearing compression stockings is also useful to prevent the blood from “sagging” in the legs.
When fainting is imminent, it is advisable to sit down or raise your legs while lying down. When the symptoms have subsided, it is important to get up slowly, breathe calmly and relax. It's best to go out into the fresh air and walk a little to get the circulation going. (jvs, nr)
Professional supervision: Barbara Schindewolf-Lensch (doctor)
Author and source information
This text corresponds to the specifications of the medical literature, medical guidelines and current studies and has been checked by medical doctors.
Jeanette Viñals Stein, Barbara Schindewolf-Lensch
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