Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)
Blood pressure is one of the vital components of the circulatory system. Blood pressure under 90/60 mm/Hg is considered low blood pressure (hypotension). A sudden drop in blood pressure can cause dizziness. Many factors contribute to low blood pressure, like standing too quickly or sitting too long. The condition is commonly referred to as “orthostatic hypotension.” It occurs when the body cannot compensate for sufficient blood flow from the brain after standing up quickly.
Other factors that cause low blood pressure include heat and lung problems, alcohol, pregnancy, blood loss, injury, and allergic reactions. In some instances, hypotension is due to life-threatening conditions, such as heart attack, pulmonary embolism, arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat), sepsis, and collapsed lungs. Medications like anti-depressants, diuretics, and beta-blockers also affect blood pressure.