Hypotension: what are the risks and how to respond?

There are certain conditions that are sometimes under-diagnosed and yet can lead to significant risks to the patient. If high blood pressure is more harmful and dangerous hypotension it is always less disturbing?
Hypotension is a signal characterized by a decrease in blood pressure in the arteries. This is also called hypotension when the value of the blood pressure is less than 90 millimeters of mercury.

This sign may be transient and occasional, permanent or chronic or sudden onset. The permanent hypotension often requires close medical consultation.

Hypotension does not have as much risk as high blood pressure, but a decrease in blood pressure may be the cause of some signs of discomfort:

- Dizziness,

- The ringing in the ears,

- Dizziness, blurred vision

- Severe fatigue, palpitations

- Nausea

- Sometimes even fainting.

The hypotension can occur at all ages, but it is more common in people over 60 years old and pregnant women.

The causes of low blood pressure are many, but we are mainly:

- Orthostatic hypotension, which often appears when changing from sitting to standing (up from bed, squatting or leaning towards the standing position).

- The postprandial hypotension is characterized by a drop in blood pressure that occurs after meals.

- Hypotension due to a significant loss of blood, which can cause a shock.

Several other contributing factors may be involved in the onset of hypotension

· Dehydration

· Cardiovascular problems (stroke, heart failure, myocardial infarction, ...),

· Diabetes,

· Nervous system diseases (Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis)

· Certain medications (antidepressants, anxiolytics, antipsychotics ....)

· Drugs, alcohol

· Prolonged exposure to heat

The management of hypotension depends mainly on the cause (treatment of disease, control of bleeding, stopping certain medications ...).

Transient hypotension without other signs often do not require medical attention. In this case, changing the lifestyle enough to overcome hypotension.

When hypotension has adverse effects on the patient's daily life (fall, syncope), drug treatments are prescribed by the doctor. The most used are fludrocortisone, midodrine. These drugs are mainly used in prescription and can increase and stabilize blood pressure. However, medical monitoring is needed to avoid sudden increases in blood pressure (harmful to blood vessels).

The establishment of pacemaker is sometimes performed to correct heart rhythm.

Our tips

- Gradually getting out of bed or a chair, avoid sudden movements when changing positon

- Ensure adequate hydration, especially during periods of heat

- Avoid drugs and alcohol

- Avoid prolonged sun exposure

- If you feel unwell, lie down and elevate the legs to irrigate the brain

A medical consultation is required when the blood pressure is accompanied by signs of discomfort in order to detect any underlying disease such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, ...