A lot of people seem to have a general knowledge around hypertension, which is the condition when your blood pressure is too high. However, fewer people understand the issue of “hypotension”, a problem that arises when your blood pressure is too low. In the majority of healthy adults, low blood pressure shouldn’t cause any symptoms or problems. In fact, some people find that low blood pressure is normal for them, such as people who exercise regularly.

However, if your blood pressure is so low that’s it’s causing symptoms like fainting or dizziness, then this could be a sign that there’s something seriously wrong. The question is, what blood pressure is too low, and how do you measure your blood pressure?

Measuring Blood Pressure:

In order to determine what blood pressure is too low for you, you need to come to understand the basics of measuring blood pressure. Your blood pressure reading will consist of two numbers, presented like a fraction. The number on the bottom is your diastolic pressure, while the number on the top represents your systolic pressure.

If you have normal blood pressure, your reading will generally be somewhere around 120 over 80. However, low blood pressure symptoms can occur when your pressure is less than 90 over 60. For some people, the answer as to what blood pressure is too low can differ.

Ultimately, if you’re not feeling like yourself, the best thing you can do to determine whether low blood pressure might be the problem, is speak to your doctor or healthcare provider and ask him or her to measure your blood pressure.

Why Does Low Blood Pressure Happen?

High blood pressure problems can be easy enough to understand. Most of the time, people suffer from periods of high blood pressure because they have too much stress in their lives, or the expose themselves to foods and substances that damage their cardiac health. The causes of low blood pressure are generally less obvious. For instance, some of the most common causes of low blood pressure might include:

  • Trauma like burns or severe bleeding
  • Chronic health conditions like infections, thyroid diseases, or heart problems
  • Medications like high-blood pressure treatments
  • Dehydration
  • Long periods of standing
  • Getting up too quickly after long periods of sitting or lying down.

How Can Your Doctor Diagnose Low Blood Pressure? Low Blood Pressure Treatment Options

If you’re wondering what blood pressure is too low for you, it’s important to remember that different people have different ideas of what normal blood pressure should look like. Blood pressure is considered to be high or low based what range it falls into, rather than in a distinct number that’s perceived as healthy. Generally, most people will learn that they have low blood pressure when their pressure is checked by their doctor as a part of a routine check-up.

If your low blood pressure is problematic, your doctor might recommend a treatment to help you get back into balance. For instance, your doctor might recommend that you change or stop medications that might lower your blood pressure, or add more salt and fluids to your diet.