Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is Too Low?SymptomsAverage RangesRisks and ComplicationsHome CarePreventionSeeking Medical Care
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is Too Low?
Symptoms
Average Ranges
Risks and Complications
Home Care
Prevention
Seeking Medical Care
Healthcare providers considerlow blood pressure(hypotension)—a reading below 90/60 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg)—benign, or not harmful, because it rarely causes symptoms. However, some people with low blood pressure may experience symptoms that indicate some body parts are not receiving enough oxygenated and nutrient-rich blood flow.
This article discusses when blood pressure becomes too low, symptoms to look for, and the next steps to ensure you get the necessary care.
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When Is Low Blood Pressure Considered Dangerous?
Blood pressure is essential in ensuring all body parts receive oxygenated and nutrient-rich blood. On occasion, low blood pressure can interfere with this process. Some signs and symptoms to be aware of in which low blood pressure might be preventing the delivery of oxygenated and nutrient-rich blood throughout the body include:
If you experience these symptoms, follow up with a healthcare provider for evaluation.
Underlying Conditions
Low blood pressure can occur for many different reasons.Most of the time, people who experience low blood pressure do not have any signs or symptoms and likely do not even realize their blood pressure has dropped to 90/60 mm Hg or lower.
Other conditions that can cause low blood pressure include:
Sometimes, low blood pressure can occur as a result of life-threatening situations. Examples include:
Low Blood Pressure Symptoms
Often, people with low blood pressure don’t experience any symptoms. However, if blood pressure goes too low or you experience a condition in which hypotension is likely, such as significant blood loss or dehydration, be aware of the followingsymptoms:
Average Blood Pressure Ranges
Healthcare providers consider normal blood pressure to be less than or equal to 120/80 mm Hg.Blood pressure that is 90/60 mm Hg or lower is considered low.The chart below illustrates the average blood pressure ranges.
Potential Risks and Complications of Low Blood Pressure
Having normal blood pressure ensures that the blood delivers oxygen and essential nutrients throughout the body to ensure overall health and wellness. Experiencing lower-than-normal blood pressure, especially with associated signs and symptoms, can potentially cause other risks and complications, affecting the following organs:
People with episodic or continuous low blood pressure should routinely see their providers to monitor any potential risks and complications associated with low blood pressure.
Certain populations are more likely to experience low blood pressure and should monitor it closely, including:
What to Do If Blood Pressure Is Too Low: Home Care and Remedies
Since the majority of low blood pressure, or hypotension, has no symptoms and does not interfere with normal activities of daily living, there is rarely any medications or treatments needed. However, proactive lifestyle interventions, such as the following, can help alleviate hypotension:
How to Prevent Low Blood Pressure
If you have or experience low blood pressure, consider ways to prevent episodes of low blood pressure, such as:
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
When you see a healthcare provider for low blood pressure, you can expect the following:
If you experience any signs or symptoms of shock, call emergency medical response immediately for a rapid evaluation:
What a Sudden Drop in Blood Pressure Means
Summary
Blood pressure below 90/60 mm Hg is considered low blood pressure, or hypotension. It’s typically not dangerous and doesn’t require treatment. However, some people may experience symptoms such as confusion, dizziness, fainting, or nausea with low blood pressure. People with symptoms should follow up with a healthcare provider for evaluation and treatment.
9 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Heart Association.Low blood pressure - when blood pressure is too low. May 6, 2024.National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.Low blood pressure. March 24, 2022.American heart Association.Understand blood pressure readings. May 30, 2023.Meng L.Heterogeneous impact of hypotension on organ perfusion and outcomes: a narrative review.Br J Anaesth. 2021;127(6):845-861. doi:10.1016/j.bja.2021.06.048Goswami N, Blaber AP, Hinghofer-Szalkay H, Montani JP.Orthostatic intolerance in older persons: etiology and countermeasures.Front Physiol. 2017;8:803. doi:10.3389/fphys.2017.00803Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Older adult falls data. September 6, 2023.Kim DR, Wang E.Prevention of supine hypotensive syndrome in pregnant women treated with transcranial magnetic stimulation.Psychiatry Res. 2014. 15;218(1-2):247-8. doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2014.04.001.British Heart Foundation.Low blood pressure (hypotension).National Library of Medicine.Hypotension. February 19, 2023
9 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Heart Association.Low blood pressure - when blood pressure is too low. May 6, 2024.National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.Low blood pressure. March 24, 2022.American heart Association.Understand blood pressure readings. May 30, 2023.Meng L.Heterogeneous impact of hypotension on organ perfusion and outcomes: a narrative review.Br J Anaesth. 2021;127(6):845-861. doi:10.1016/j.bja.2021.06.048Goswami N, Blaber AP, Hinghofer-Szalkay H, Montani JP.Orthostatic intolerance in older persons: etiology and countermeasures.Front Physiol. 2017;8:803. doi:10.3389/fphys.2017.00803Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Older adult falls data. September 6, 2023.Kim DR, Wang E.Prevention of supine hypotensive syndrome in pregnant women treated with transcranial magnetic stimulation.Psychiatry Res. 2014. 15;218(1-2):247-8. doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2014.04.001.British Heart Foundation.Low blood pressure (hypotension).National Library of Medicine.Hypotension. February 19, 2023
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Heart Association.Low blood pressure - when blood pressure is too low. May 6, 2024.National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.Low blood pressure. March 24, 2022.American heart Association.Understand blood pressure readings. May 30, 2023.Meng L.Heterogeneous impact of hypotension on organ perfusion and outcomes: a narrative review.Br J Anaesth. 2021;127(6):845-861. doi:10.1016/j.bja.2021.06.048Goswami N, Blaber AP, Hinghofer-Szalkay H, Montani JP.Orthostatic intolerance in older persons: etiology and countermeasures.Front Physiol. 2017;8:803. doi:10.3389/fphys.2017.00803Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Older adult falls data. September 6, 2023.Kim DR, Wang E.Prevention of supine hypotensive syndrome in pregnant women treated with transcranial magnetic stimulation.Psychiatry Res. 2014. 15;218(1-2):247-8. doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2014.04.001.British Heart Foundation.Low blood pressure (hypotension).National Library of Medicine.Hypotension. February 19, 2023
American Heart Association.Low blood pressure - when blood pressure is too low. May 6, 2024.
National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.Low blood pressure. March 24, 2022.
American heart Association.Understand blood pressure readings. May 30, 2023.
Meng L.Heterogeneous impact of hypotension on organ perfusion and outcomes: a narrative review.Br J Anaesth. 2021;127(6):845-861. doi:10.1016/j.bja.2021.06.048
Goswami N, Blaber AP, Hinghofer-Szalkay H, Montani JP.Orthostatic intolerance in older persons: etiology and countermeasures.Front Physiol. 2017;8:803. doi:10.3389/fphys.2017.00803
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Older adult falls data. September 6, 2023.
Kim DR, Wang E.Prevention of supine hypotensive syndrome in pregnant women treated with transcranial magnetic stimulation.Psychiatry Res. 2014. 15;218(1-2):247-8. doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2014.04.001.
British Heart Foundation.Low blood pressure (hypotension).
National Library of Medicine.Hypotension. February 19, 2023
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