What is low blood pressure – and why does it matter?
What is low blood pressure?
Low blood pressure, or hypotension, is when your blood pressure is lower than normal (typically below 90/60 mmHg).
It matters because it can cause dizziness, fainting, and inadequate blood flow to vital organs like the brain, heart, and kidneys.
If left untreated, even shock in severe cases.
What is low, normal and high blood pressure?
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Low blood pressure: <90/<60 mmHg
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Normal (average): around 130/80 mmHg (range 100/70 – 135/85)
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Normal to high: 131-139/81-89 mmHg
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High blood pressure: >140/>90 mmHg
Note. A blood pressure reading of 180/120 mmHg or higher indicates a hypertensive crisis, requiring urgent medical attention.
Does low blood pressure matter?
Yes – especially in the elderly. Why?
- Because the causes matter
- Causes include heart failure, dehydration and over-medication – e.g. with blood pressure and water tablets (diuretics)
- All are serious and need to be addressed.
- Because the effects matter
- Low BP can cause falls, that can be serious (e.g. lead to fractures)
- These can be more serious than the consequences of high blood pressure.
