Pulse-Racing Facts That Will Pump Up Your Knowledge About Blood Pressure

7. Dangers Of Hypotension

Chronic hypotension can be dangerous in several ways. Symptoms that develop when blood pressure is too low can cause patients to lose consciousness because the brain tissues are not receiving enough blood to function properly. Hypotension produces symptoms such as dizziness, blurry vision, nausea, lightheadedness, lack of concentration, and syncope. All of these can be dangerous if an affected individual is operating heavy machinery, driving a vehicle, climbing stairs, riding a bike, or swimming, among many other activities. Individuals affected by chronic hypotension are at a greater risk of experiencing an injury to their head from falling from a standing position. Hypotension can cause the internal organs to be starved of oxygenated blood, which manifests as organ failure if it is left untreated. Hypotension can progress to shock in a patient who is not properly treated. Hypovolemic shock occurs when an individual experiences low blood pressure because they have lost over twenty percent of the fluid volume in their body due to severe diarrhea, blood loss, or dehydration.

8. Treating Low Blood Pressure

The method used to treat low blood pressure will depend on the underlying cause of the condition. Should hypotension be caused by dehydration, the patient will be given fluids intravenously or advised to drink more fluids. If an individual experiences hypotension due to standing for long periods, they should take extra breaks to sit down. An individual affected by hypotension due to postural changes should avoid standing up rapidly, make slower movements, and gradually stand from a sitting position. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections that can produce hypotension, such as pancreatitis, myocarditis, and septicemia. If a patient's hypotension is caused by their use of certain medications, they can be treated by finding an alternative medication. Blood loss that causes hypotension is treated with blood transfusions and intravenous fluids. Hypotension caused by certain types of bradycardia is treated with the use of an implantable pacemaker.