Definition:
In physiology and medicine, hypotension pertains to an abnormal low blood pressure. This is studied as a physiologic state, rather than a disease. It is often associated with shock, but not necessarily indicative of it. Hypotension is the opposite of hypertension that is high blood pressure. Hypotension could be life-threatening.
Diagnosis:
Measuring blood pressure, sometimes in both the lying (supine) and standing positions usually is the first step in diagnosing low blood pressure.
Treatment:
The treatment for hypotension is depending on its cause. Asymptomatic hypotension in healthy people often does not require treatment. Severe hypotension needs to be aggressively treated due to reduced blood flow to critical organs including the brain, heart and kidneys may cause organ failure and can ultimately lead to death. Treatment includes systemic vasoconstrictors. Putting sodium to a diet can also relieve symptoms of mild hypotension.
Symptoms and Signs:
The cardinal symptom of hypotension is lightheadedness or dizziness. If the blood pressure is sufficiently low, fainting and usually seizures will occur.
Low blood pressure is sometimes associated with; chest pain, shortness of breath, Irregular heartbeat, Fever higher than 101 F, headache, stiff neck.
Causes:
Causes of hypotension due to heart disease are; weakened heart muscle can cause the heart to fail and reduce the amount of blood it pumps. Pericarditis is the inflammation of the pericardium (the sac surrounding the heart).
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