Health Tip: Why You May Have Low Blood Pressure

Common reasons for hypotension

(HealthDay News) -- While high blood pressure gets all of the attention as a risk factor for heart attack and stroke, blood pressure that's much lower than average may be cause for concern, too.

Most cases of low blood pressure, medically called hypotension, don't require treatment. But if it's severe enough to have symptoms such as blurry vision, dizziness or confusion, hypotension should be treated as a medical emergency, the ADAM Encyclopedia says.

ADAM mentions these factors that may contribute to low blood pressure:

  • Taking certain medications, including some that treat anxiety, depression, heart problems or pain.
  • Advanced diabetes.
  • Anaphylaxis, a deadly allergic reaction.
  • Dehydration or fainting.
  • Going into shock.
  • Heart failure or heart attack.
Diana Kohnle

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