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When blood pressure is too low, the first organ to malfunction is usually the brain because it is located at the top of the body and blood has to fight gravity to reach the brain. Consequently, most people with low blood pressure feel dizzy or light-headed when they stand, and some may even faint. However, if blood pressure is low enough, brain damage can still occur.

Low blood pressure occasionally causes shortness of breath or chest pain due to an inadequate blood supply to the heart muscle (angina). All organs begin to malfunction if blood pressure becomes sufficiently low and remains low; this condition is called shock (see Shock).

Some symptoms occur when the body’s compensatory mechanisms try to increase blood pressure that is low. For example, when arterioles constrict, blood flow to the skin, feet, and hands decreases. These areas may become cold and turn blue. When the heart beats more quickly and more forcefully, a person may feel palpitations (awareness of heartbeats).

For some people, low blood pressure can signal an underlying problem, especially when it drops suddenly or is accompanied by signs and symptoms such as.

Symptoms Of Low Blood Pressure:

1.Thirst
2.Depression
3.Fatigue
4.Rapid, shallow breathing
5.Cold, clammy, pale skin
6.Nausea
7.Blurred vision
8.Lack of concentration
9.Fainting (syncope)
10.Dizziness or lightheadedness

If your blood pressure is naturally low, you are unlikely to get any symptoms and will probably feel completely well.

If you have postural hypotension, you may feel faint or dizzy when you stand up. This may happen after eating if you have postprandial hypotension. You should visit your GP for advice if this happens.

Dizziness
or fainting as a result of any slight movement; for example, bending over or getting up from a sitting position may be symptoms of low blood pressure. Excessive sweating or feeling constantly tired or depressed to the point where it starts to affect the quality of your life, can also be symptoms of low blood pressure, and should be a cause for concern. Low blood pressure may occasionally cause shortness of breath and a slight pain in the chest due to inadequate blood supply to the heart. If blood pressure is too low, the brain is the first organ to be effected, and brain damage could occur. Other symptoms may occur, due to other body mechanisms trying to increase blood pressure that is low. For example, when the arteries restrict the blood flow to the feet and hands, these may turn cold and blue. Heart palpitations caused by the heart rapidly beating to increase blood pressure may also be a symptom. If your blood pressure gets too low, all organs may eventually begin to shut down and shock can occur.

What causes low blood pressure?

Having low blood pressure may be caused by medications being taken to treat high blood pressure. In some cases the medications work too well and lower the blood pressure. Dehydration, due to vomiting or diarrhea, excessive blood loss and fluid around the heart may also cause low blood pressure as well as head injuries or damage to the nervous system.

How is low blood pressure treated?

Depending on the cause, medications or replacement of blood or fluid loss should begin to bring blood pressure back to normal. Some doctors may suggest elevating your head at bedtime to wearing elastic stockings and even taking salt tablets or salt retention hormones to lower blood pressure. Blood pressure should be rechecked as often as needed and symptoms monitored.