Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension): 10 Symptoms & When It's Dangerous

Low blood pressure symptoms include dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, a racing heart, weakness, confusion, and fainting. Blood pressure is generally considered low when it is below 90/60 mmHg, although not everyone with low blood pressure has symptoms.

Low blood pressure symptoms may occur after standing up too quickly or due to dehydration, prolonged heat exposure, or an underlying health condition. Symptoms can range from mild to severe depending on how much blood flow to the brain and other organs is reduced.

Most cases get better with rest and plenty of fluids. However, severe or persistent symptoms need urgent medical attention. Confusion, fainting, chest pain, shortness of breath, or symptoms that do not improve may indicate a more serious problem that requires prompt evaluation by a healthcare professional.

Main symptoms

The main symptoms of low blood pressure are:

1. Dizziness

Dizziness is a common symptom when blood pressure starts to drop and may happen with nausea or vomiting. It occurs when reduced blood flow affects the parts of the brain that help control balance.

2. Lightheadedness

When blood pressure drops, reduced blood flow to the brain can cause lightheadedness. This may also make it harder to concentrate on daily tasks.

3. Racing heart

When blood pressure is low, the heart may beat faster to help move more blood through the body. This can cause palpitations or a racing heartbeat.

4. Nausea or vomiting

Nausea or vomiting can occur when blood pressure starts to drop. This may happen because reduced blood flow affects parts of the brain involved in balance, such as the vestibular system.

5. Weakness or fatigue

Low blood pressure can also reduce blood flow to the muscles, lowering the amount of oxygen and nutrients they receive. This can affect muscle function and cause weakness or fatigue.

6. Pale skin

Pale skin is a common symptom of low blood pressure. It can happen when blood vessels near the surface of the skin narrow to help redirect blood flow to vital organs.

7. Difficulty concentrating

Difficulty concentrating may be an early symptom of low blood pressure. This can happen when areas of the brain involved in attention and memory do not receive enough oxygen to work properly.

8. Confusion

When blood pressure is very low, the brain may not receive enough oxygen. This can lead to confusion, trouble thinking clearly, and difficulty knowing where you are, who you are, or what time it is.

9. Excessive sleepiness

Excessive sleepiness can sometimes be a sign that blood pressure is too low. This may happen when reduced blood flow to the brain causes drowsiness and confusion.

10. Fainting

Fainting can happen when blood pressure drops suddenly or becomes very low, reducing the amount of oxygen that reaches the brain.

When is it dangerous?

Seek urgent medical care if low blood pressure causes confusion, excessive drowsiness, fainting, chest pain, shortness of breath, or cold and clammy skin. According to the American Heart Association, low blood pressure can also be dangerous when it causes symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, fatigue, neck or back pain, blurred vision, or heart palpitations.

Emergency care is also important if symptoms appear suddenly or do not improve with rest, especially if low blood pressure may be related to dehydration, bleeding, severe infection, an allergic reaction, or a heart problem. These situations may lead to shock, which requires immediate medical attention.

How to treat

If symptoms of low blood pressure occur, stop what you are doing and sit down to rest. If possible, lie down and raise your legs above heart level until symptoms improve.

Seek urgent medical care if symptoms persist or if confusion, excessive drowsiness, or fainting occur.