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Low blood pressure is considered an abnormal condition. However for some, it is much better than high blood pressure. Many people who have low blood pressure are healthy and have no signs or symptoms related to lower than normal readings. Yet for others it can cause dizziness and fainting or it can also indicate serious heart, endocrine or neurological disorders.

Low blood pressure is simply a condition where an individual's blood pressure is much lower than the norm. It is also called hypotension or syncope, which points to fainting. It can cause symptoms such as dizziness or lightheadedness.

Low blood pressure happens when the flow of blood is too low to deliver enough oxygen and nutrients to vital organs, such as the brain, heart, and kidney; the organs do not function normally and may be permanently damaged. It should be noted that unlike high blood pressure, which is defined on the basis of blood pressure alone, low blood pressure is defined primarily by signs and symptoms of low blood flow. In fact, some individuals may have a blood pressure of 90/50 and have no signs or symptoms of low blood pressure, and, therefore, not have low blood pressure symptoms. Others who normally have a blood pressure of 130/80 may develop symptoms and signs of low blood pressure if their blood pressure drops to 100/60.

Common causes of low blood pressure:

* Medicines or any medications used for surgery
* High blood pressure treatments
* Anti-anxiety agents
* Diuretics
* Heart medicines
* Some antidepressants
* Narcotic analgesics
* Alcohol

There are also other causes of low blood pressure such as:

* Diabetes
* Fainting
* Heart attack
* Heart failure
* Dehydration
* Heart rhythm changes
* Shock
* Anaphylaxis

Orthostatic hypotension is another common type of low blood pressure. This results from a sudden change in body position. It happens usually from lying down and moving to an upright position.

Despite the possible side effects, people who have lower blood pressures have a lower risk of strokes, kidney disease, and heart disease. Athletes, people who exercise regularly, people who maintain ideal body weight, and non-smokers tend to have lower blood pressure. Low blood pressure is actually desirable as long as it is not low enough to cause symptoms and damage to organs in the body.

In fact, low blood pressure in healthy people without symptoms or organ damage needs no treatment. All patients with symptoms possibly due to low blood pressure should be evaluated by a doctor. Patients who have had a major drop in blood pressure from their usual levels even without the development of symptoms also should be examined. The doctor needs to identify the cause of the low blood pressure since treatment will depend on the cause.

Low blood pressure is not as treacherous as high blood pressure. For people who have hypotension, sufficient sleep and rest is very important. Also, sleeping in daylight is different from sleeping at night. People who have night jobs make it a point to sleep during daylight. Even if you have sufficient sleep low blood pressure still arises.

If you have low blood pressure it is advised that you have regular intake of iron to avoid anemia or other disorders that are caused by low blood pressure. Consult your doctor at once if you ever feel dizzy, have chest pains, shortness of breath, and an irregular heartbeat, fever higher than 101 degrees, headache, and stiff neck or severe upper back pain.