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Hypotension, also known as low blood pressure, is a cardiovascular condition characterized by abnormally reduced blood pressure. [1] Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps out blood [2] and is indicated by two numbers, the systolic blood pressure (the top number) and the diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number), which are the ...
Severe drops in blood pressure can lead to fainting, with a possibility of injury. Moderate drops in blood pressure can cause confusion/inattention, delirium, and episodes of ataxia. Chronic orthostatic hypotension is associated with cerebral hypoperfusion that may accelerate the pathophysiology of dementia. [5]
Mean blood pressure rises from early adulthood, plateauing in mid-life, while pulse pressure rises quite markedly after the age of 40. Consequently, in many older people, systolic blood pressure often exceeds the normal adult range, [33] if the diastolic pressure is in the normal range this is termed isolated systolic hypertension.
Heat syncope occurs when heat exposure causes decreased blood volume and peripheral vasodilatation. [28] Position changes, especially during vigorous exercise in the heat, may lead to decreased blood flow to the brain. [28] Closely related to other causes of syncope related to hypotension (low blood pressure) such as orthostatic syncope. [9]
Ginseng can cause abnormally low or high blood pressure and may interfere with the effects of diuretic medications. Gossypol can increase the effects of diuretics, leading to toxicity. Gynura can cause low blood pressure. Licorice can worsen heart failure by increasing blood pressure and promoting fluid retention. [54]
Causes of syncope are manifold, but may include cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heart beat), vasovagal syncope, orthostatic hypotension (abnormal drop in blood pressure on standing up), and seizures. Removal of obstacles and loose carpets in the living environment may substantially reduce falls.
A pulse pressure is considered abnormally low if it is less than 25% of the systolic value. [2] If the pulse pressure is extremely low, i.e. 25 mmHg or less, it may indicate low stroke volume, as in congestive heart failure. [3] The most common cause of a low (narrow) pulse pressure is a drop in left ventricular stroke volume.
When one strains to increase the flow of urine, it stimulates the vagus nerve (usually more pronounced in elderly men with large prostates). The vagus nerve stimulus causes slowing down of the heart (bradycardia) and a drop in blood pressure. The heart cannot perform effectively as a pump because insufficient blood comes to it.
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