Low blood pressure: Six signs you have the condition

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Low blood pressure, or hypotension, is defined as a reading of 90/60mmHg or less, when taking a blood pressure test.

There are many possible causes of the condition, including age, being fit and healthy or having inherited the condition from your family.

The condition usually is not a cause for concern, although it can cause shock.

You should contact your GP to ask for advice if you think you have low blood pressure.

It happens when the pressure your heart pushes blood round your body, or the pressure when your heart rests between beats is lower than normal.

Usually having this condition is not a cause for concern. However, sometimes your blood pressure can drop to a point where you may feel faint or dizzy.”

This may be feeling strange or funny when you’re sitting or standing up.

The symptom can also be displayed in the condition called postural hypotension, which causes symptoms of low blood pressure when you suddenly stand up.

This means you feel unwell, and may want to take the day off work.

For example, you may not be able to make out the detail of an object a few feet away.

This can be a feeling that you can’t lift something or move something that you would normally be able to.

Being unaware of where you are or not being able to follow a conversation, may be a sign of the condition.

Losing consciousness for a short time and possibly falling over is caused by a temporarily insufficient supply of oxygen to the brain.

This can also happen if you have low blood pressure, as it is possible that not enough oxygen is reaching the brain.

Many people with low blood pressure do not have any symptoms.

Blood Pressure UK says that usually having this condition is “not a cause for concern.”

“However, sometimes your blood pressure can drop to a point where you may feel faint or dizzy.”

“If you find that your blood pressure is suddenly much lower than usual, there may be a reason for this. Speak to your doctor or nurse.”

High blood pressure on the other hand, is a serious risk, as it increases the chance of the sufferer developing life-threatening conditions, including heart disease and strokes.

Around 25 per cent of adults in the UK have high blood pressure, according to the NHS.

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