Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)
Description
A blood pressure that is too low to support bodily functions. If insufficient blood is delivered to the cells of the body there will not be enough oxygen and the organs will begin to fail. There are many causes including: blood loss, heart attack, heart failure, infection, severe allergic reaction, trauma, and toxins. Also called hypotension. Blood pressure is recorded by measuring a larger and smaller number. The larger number is called the systolic blood pressure and the lower is the diastolic blood pressure. Systolic pressures less than 90 mm Hg are considered too low.
Symptoms
Weakness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, profuse sweating, fainting, breathing problems.
Tests
A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests will be done to determine the cause of the low blood pressure.
- CBC
- Chem 12
- Troponin
- UA
- X-Ray
- EKG
Treatment
Reversal of the cause of the low blood pressure is essential. The blood pressure will be increased with intravenous fluids, blood transfusions and/or pressors. Pressors (Norepinephrine, dopamine) elevate blood pressure by constricting the blood vessels and increasing the contraction of the heart.
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